Hi Melissa and welcome to College Radio Charts. How are you doing?
I’m fantastic thanks for asking!
Congratulations on the release of “Crime,” which was released a little over a month ago. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this latest song and how it fits into your musical journey?
Thank you! I’m very excited to finally release this song. I wrote about a half of this song back in 2012 when I was single and dating in Washington, DC. It definitely takes me back to that time in my life when I was looking for someone to spend my life with but not having luck with the search.
“Crime” has a unique blend of country elements. How do you approach incorporating different musical styles into your work while staying true to your roots?
I’m continuously surprised by what inspires my songwriting. I always want to keep evolving as a musician, so I try to keep my ears open and let the influences come however they may. It could be hearing a 70s rock ballad on the radio or going through an old CD case from the 90s that I played on repeat. I think my musical style is derived from a million moments and the result is just a unique blend.
Did you work with a producer on the new single? What was it like recording “Crime” in the studio and how did it compare with your previous recording sessions?
Yes, I worked with HalfKing Music – Todd Wright is a fantastic producer, songwriter, and musician. This is the sixth song we have done together, and the process was much like the others. I came to our session with an idea and a partially written song and together we brought it to life.
You’re keeping busy with a number of upcoming shows. Do you have a preference between working in the studio and performing live in front of an audience?
I believe I was born to be a live performer. I love the whole process of a live show, big or small and I love those moments during the performance where you connect with the audience knowing they are enjoying it and are glad they came out.
Growing up in Pittsburgh, did you feel a strong connection to the music scene there in Pennsylvania? What about Washington, D.C.?
Music was always a big part of my life growing up. I felt connected to music singing in my church choir and listening to the radio and my parents record collection. I loved going to see live shows whenever I could. I dreamed of performing at local festivals and theme parks one day and I’m proud that I made those dreams happen. When I finally started playing out around Pittsburgh as a singer/songwriter I felt there were so many other talented musicians to connect with and draw inspiration from and great venues to play at. I go back to Pittsburgh often and I love playing shows in my hometown. When I moved to Washington, D.C I really enjoyed how the city was such a musical melting pot and there was a place for every style and genre and how there were countless venues featuring live music everyday of the week. I knew I could make a living as a working musician in the DC area.
Do you have any early musical memories growing up, and did you come from a musical family?
My first and dearest musical memory is of my Gramma Madeja, my Mother’s Mother, singing to me and teaching me the song ‘Jesus Loves Me’. I believe that was the first song I ever learned. We were very close, and she meant the world to me.
Who would you say were some of your earliest influences? And what about today, who inspires you musically?
I have so many artists and bands that have inspired me in my life it’s hard to pick. From 90s Pop and Alternative Rock artists like Mariah Carey, Natalie Merchant, to discovering 70s Icons like Carly Simon and Stevie Nicks with Fleetwood Mac, to classic to present day Country Artists like Patsy Cline, Shania Twain, and Miranda Lambert, they all had a hand in shaping my musical style and passion.
Any dream collaborators you’d like to work with?
I’d love to collaborate with Melissa Etheridge. Hers was the first concert I ever went to when I was a kid and has always been a favorite of mine. Her songs are so powerful.
After earning a degree in Musical Theater, you spent some time traveling and performing at theme parks. What was that experience like?
It was an incredible opportunity to see and experience parts of the country and world that I’ve never been to like New Hampshire, Arizona, Texas, and Germany. Singing, dancing, acting, and doing stunts in up to 6 shows a day really helped me and made me into the hard-working Professional Performer I am today.
In today’s fast-paced music industry, how do you approach balancing traditional country elements with contemporary trends to keep your music relevant and appealing to a wide audience?
I think when it comes to songwriting, it’s always about being relatable and telling a story – that’s what can make a song feel timeless. I keep the songs that have inspired me in the back of my mind when I am writing and coming up with a melody. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with a talented producer that strives to understand and help me develop the sound and vibe I’m trying to achieve in each song we create.
Any advice for singer/songwriters just starting out?
Work hard, don’t give up, believe in yourself. Celebrate your successes big and small. Pour your heart and soul into your music without fear, people want to hear what you have to say, and they will connect with it.
What’s next for Melissa Quinn Fox and where can people go to find out more about you?
More new music coming out very soon. Two more singles and an EP this year alone, I’m very excited about that. Definitely keeping up with a busy tour schedule and listeners can keep up with the latest and find out more at www.melissaquinnfox.com
