A Dirty Dozen with MELODY DUNCAN – March 2021

According to a recent press release: “Atlanta, GA-based singer-songwriter/violinist/multi-instrumentalist Melody Duncan releases her debut solo album, Wolf Song, on March 12, 2021.  With hints of Americana, indie-pop, chamber-pop, and folk woven together into a compelling mix, the songs on the album also feature Duncan’s unique vocals, a slightly gravelly beckoning into the depths of her music. With a clear vision and focus, Wolf Song was entirely written, performed, recorded, and produced by Duncan.” We get Melody to discuss new music, influences, and more…

Photo credit: Matthew Coughlin

1. Tell us a little about your latest release. What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through? Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

The bird singing at the beginning of track three, the song “Cardinal,” was unplanned. I recorded the album in my home studio, so I was able to purposefully capture some nature sounds outside my window on other tracks. However, the bird was a happy shock. I was really excited and surprised when I heard it on the playback!

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

My family is full of musicians, so I knew from an early age that I always wanted to keep music as a big part of my life.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

I saw a violinist at a church when I was around the age of 4, and I was so entranced. I remember knowing at that moment I wanted to play violin, even though I didn’t get the chance until several years later.

4. Who would be your main five musical influences?

I have a lot of musical influences including: Fritz Kriesler, Alison Krauss, Elton John, Freddie Mercury, James Taylor, Chris Thile, and (my strongest influence) my own family.

5. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

My brother. Occasionally we get the chance to write together and it’s a joy.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

I think my music is a mix of genres. Maybe Americana, folk, bluegrass, indie, rock. I don’t have a comparison that I can remember making me cringe. I think it’s important to remember that people will compare new things with something already familiar to them. If people like another artist that I don’t necessarily like and they want to say I’m similar, I think it’s best to take it as a compliment because they mean it to be.

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

I really enjoy cooking! I also make a good chocolate pound cake. I’m happy to start a jam session when I’m with other musicians.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

When I met Snow White at Disney World… true story.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

I love sharing music with other people. Connecting with other people over music is one of the best parts about playing music. I have several dream jobs. I think I would enjoy being an astronomer, a biomedical engineer, a carpenter, or someone who restores old cars.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

I can honestly say I’ve never had a question that I desired an interviewer to ask me. I try to say what I want to say regardless.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

I have had plenty of moments that didn’t go well or could otherwise be considered disastrous, but I learned a lot of good things from those moments. I think most professionals would agree that the “missteps” help make us better in the long run.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

I would like to be in the room when “Au Clair De La Lune” was first recorded in 1860. It’s the first song ever recorded, and I think it would be incredible to witness that part of our history being made.

BONUS QUESTION – Due to the current world situation with COVID-19 / quarantine / shelter in place, what have you discovered you miss the most from your life before the pandemic struck?

I miss playing live shows and touring the most!

MELODY DUNCAN LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

Category: Interviews