In recent years, Melany Thompson has become one of the most unique and engaging figures in music, championing a return to more heartfelt and orchestral compositions that revel in delicate strings and striking piano led melodies. Titled ‘All For You’, her new release is a touching blend of piano and strings that was brought together during the recent lockdowns. A wonderfully unique collaboration, the song sees Melany blending her own piano led piece with some gorgeous string arrangements by Yuma Sung, with the whole piece then recorded alongside a talentedstring orchestra from Budapest through Musiversal.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Hey Melany Thompson, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
Hello there! Well music has been part of my life from very early on. My mum took me to music appreciation classes when I was 3 years old, and I was fascinated with the piano. I started piano lessons when I was 4 and have loved playing ever since, even though I have had big gaps in my life where music hasn’t played a major part.
Are there any musicians who inspire you? What qualities do you admire about them?
There are so many, it’s hard to narrow it down - I grew up listening to Billy Joel, Elton John, Frank Sinatra, The Beatles and of course all the classical composers and I love so many different types of music from country to RNB. I feel like I’m a bit of an old soul though as I always love turning on the old jazz greats - Billy Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald. There’s something so soothing about their music.
Your latest track is 'All For You'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
I wrote All For You on the piano in 2021 during the height of the pandemic and then enlisted the help of Musiversal which is a great organisation where you can hire musicians and full orchestras from all over the world to record along side you. It was all done over zoom, given I’m in Australia and the orchestra was in Budapest, but it was such a cool project. The song is dedicated to my parents who have done so much for me and have always been my biggest supporters when it comes to my music, so this one was for them.
Which skills have you gained that help you perform effectively as a musician?
I think it takes patience, commitment and determination to be a musician and you never really stop learning and growing. It’s interesting, I haven’t actually performed anywhere for years, I obviously did a lot of concerts when I was a kid but as an adult I guess I hide behind my recording - I record my music and release it to the world without too much hassle and without the nerves associated with ‘performing’. I had such a long break from music during my 20’s and 30’s that I have probably lost some confidence, so I feel like I need to re-learn a lot things!
What are your favourite musical genres, and are there any you dislike?
I like most - classical, pop, jazz, country. I don’t listen to anything too heavy. There’s a time and a place for most genres of music, I try to match my mood.
Describe your creative process when you write new music.
There’s s lot improvising that goes on at the piano until I come up with a bit of a melody that sticks. I use the voice recorder on my phone to record it and then come back to it later. Sometimes it takes a while to build on it, other times it happens quite quickly. I tend to work better if I have a deadline, otherwise I would never finish any songs!
What are your long term goals?
I’m still working on that. I want to continue to write and release music, I would love to do some more collaborations with other artists around the world. I have a lot of short term goals like most people in the industry, that relate to listeners and followers and income streams but that stuff is boring right?!
What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?
Music can simply move you in ways that nothing else can, it has such a physical impact on people. For me, music is my mediation, my way of expressing myself and being creative and having fun at the same time. Learning an instrument is such an amazing experience, I’m hoping my kids continue to learn and develop their skills at the piano or any other instrument and that they continue to love and appreciate music throughout their lives.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
I’m sure everyone has a different opinion on whether the internet has helped or hindered the music industry, but for me personally I feel I have benefited from the digital streaming platforms. I have more access than I ever thought I would have to all forms of music and I feel there are so many opportunities to connect and create with people and I love that.
What are your plans for the future?
So many ideas… I’m working on an EP at the moment and some more collaborations. I’m also toying with the idea of home concerts and somehow using music to help people in some way.