Brooklyn-based and self-described “tranny pop star” Mel 4Ever continues to innovate the hyper-punk genre by brilliantly blending glitching synthesisers, bimbo-pop delicacy, and outrageous but ethereal noises. This artist holds a unique stance in the industry with a growing number of fans behind them as she releases her next hit.
Mel has just released “I HATE U,” the latest track from her upcoming sophomore EP. Mel’s damaged connection with her family is explored in this melodious emo-dance song, which strikes a balance between gentle vulnerability and trauma-informed wrath. Mel says, “the lyrics were written right after a family member told me to ‘fuck off.’ My most intense phase of grief is anger and I was absolutely grieving.”
“I Hate U,” written by Mel 4Ever and Tor Miller, and co-produced by Jack Hoffman and Miller, has already become a fan favourite at Mel’s live events across New York City. The music ebbs and flows through the sentiments of loss that accompany the termination of a relationship, moving from missing the person to loathing them.
“I HATE U” is representative of Mel’s sophomore EP as a whole: she pours her anger into heavy-hitting dance music, allowing the listener to feel emotional catharsis.
In a more in-depth conversation with Mel 4Ever, we learn about her connection with music, how it has evolved into a “healthy long-term relationship,” and the inside scoop on her current hit.
How did you get into music? Have you always wanted to pursue a musical career?
I was so sick of musical artists doing what I didn’t want them to do, I just had to take things into my own hands. Music has always been my boyfriend, my healthy long-term relationship. As someone who spent most of their life closeted- no I have not always wanted to pursue a musical career because I wasn’t sure that I would ever have a career. But music has always carried me.
It’s said you are a self-titled “tranny pop star” who’s revolutionizing the hyper-punk genre. Can you tell us about your journey and how that correlated with your professional career path to now?
Long story short, when I started my musical career, I stopped wanting to die. It’s everything to me. I would say I’m revolutionizing pop music in general just by writing and releasing music as a trans person. Transness is revolutionary at its core. I throw all of my past and present experiences into my songs and performances and that’s why there’s so much energy and opinion behind them…and also chaos. My whole life people have had shit to say about who I fuck or what I look like or if I’m alive or not–so that’s what I make art about.
Your music channels a glittery-plastic coated, blush-pink–sound experience, can you elaborate on the sound you create and how you want others to feel when listening to your work?
OMG blush pink? Maybe that’s because Jackson Hoffman is so good at his job–he’s an incredible producer and every time I bring him new ideas or weird sounds to play with, he’s along for the ride. I want people to question if my music is acceptable or not. I want to push people in their listening experience. I want it to be cathartic in some way each time you listen to me.
And, what typically inspires your music? Personal memories, art, etc.
The time and space between an action and my reaction- that’s what inspires my music. Like- if someone says “I hate you” to your face, what is your FIRST reaction? That feeling, your initial feeling, NOT your gut feeling, is where I like to live artistically. It’s not the resolve, it’s the primal emotion.
You are just about to release a single called ‘I HATE U’ – a strong powerhouse track based on your relationship with your family. What are your feelings about putting this track out to the public?
I think a lot of queer people can relate to the sentiment, but I think it’s universal. It’s like, have you ever HATED someone? I don’t care if you’re friends now, but DID you hate them?? Okay well then listen to this song.
And what is the main message you want to unravel with this track?
We are all just babies, we need hugs and love.
You state this single came from pain and being misunderstood. What advice do you have for others who may be experiencing similar situations?
I spent most of my life not wanting to exist anymore–it’s an awful place to live. After fighting the feeling for a while, I ended up just doing what makes me excited: music. I think recognizing we’re all babies living on a floating rock helped my depression.
With a few more live shows ahead for 2022, what should fans expect from seeing you perform live?
The more I do it the more I feel, so they should expect more. More chaos, more catharsis, more raging. More JOY.
And finally, would you like your music to develop, even more, over the few years?
Of course, who wants to be a stagnant bitch? [laughs]
Photo credit Danica Robinson