Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Mel Senese

Over the past five years, singer-songwriter Mel Senese has been the frontwoman for several bands, and she’s performed at venues including Wrigley Field, House of Blues Chicago, and Tonic Room. In 2019, she’s embarking on the next chapter in her already impressive career, focusing on her own solo music. Recently, she dropped her debut single, “Prey”, which features her lyrical storytelling and empowering message to take initiative and control. Pop Culturalist sat down with Mel to chat about her love for music.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Mel: Music has always been part of my life. I grew up singing and making music with my uncle. He had a music studio and was producing for many artists at the time. I also learned to play piano, guitar, and then clarinet throughout school.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Mel: I would say that my dad has always pushed me to never quit and always hang in there, no matter how hard the road is that I’m following. I’ve had many troubling times, but the truth is if you continuously follow your dream and give it everything you got, you will soon find small wins upon wins and make everything a reality for yourself.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Prey”. What was the inspiration behind the track?
Mel: “Prey” is my first release as a solo artist. This song needed to be my first release as it truly depicts the type of artist I am. It’s an inspirational song that’s portrayed in a darker manner. The goal was to capture the eeriness behind the lyrics and vibe, while also letting my rock vocals shine through.

I actually wrote the song two years ago after I left another original project. The song came to me after I was in a position where I couldn’t make my own artistic decisions and wasn’t able to fully express myself. I was in a completely lost stage in my life and music wasn’t a priority. The lyrics of this song stem from going out and getting what I want. It’s about being in control and taking whatever is out there that will benefit me, and overall creating my own opportunities, and not waiting for them to come to me. I wanted to spread the message of my song to allow others to take initiative, take ownership, and go after that PREY…whatever that may be.

PC: Can we expect a larger body of work this year?
Mel: You can definitely expect a handful of new songs in 2019 and I am SO excited to show the world what I’ve been up to.

PC: What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned being a part of this industry?
Mel: Do not EVER burn bridges and strive to create the biggest network of allies. Everyone that you work with and connect with is a building block in all that you can become and strive for. You never know when that one person can be the biggest help in what you are working on, and you never know when that one fan will come through for you in the most difficult times you’ve ever been through.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Mel: Game of Thrones

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Mel: Forrest Gump

PC: Favorite book?
Mel: The Obstacle Is the Way

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Mel: Rent

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Mel: That’s a tough one! I’m inspired by all music, but I guess I would say Animals as Leaders because everyone is super shocked that I have a lot of progressive metal on my playlist. Truth is, I was in a prog metal band a while back. I’m super inspired by the degree of musicality in the genre itself.

PC: First album you bought?
Mel: Spice by Spice Girls

PC: First concert you attended?
Mel: Britney Spears

PC: An album that you changed your life and why?
Mel: Good Charlotte’s Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous! It was after this album that I started singing. I would sing, “The Anthem”, at family parties and it became my thing. I continued to pursue singing and songwriting not too long after this.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Mel: Aragon Ballroom

PC: Hidden talent?
Mel: I have a bird call and can have “conversations” with birds but don’t know what I’m saying. [laughs]

To keep up with Mel, follow her on Twitter and Instagram, and pick up “Prey” on Amazon Music, iTunes, or stream it on Spotify.