Meleni Smith is a singer/songwriter best known for her hit single "Happy," which initially appeared on the motion picture soundtrack to Will Smith's romantic comedy "Hitch," and later on covered by British artist Natasha Bedingfield for her critically-acclaimed sophomore album on Sony Music, "Pocketful of Sunshine."
In this exclusive interview with 'Monica Mania,' the talented songstress talks about parting ways with Soulpower Records, working with super producer Toby Gad, her thoughts on Natasha Bedingfield's cover of "Happy," her wish to collaborate with hitmaker Salaam Remi, and so much more.
Hamada: Tell us more about yourself.
Meleni: Wow! That's a broad request. Hmm ... I'm originally from Milwaukee, WI. Went to Columbia University ... That's when I moved to New York. I began singing at an early age but didn't commit to the path until my last year in college. I got a record deal a couple years after college with Columbia Records that didn't work out but I learned so much about this crazy industry. I am re-inventing myself every day... learning about new sides of myself all the time and just growing as a musician and person.
Hamada: How did you land your deal with Soulpower Records?
Meleni: I met Soulshock and Karlin through a manager of mine. He played them a couple of my songs and they were blown away. They really believed in me and wanted to create more possibilities with me, so we worked for about a year and wrote some amazing songs.
Hamada: Are you still signed to that label? If not, care to share with us what happened?
Meleni: I am not signed to S&K but I love them always and hope to continue creating possibilities with them in the future. The deal ran its course. We made a lot of beautiful art together and we came close to securing a deal but it just wasn't meant to be. Honestly, it's such a long story that it would be more of an essay than just a short, sweet answer. Suffice it to say, I learned so much from them and I am eternally grateful for all the hard work they put into my project.
Hamada: When are you planning to release your debut album?
Meleni: Right now I am just trying to take one day at a time. I'm not interested in the business. I'm only interested in the art. Spending so much time in LA in the belly of the "business of art" sort of made me lose touch with the foundation of why I do this in the first place. My debut album will be released in its right time I suppose.
Hamada: What can we expect from it?
Meleni: You can expect honesty, love, integrity, beauty, inspiration ... something that you will cherish for the rest of your life.
Hamada: Which producers have you collaborated with so far?
Meleni: I am working with several different producers, carving out "my" sound. Namely Q-tip, Cinemaxxx, and a very talented young producer named Cass from NY by way of Morocco.
Hamada: List the musicians you have on your collaborations wish-list.
Meleni: Salaam Remi is probably the only one I would love to work with. Everyone else I wished to work with, I have.
Hamada: Describe your working experience with super producer Toby Gad.
Meleni: Toby is an amazing spirit. He is one of the most giving people I have ever met. I owe much of my career in this business to him because he was one of the first people who truly believed in me and pushed me beyond my limits. Working with him is therapeutic yet challenging. You feel yourself grow during the entire process. It's really something amazing. I'm so happy for all of his success because he is one person who truly deserves it.
Hamada: What do you think of Natasha Bedingfield's remake of "Happy"?
Meleni: I love her version! They should've made it a single in my opinion. She and I have a similar tone so I think it worked well with her voice. I was honored that she wanted to cover it.
Hamada: How does it feel to have another artist sing one of your songs?
Meleni: I love it! I mean its art. It should be inclusive not exclusive. If something I created inspires you to want to make a version of it yourself, I couldn't be more honored. Her doing the song allowed more people to hear it, which is the point in the first place. Spread the art!
Hamada: Several blogs leaked your song "Wanna Be a Star" and credited up and coming artist Jessica Jarrell as the singer. What are your thoughts on this matter?
Meleni: I have no idea how or why that happened! Since I don't know the source, it's hard to have any thoughts on it. It's a slap in the face because it's just blatant sonic plagiarism, but I'm assuming it was some intern blunder, who knows? I still don't know how songs even get leaked.
Hamada: Tell us something that most readers will be surprised to learn about you.
Meleni: Hmm ... I have no idea what would surprise people. I really love quantum physics ... Does that surprise you?
Hamada: What turns you on in a partner? What turns you off?
Meleni: Being consistent turns me on. Being ambiguous turns me off ... and bad teeth!
Hamada: Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
Meleni: Living in Costa Rica with my husband and child(ren), making music from my studio out back in the cabana, and traveling the world taking photographs and loving life.
Hamada: Any message you'd like to give to your fans all over the world?
Meleni: I have fans all over the world? Wow! I would tell them to holler at me. I need their energy!
[Visit] Meleni Smith @ MySpace
[Follow] Meleni Smith @ Twitter
