This time, we get to know Melanie Cabral.
The track "Searching" is featured in the New Artist Spotlight Family of Playlists.
Link To New Artist Spotlight Playlists:
š. Where are you from and what are your hobbies?
I was born and raised in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Music and songwriting have always been my biggest hobbies and what I enjoy the most, but I also enjoy hanging out with friends and watching soccer.
š®. How did your get into music?
It's actually funny, growing up I had no one in my family who was musical. I got into music really because of Disney Channel. Seeing shows and movies like "Hannah Montana", and "High School Musical" really made me love music. I also got into music because of my Portuguese culture, also my parents weren't actually musical, I grew up going to many Portuguese festivals and parties that had a large amount of Portuguese folk music.
šÆ. Who are your biggest influences?
One of my biggest musical influences is Carrie Underwood! I am absolutely in love with her and her voice. I admire her ability to tell stories, and her vocal technique is impeccable. A big influence that recently came into my life is Michelle Treacy, a fellow indie artist and mentor. I started working with Michelle in May 2021, and she is such an amazing person, who is thoughtful and caring. She has helped me improve my songwriting and overall helped me become a better musician.
Outside of music, a big influence in my life is my mom!! She is honestly the most caring woman anyone will meet. She always puts others ahead of herself, and she supports and loves you unconditionally. My mom has done so much for me, especially when it comes to music, and I feel so grateful to have such an incredible mom in my life.
4. What are your goals in the music industry?
My goal in the music industry is for people to hear what I have to say. I love writing stories, both of which have happened to me or are made up. I love expressing myself through music and having someone be able to sit down and listen, and perhaps even relate to it in some way, is something I want for myself and my music.
Music for me is something so special and amazing because it can connect people and if my music could help people feel connected that would be incredible. I always turned to music to help deal with my emotions and I hope that one day people can turn to my music to help express their emotions and feelings.
5. If you could choose a location to perform at, what would it be?
The Bluebird CafƩ in Nashville, Tennessee. I think it would be absolutely amazing to be able to share my music in front of amazingly talented musicians and songwriters.
6. What is your all-time favorite song?
"Bless the Broken Road" by Rascal Flatts. The lyrics and melodies are absolutely beautiful and I can hear 100 times over again without getting tired of it.
7. Most embarrassing moment?
My most embarrassing moment has to be when I was in grade six and presenting a speech I had to do for class. I prepared so hard for this presentation and was so confident, that I memorized my speech and decided to present without any index cards for help. But when I got up in front of my class I began my speech, and it started off great, until I froze up and completely forgot everything!! I remember thinking it was the end of the world at the time, and although it was an embarrassing moment, it's sometimes a little funny when I look back.
8. Proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment is getting into university for community music! I have always worked so hard in school and seeing my hard work pay off was so rewarding.
I currently attend Wilfrid Laurier University, and it has been such an amazing experience thus far. Although I'm still in my first year, I have learned so much already and have met many remarkable musicians. I feel lucky to be a part of such a diverse music community that will later help me in my goal for teaching music. After university and teacher's college, I hope to teach music to high school kids, where I can teach them music and how to be creative and how to express themselves through music.
9. What is something about you that might surprise someone who knows you the best?
Something that might surprise people about myself is that I used to suffer from terrible anxiety, even today, I get bad panic attacks. Mental health is something that is very important to me and is important for me to spread awareness about. I struggled with my anxiety for over 4 years now, and it has been a huge hurdle in my life. I deal with anxiety in all parts of my life, like school and socially. It can be a struggle when dealing with anxiety because it can be hard to deal with, but I try every day to work on myself.
šš¬. What is your dream collaboration?
Currently, my dream collaboration would be Olivia Rodrigo. I think she is a brilliant songwriter and vocalist, and I would love to get the opportunity to work with her and pick her brain about songwriting.
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Melanie is one of my good friends from when we first met 6 years ago in a singing Competition and since then been a huge fan of her music and my biggest supporter and friend as well. Love your music and the person you have become today. Love ya girl! š š„°ā¤ā¤š§”šÆ
Melanie has such a great voice, range and nuance, lovely!