What happens if a well known artist happens to use their musical platform to raise awareness around social issues that plague this nation. Well, let’s see. Marvin Gaye gave us one of the most prolific albums to date. Then there was Stevie Wonder’s “Songs in the Key of Life” masterpiece. This is just to name a few, every now and then life will imitate art. This week’s Women that Rock artist is embarking on yet what may perhaps be the soundtrack to this years most important election cycles we’ve ever witnessed.
“Melanie Fiona”, is no stranger to the musical world, yet I feel this powerful soulful artist has yet to get her just do. The Canadian Born R&B artist started her musical career in a girl band X-Quisite and she also recorded a few reggae joints under an alias Syren Hall. Melanie, also was in a group called, The Renaissance along side the rapper Drake.
In 2009, she released her debut album entitle “The Bridge”. This great album featured the breakout single “It Kills Me” which topped the Top 50, HipHop and R&B charts. This also later, earned her a grammy nod for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. In 2011, she released “The MF Life”, which provided such hits as “4am”, “Gone”and “Never Coming Back”.
Melanie’s artistry can be measured as a very soulful and powerful vocalist as well as a songwriter. She can be compared as one of the best vocalist in the game if not better. I’ve had the chance to witness the passion and tonality from this artist first hand at one of her concerts. It’s like she pulls you into the song making you feel the hurt and the pain or the passion in the music.
And now with her latest single, she’s doing again just that.
This track is entitled “I Tried”, which provides a deep look into several social issues like police brutally, teen rape, domestic abuse and human trafficking and also mass shootings. These are some of the most troubling issues that have plagued the nation recently, but mainly in the black community. It’s a clear message that the artist is writing in regards to what she feels strongly in protest of and what she believes everyone should be concerned with. Because these are issues that have affected every black life in America one way or another.
The depth from this powerful track can also be seen as well as heard with the video that was released for the song. She paints a clear and vivid portrayal of an abused woman in need to have her voice be heard, this surely is a must see. Melanie is gearing up for her third album release entitled “Awaken” and tracks like I Tried and more. Let’s hope it awakens our mind and heart to conversations and solutions to the never ending issues that we face daily in the world we live.
So remember, support your Indie favorite artist and their craft. So their voice can be heard.
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Leslie A. Thomas is a music blogger and lover of all things music follow me on Twitter @LBoogie2522005.
