Exclusive Interview

How did the two of you meet and decide to form a music duo?

Over 25 years ago, I was in town for a karate event, visiting as a third-degree black belt with a promising opportunity to head to Hollywood for stunt work in film and TV. That's when I met Percy. We always joke that from that day forward, Percy followed me everywhere I went. We became good friends, started dating, and that’s when my journey into songwriting began, starting with country music over 20 years ago. Percy has been my biggest supporter since then. In October 2004, we decided to form a music duo. Together, we've collaborated with top indie bands and elite studio professionals, which has resulted in a high-quality, diverse musical style. Our music spans multiple genres, blending elements of indie, electronic, pop, and country to create a unique sound. This new music is captivating listeners and gaining recognition worldwide.

Can you describe your creative process when writing songs together?

Our creative process begins with both of us brainstorming song ideas that explore themes of love, fantasy, and personal growth. We aim to resonate with listeners on an emotional level. Once we have our concepts, we collaborate with top indie bands and elite studio professionals to develop a high-quality, diverse musical style that we both love. I focus on the musical composition, while Percy, representing the fan's perspective, ensures the songs align with what we want to release worldwide. This collaboration has been incredibly successful, and with the grace of God, we hope to continue growing and captivating listeners globally.

Your music blends various genres. What influences have shaped your sound?

Growing up, my parents listened to country and pop music on the radio, which greatly influenced my musical taste. Percy, on the other hand, is a huge fan of dance pop music. Over the past few years, I have been exploring and creating instrumental music in various styles, which has been featured in many overseas advertisement projects. Now, we’ve decided to combine these influences to create a unique blend of genres in our new music today.

Who handles the production side of your music, and how involved are you in the final product?

I work with elite studio professionals to ensure high-quality production. While I primarily oversee the production process, Percy, the studio team, and I all contribute to the final product. Together, we ensure each song meets our standards and vision before releasing it.

Do you perform live often?

No, at this point, we focus on releasing our music to streaming sites, worldwide radio, and licensing for various projects. Our latest Christmas song, "This Christmas Miss You," has already been featured in two TikTok ads for clothing shops in 2024. We're receiving positive feedback, and our music's popularity is steadily growing.

What has been the most memorable performance for you so far?

Our song, "I Just Lay it at Your Feet," has been a standout experience for us. It received airplay on Nashville radio, sharing the waves with iconic artists such as Shania Twain, Dolly Parton, Wilson Phillips, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, and Elvis Presley. The song addresses life's struggles and the solace found in faith, highlighting the comfort and guidance one can receive by entrusting their burdens to God. We've received an incredible amount of positive feedback on how this song has helped people worldwide during challenging times. You can hear this song at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Vt6PHjaz6A&t=6s

How do you categorize your music for potential new fans?

Many people categorize our music as adult contemporary, feeling it aligns with the radio-played popular music of this genre. It encompasses a broad range of styles and appeals to a mature audience, providing a rich and diverse listening experience.

How has social media impacted your music career?

Social media has profoundly impacted our music career. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have enabled us to reach a global audience, bypassing traditional media outlets. They've facilitated direct connections with fans, allowing us to share updates and promote our music more effectively. Social media has also helped us build a strong online presence and engage with listeners on a personal level, which has been crucial in growing our fanbase and enhancing our music's visibility.

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians trying to make it in the industry?

Find Your Unique Voice:

Develop your own style and sound. Authenticity resonates with listeners, so don't be afraid to be different and showcase what makes you unique.

Practice Consistently:

Dedicate time every day to practice your craft. Whether it's playing an instrument, singing, or songwriting, consistent practice will help you improve and grow as an artist.

Network and Collaborate:

Build relationships with other musicians, producers, and industry professionals. Collaborations can open doors to new opportunities and help you learn from others.

Leverage Social Media:

Use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to share your music and connect with fans. Regularly posting content and engaging with your audience can help you build a strong online presence.

Stay Resilient:

The music industry can be challenging and competitive. Stay patient and persistent, and don't get discouraged by setbacks. Every experience is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Educate Yourself:

Learn about the business side of the music industry. Understanding contracts, royalties, and marketing can help you make informed decisions and protect your interests.

What’s next for Percy and Melvin’s Amazing Music?

We're excited to continue evolving our sound and reaching new audiences. Upcoming projects include releasing more singles and exploring collaborations with even more top indie bands and studio professionals. We're also focusing on expanding our presence on streaming platforms and radio, aiming to captivate listeners worldwide with our unique blend of genres.

Additionally, we plan to license more of our music for various projects, including advertisements and films, to further showcase our diverse musical style. With the continued support of our fans and the grace of God, we believe our music will continue to grow and resonate with people globally.

https://songmanmel.wixsite.com/my-site