Working Woman Wednesday. Interview With R&B Singer Melanie Durrant.

Award-winning, Canadian R&B singer Melanie Durrant ’s star continues to rise. The multi-talented artist has earned Top 10 charting on CBC’s Weekly Top 20, a feature on Spotify’s New Music Fridays and Apple Music’s Northern R&B, with her latest release. Durrant has also garnered multiple nominations for her previous album, ‘Anticipation’ including two R&B Single of the Year nods at the Juno Awards and R&B Artist of the Year nod at the Sirius XM Indie Awards. Durrant is also no stranger to international audiences, taking the stage with, Jay Z, 50 Cent, Alicia Keys, David Banner, Jill Scott, Common, Sean Paul and Cissy Houston. A life journey that continues every day. Combining her unique writing style, smooth harmonies and bold sound, Durrant has helped shape Canada’s diverse soundscape.

Did you always know music was something you wanted to pursue?

Yes, I have always known that I wanted to be a singer. My Mother is a singer and I have always looked up to her. My dream as a child was to be just like her when I grew up. I would say my prayers at night and ask God to make me look like her when I became a woman.

What inspires the music you create?

Real life and vibe inspire the music I create. I want to make music people can relate to and that I can be proud of.

How would you describe your musical style?

I would describe my music style as honest. I sing what I’m feeling and I sing what I like. The music comes from my soul, so I think it’s fitting to call it R&B Soul. I do a bit of everything, so it’s hard to put me in a box.

What was your favorite artist growing up?

Growing up my mother would play old School music. A lot of Motown, Soul, Funk and some Rock & Roll, like Tine Turner and The Rolling Stones. I can also add to the list Aretha Franklin, Janet Jackson, Sade, Smokey Robinson, Aerosmith and the list goes on.

Any upcoming projects coming up that you would like to share with readers?

I’m in the middle of putting out my brand-new album called “Where I’m At”. I’m focused on the now and promoting what I got. Sometimes you must stop and smell the flowers. A lot goes into making an album/body of work, so when I’m finished this I’ll decide what’s next. I can tell you that it will involve more music, wink-wink.

What’s your favorite breakfast cereal?

Believe it or not my favorite cereal has always Raison Bran, lol. I was a strange little kid, I think I still am, lol.

What’s a random hobby you’ve always wanted to try but never have?

I would like to ride a motorcycle, it looks like fun and I like to wear leather. One day I will ride one when I grow up.

Which celebrity death shocked you the most?

Michael Jackson’s death hit me harder than I expected. I remember being at my regular nail salon and the announcement came on the television. You could hear a pin drop as all our hearts dropped into our stomachs, it was a very sad day.

Which tourist attraction disappointed you?

We were in Texas for a gig, we visited Coyote Ugly, but when we went in no one was singing or dancing. Just a bunch of bra’s hanging from the dealing, #disappointed.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

Most people think I’m tall, so when they see that I’m only 5 foot they always question me. Questions won’t make me taller people, ROFL!!

If God grants you three wishes, what would you ask for?

I would ask for the world to be healed from selfish entitled people. I would ask for the safety of all children and a genie so I could keep wishing.