20 year old Bradford singer songwriter Melissa Steel has enjoyed a 2014 which would make many other new artists green with envy.
After being courted by BBC 1Xtra’s (and A&R man) Twin B, Melissa ended up inking a deal with Atlantic Records in April this year. Her musical career has gone into overdrive ever since, with a guest spot on dance producer Kove’s hit single, Way We Are.
It paved the way for her debut proper, Kisses for Breakfast, which danced into the top ten with its summery R&B lilt and a guest spot from dancehall star Popcaan back in July.
Taking her props from the greats such as Aaliyah and Rihanna, Melissa has further chart success locked in her sights. She's currently working on a debut album in collaboration with Kz (Wretch 32, Jacob Banks) Bless Beats and Jamaica’s finest, Baby G. It's a classic cocktail of polished songwriting and an ace voice which has done for Melissa so far. She’s also featured on Krishane’s Drunk and Incapable and is nominated for a MOBO for best newcomer at tonight's (22 October) awards. It's obvious that a major new talent has arrived...
I first started writing music because…
It's my way to vent and it's like a diary for me. When my dad died at the age of six, I would sit in my room and write about what I was going through.
I have been making music since…
I was eleven years old. The person that was teaching me to play the piano at the time took a song I had written and added some production to it. I went into the studio and recorded my vocals and I've been recording ever since.
My music is…
Feel good. It's a blend of being British but also going back to my island roots. I want to add a little positivity and empowerment to whoever's listening!
You'll like my music if you listen to...
Vibrant, island-feel music with a positive message and a lot of bass.
Music is important because...
It's a universal language. It touches your soul when you listen to it and it brings people together. It's my passion and first love.
My biggest inspiration is…
Aaliyah.
My dream collaboration would be…
I would have loved to have sung and written a song with the legend Bob Marley. Right now though I'd love to do something with Drake or Chris Brown!
@MelissaSteel
melissasteelofficial
After being courted by BBC 1Xtra’s (and A&R man) Twin B, Melissa ended up inking a deal with Atlantic Records in April this year. Her musical career has gone into overdrive ever since, with a guest spot on dance producer Kove’s hit single, Way We Are.
It paved the way for her debut proper, Kisses for Breakfast, which danced into the top ten with its summery R&B lilt and a guest spot from dancehall star Popcaan back in July.
Taking her props from the greats such as Aaliyah and Rihanna, Melissa has further chart success locked in her sights. She's currently working on a debut album in collaboration with Kz (Wretch 32, Jacob Banks) Bless Beats and Jamaica’s finest, Baby G. It's a classic cocktail of polished songwriting and an ace voice which has done for Melissa so far. She’s also featured on Krishane’s Drunk and Incapable and is nominated for a MOBO for best newcomer at tonight's (22 October) awards. It's obvious that a major new talent has arrived...
I first started writing music because…
It's my way to vent and it's like a diary for me. When my dad died at the age of six, I would sit in my room and write about what I was going through.
I have been making music since…
I was eleven years old. The person that was teaching me to play the piano at the time took a song I had written and added some production to it. I went into the studio and recorded my vocals and I've been recording ever since.
My music is…
Feel good. It's a blend of being British but also going back to my island roots. I want to add a little positivity and empowerment to whoever's listening!
You'll like my music if you listen to...
Vibrant, island-feel music with a positive message and a lot of bass.
Music is important because...
It's a universal language. It touches your soul when you listen to it and it brings people together. It's my passion and first love.
My biggest inspiration is…
Aaliyah.
My dream collaboration would be…
I would have loved to have sung and written a song with the legend Bob Marley. Right now though I'd love to do something with Drake or Chris Brown!
@MelissaSteel
melissasteelofficial