Mel
Alston Jr has opened for a variety of artist from Kindred & The
Family Soul to Jay Sean and Nelly to name a few. Mel captures his
audience in a dream of passion and musical enchantment.
On behalf of myself & HipHopOnDeck, we would like to thank you for sharing your time and energy with us.
No doubt bro thanks again you’ve been support us for while so no problem.
1. So how did you get to this point in life? Did you know
as a child that you wanted to be a musician, or did this passion
manifest at a later time?
I had no idea as a child. I actually used to make sure no one was home while i sang lol.
I got started singing at church plays. I had a couple lead rolls in
musicals and a lot of people said they were impressed, so
I started to take it more seriously.
2. Where did you grow up, and what was that experience like
for you? Does the environment you were raised influence the music you
create?
I
grew up Uptown Philly. My neighborhood was dope bro a lot of kids
around all the time so I had a lot of friends. We had a very active Rec
center in the neighborhood and my parents kept me and my brothers pretty
occupied so we stayed out of trouble. My mother introduced me and my
brother at a young age to music. I was taught piano when I was 6 so that
really peaked my interest.
3. The newest project title "Movie Musik" seems fitting,
seeing as how your visuals and even your lyrics have a very cinematic
feel to them. Would you say you incorporate your experiences as an actor
into your music?
Definitely, its something we are looking into doing a lot more so stay tuned Movie Muzik 2 coming soon!!
4. Do you still pursue your acting career, and do yo see yourself in major motion pictures at some point?
Not
primarily but if the opportunity presents itself I’m all for it. We are
looking into using the Movie Muzik series and a spring board into a few
avenues so if i got a call about a film, I would definitely be excited
about that.
5. If you had to choose, which instrument would you
consider to be your favorite? Also, which instrument do think is the
most difficult to learn?
Guitar,
I think guitar is the hardest. When your having to play the right
chords especially while singing is tough bro but practice practice
practice and eventually the muscle memory kicks in. I’ve played piano,
trumpet and trombone but guitar by far the hardest at least from my
experience.
6. In your visual for the song "Come Back Down" you portray
a tragic tale of love lost. Was the concept of this video based on a
true story?
It
wasn’t based on a true story in my life particularly but we wanted to
have a cliff hanger in the end and felt it was a story that many could
relate to. You just never know what tomorrow hold so when you love
someone love them to the fullest.
7. When you finish shooting a visual do you then leave it
to the director to decide how the finished product looks, or are you
involved in every step of that process?
I
am very much involved in the process especially the treatment because
we always want the visual to tell a story even if there was no music
playing but we let the director add his flavor as we’ll. A video is a
blank canvas I feel like all parties involved should be able to add to the vision.
8. Are you into fashion? If so how would you describe your style?
I
am into fashion your visual is a very important part of ya image. My
style is more of an asian style with the leather and big gothic looking
hoodies.
9. Is there an overall theme or message to the music you make, or is it simply based off how your feeling at the time?
Not
a particular message but we are using the music to tell a story. Thus
the Sub title "Cinema For The Blind" seeing with out seeing, allowing
the muzik shape whats being seen with your ears allowing
the listeners invision whats being song.
10. Where there any artists that inspired you growing up? If so who was your biggest inspiration?
Most definitely, there are quite a few but I would have to say D'Angelo
11. In the grand scheme of things, what is your main goal in life?
To continue to create timeless music that takes people outside of themselves.
12. What can the fans expect from Mel Alston Jr. in the near future?
Movie Muzik: Director’s Cut Live , and Movie
Muzik 2
13. Last but not least, for all the women who are wondering, are you single?
Im married to the music baby!!!!
This interview has been a pleasure. Once again, on behalf of myself and HipHopOnDeck we wish you the utmost success in all your endeavors. Any advice for up & coming artists such as yourself?
To keep an open mind, think outside the
box and practice a lot. Build your craft. Research different ways to promote your
brand, be passionate about your art form but
also treat it as a business. S/O HipHopOnDeck!!, to my management
The Bynum Agency, the team O.N.A.T Willie Stone , Law, Forbes Da Circle Family, my moms Rip, and all my
supporters who held me down so far!!
Peace & Prosperity,
EndaStory
Album: Movie Muzik: A Cinema For The Blind (melalstonjr.bandcamp.com)
Current Single: The Impossible feat Jay Griffy (http://www.audiomack.com/
Most Recognizable Single:
Dreamer II feat. Trel Mack & Rich Quick (https://soundcloud.com/
Recent Video: Purple (http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Social Media:
Twitter - https://twitter.com/
Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/
Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/user/