Interview: Melissa

Mar 18 2013

Twenty year old Brighton based singer/songwriter Melissa has just recorded her first album 'Beyond The Frame' with Phatfish keyboard man Mike Sandeman. We caught up with this new British talent to find out how it all began.

For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?

Well, my name is Melissa Hubert, I'm the eldest of 8 children (6 girls 2 boys), and I live with my family in Brighton, England. I am presently studying for a degree in Music in Sussex University. I have been singing for fun my entire life, and writing stories and poems since primary school, but I only really began writing songs after the sudden loss of my 14 year old brother Declan in May 2011. It was during this time that God showed me how to put all I was feeling into music and songs, and I loved it so much I haven’t stopped writing since!

Tell us a little bit about your new album 'Beyond The Frame' and what the inspiration behind it was?

Each song draws inspiration from many things, most noticeably the psalms, as seen in By Grace, Where Can I Go and Little White Lilies, though each one relates to my experiences of life, from child hood dreams: like scenes from a wedding in The Vow, and experiences God’s glory and mercy in times that appear to be a tragedy, like Voice in the Choir. I had written a few songs by the time we began recording, and we got so excited by what Mike Sandeman was doing with them, that recording one just didn’t seem to be enough, so we kept adding songs till we had an entire album.

You worked closely with Phatfish's Mike Sandeman on the album, what did you learn from him?

A LOT! Firstly, just how much work goes into making one track, and how many hours are put in to improve the quality of voice and instruments! But mostly, I think I’ve learnt a lot from him about patience. We spent a long time going over the same lines and tunes, only to get it wrong, or not like a line and have to do it again, and every time he would persevere to ensure we ended with a great sound. So thank you Mike!

Beyond the FrameWhich is your favourite track on the album and why?

I love all the tracks. Each day I have a different favourite, but I have to say that every time I hear Little White Lilies I have to smile. Everyone has their favourite, and no one can agree, but I love that one because it sounds so joyful, full of life and hope, whilst challenging me not to worry about every day, because God is in complete control, and He knows what’s best for us.

What's your song writing process?

There isn’t one really. I usually just sit down at the piano and try and improvise something based around a few chords. The themes can come from anywhere, maybe the Bible, something someone said earlier in the day, or, for example, I was bored, so I asked my dad to give me a theme to write about. He said ‘thankfulness.’ Strangely enough, that inspired me to write Who You Are, though it’s not really about with being thankful. Doing the washing-up is always a good time to improvise; everyone usually escapes the kitchen anyway, so there’s plenty of time to sing with no-one around!

If you could work with any song writer, who would it be and why?

I would love to write with Keith and Kristen Getty and/or Brooke Fraser. Being half Irish myself, I love the folk stylings of the Getty’s music, and the emphasis on God throughout all their songs. They are a pleasure to listen to, and when I’m not singing and improvising, they are my washing-up music! I love Brooke Fraser’s album Flags, and her free, storytelling, almost epic style, which I’d love to bring across in more of my songs in the future.

Who are your musical influences?

Disney has been a major influence, being part of a big family, I have spent many evenings in front of a good film with the family, memorising all the songs. I’ve also grown up listening to Eva Cassidy, and more recently Regina Spektor and Hillsong United. They have all influenced in many ways the way I write my music.

In your opinion, what makes the perfect worship song?

Jesus. With Him at the centre, you can’t go wrong.

You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your mp3 player. What track is it?

In Christ Alone by Keith Getty/Stuart Townend

What does the next year hold for you Melissa?

Well, I’ll be on my way to finishing my degree in Music, then, maybe another album, a concert or two. God knows! Nothing fixed yet but I’m available to go wherever God leads.

Find out more at melissamusic.co.uk

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