Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Fine.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My family claims I began singing before I could speak. Every time someone would bring me towards the refrigerator to get my bottle, a joyful, operatic melody would flow from my tiny mouth.
At around the age of 11, I started to write very simple songs, modeling after the pop music I was exposed to at the time. It was at about that time when I became estranged from my peers, while simultaneously, my grandmother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. To my 11-year-old mind, it felt like my world was ending; thanks to songwriting, my world was just beginning to open new doors. Every time I felt any emotion, I poured it into my songs, which quickly became more abundant and complex.
At 14, I dropped my debut album “Here to Stay,” which charted 43rd on the iTunes New Pop Release chart within a week of its publication. As more people listened to my music, I was overwhelmed by the amount of people who related to my songs. Since then, I have dedicated myself to reaching people through music and being a sense of emotional support that they otherwise may not have.
After “Here to Stay,” I began to explore different styles of music, using my love of layered harmonies to unite my diverse songs. Yet, even with music as an outlet, I knew something was still off; there were feelings I didn’t know how to write down. At 15, I had a realization that changed both my life and my music: I finally came to terms with the fact that I’m gay.
With the help of my extremely accepting family and friends, who I realize I am privileged to have, I became more comfortable with myself.
I also noticed significant changes in my music. As I gained the ability to be my genuine self, my songs became more real and true. I recently released my second album “Into the Storm,” which marks my personal journey from childhood to adulthood and includes the most personal song I’ve ever written, “Rainbow Eyes.” Calling attention to the day to day injustices LGBTQ+ people face on a daily basis, the heartfelt ballad is nothing like I’ve ever written before. My team and I filmed a music video to take another step in showing people that love is love, which can be found on YouTube.
The day before my high school graduation, I headlined Berkshire Pride, where I was able to connect with incredible individuals with diverse identities and encourage self-expression.
Now 18, I am looking forward to continuing my musical advocacy for the community as I attend Berklee College of Music, record new originals, and perform around the greater Boston area.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road to self-assurance has not been an easy one. Though I appear confident in my performances, there is always a little part of me that doubts my ability to succeed in the ever competitive music industry, which is dominated by men. Many people expect female musicians to adhere to a certain standard of beauty and poise. In my early teens, I felt pressure to grow my hair long, wear the latest trends, and try to lose weight, as I thought those were the building blocks to success. However, in the battle with coming to terms with my sexuality, I realized that giving into expectations was limiting my creativity and destroying my confidence. With my confidence low, I was always afraid to speak up in creative settings, letting people walk over me when I did have the ability to contribute. Now, I pride myself in being very different and eclectic; I’m not afraid to wear that weird jacket, dye my hair orange, blend elements of music that normally don’t go together, or yell to a crowd of 1,000 people about how happy I am to be gay. I have learned to voice my opinion on collaboration while still setting myself apart from others. Though I’ve gotten many positive reactions to my true self, there have been many moments of second guessing my career choice. When I tell people I’m a musician, they immediately ask me what my plan B is. Well, seeing as my plan B is for my plan A to work out, I realize that I need to believe in myself if others are doubtful. Even if I go through a period of writer’s block or any other obstacle, I always encourage myself to keep moving forward, and most importantly, to stay true to myself as I do so.
To anyone out there just starting a career: keep pushing forward. There will be people who tell you to change, who doubt your abilities, who make you feel small, and it’s very easy to take their hurtful comments to heart. I know it can be hard, but seriously try to ignore them. Whatever the cause of their backlash maybe, someone else’s thoughts never define you. Keep creating, and don’t be afraid to explore new territory. Also, always try to assert yourself and speak up. Chances are, you are just as qualified as any of your male counterparts. Lastly, always stay true to yourself. Try to accept yourself for who you are rather than suppressing yourself due to societal expectations. Though you should always look for learning opportunities along the way, never compromise the real genuine you.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with your business – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am a singer/songwriter from Sharon, MA, a suburb south of Boston. Working with my consultant’s Artists on the Move, I perform around the Boston area at various events, restaurants, and festivals. When I’m not performing, I write and produce original music, blending elements of jazz, folk, electronic, soul, and r&b styles into my alternative indie pop music. I’m known for my use of harmony to add dynamic growth to my songs. Before the age of 18, I recorded two full-length albums, that are now available on all platforms. My newest album, “Into the Storm” features two singles, “Conscience” and “Rainbow Eyes,” each with a music video. When I’m not creating original music, I love to create mashups of popular songs and a cappella arrangements with my loop pedal. While I take inspiration from artists like Ed Sheeran, Adele, Mary Lambert, and Sam Smith, my vocal tone and creativity set me apart from other artists as I play with unconventional chord voicing and symbolic lyrics. Each of my songs is about the real experience; my goal is to connect with people through music and to show them that they are never fighting alone.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
I firmly believe that women can do ANYTHING. While the current majority of mainstream producers, DJs, music managers, etc. are male, women are just as equipped to take on any of those positions. Men and women alike can have creative minds, brilliant ideas, and a learning curiosity; any job or performance opportunity can be hers just as well as it can be his. Talented and ambitious women are everywhere; and there are so many opportunities for performance, collaboration, and learning in the thriving Boston music scene. Watch out music industry — strong women can do it all!
Contact Info:
- Website: melissafine.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissa.fine/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaFineMusic/
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CDcQi8CsxQ
Image Credit:
Abbie Roy, Melissa Fine, Keep the Edge Studios
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
