By Nicholas Jason Lopez
Brazilian LGBTQIA+ synth-pop/dream pop singer Julia Melo recently dropped her first single off her upcoming project and of the year entitled “My All.”
The emotional and vulnerable track, produced by Marlon Lopes (Adorable Cliché), follows up Melo’s 2020 debut EP ‘Celestial,’ which has garnered nearly 300k Spotify streams to date and revolved around her journey from adolescence to adulthood as a lesbian in a religious environment.
Influenced by the likes of Kate Bush, FKA twigs, Lorde and Britney Spears, Melo has made it clear she’s an artist to keep a keen eye on.
The Music Bugle had the accent to talk with the pop culture extraordinaire about “My All” and more.
Music Bugle – What excites you the most about your style of music?
Julia Melo – I believe it’s the energy of my songs. You can feel almost inside yourself, the beats and sensations. It’s like a sound experience about things that many people go through.
Music Bugle – What was your goal for your single “My All”?
Julia Melo – ”My All” was the song that opened me the most to people, literally. I really like the chorus. It’s like a compilation of my thoughts over the past few months. Everyone has already had their heart broken, but as a lesbian, I can say that sometimes, it hurts a lot more. We travel long distances to see the person. We literally do everything and sometimes, it just isn’t enough. That’s when self-love is born. I’m very happy with ”My All.”
Music Bugle – What makes you the most proud about where you come from?
Julia Melo – I believe that being Brazilian is being in resistance. It’s not easy, especially living in such a homophobic and prejudiced country, but what makes this place amazing are the people. I believe that we only grow and understand life better by getting to know people and connecting with them. I’m proud of the people I love and have been a part of my journey and the people I admire.
Music Bugle – What do you wish happened more in the LGBTQIA+ community?
Julia Melo – I would like our artwork in the LGBTQAI+ community to be more widely valued by other people. I’m happy to see artists I admire a lot reaching global proportions, like Pabllo Vittar recording with Lady Gaga is a landmark in Brazilian queer culture. I would be very happy if more people had this opportunity.
Music Bugle – Who are you listening to right now, music-wise?
Julia Melo – I love this question. Lately, we had amazing releases, like the album by Billie Eilish, Halsey and Lorde and I’m a huge fan of Lorde myself, but what doesn’t leave my playlist is ”Telepatia” by Kali Uchis, Ashnikko and several songs from 2013 specifically, because they remind me of my adolescence and I believe that in this pandemic, we all went back a little to this essence of not being able to leave home or do what we would like.
Music Bugle – How have you been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Julia Malo – I released my first EP a month after the explosion of COVID-19. They said it would last for a short time, so I didn’t worry about not being able to do a show at the beginning. Now, it’s been almost two years since I released the EP and I never had the opportunity to sing live, but I’m happy, because social networks helped me a lot in promoting the songs. Last year was a different year, for sure.
Music Bugle – Where do you go when you need a break?
Julia Melo – I love going for a walk. My city is very small, but it has a beautiful view of the hills and rivers. I love going out in the late afternoon, putting on my favorite playlist and walking around for two hours, imagining fake scenarios in my head. Anyone is fine after that! (Laughs)
Music Bugle – What’s a quote that motivates you to keep doing what you do?
Julia Melo – Since I was born, I have this dream. I know everyone says that, but my mother said that even before I could speak, I invented melodies. I got my first guitar when I was four years old, but I never knew how to start. I was always very shy, because everything I wrote was very personal, until some people listened and asked me to record it. I believe my biggest dream is to be able to make people feel embraced by my music. I wanted them to feel at home.
Music Bugle – What was the moment that made you want to become a musician?
Julia Melo – When I discovered my sexuality. I was in turmoil and couldn’t talk to anyone about it, so I would pick up my guitar and it felt good. That’s why I started writing in English, so my family wouldn’t know what I was going through. It was my safe place, where I could be who I really was and let out whatever screamed inside. I also remember my mom had the VHS of the Queen show in 1996. I love that show, I was hooked on Freddie and Brian May. I just wanted to be like them at… I don’t know.. six years old! (Laughs)
Music Bugle – What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Julia Melo – I believe it’s having people all over the world listening to me. I live in a very small town. In my parents’ house, I work like everyone else, but knowing that there are people on every continent in every major city listening to me fills me with joy, I wish I could hug all these people.
