RapTalk.net Exclusive Q&A Interview Session w/ Mela Machinko

Raptalk.net this week got the chance to hook up with sultry soul singer Mela Machinko for an exclusive questions and answer session. Mela is best known for her collaborations with Pharoahe Monch, including the singles "Push", "Body Baby", "Let's Go" from the album Desire & the J Dilla produced "Love" from Dilla's critically acclaimed The Shining. She also featured on the Just Blaze produced Talib Kweli track "Hostile Gospel" from the album Eardrum.

She's now putting the finishing touches to her debut album which will be released sometime next year. She sits down to talk about her new project, what artists and producers she's working with and her plans for the future. Make sure you check out the brand new track "Patron" at the end of the interview.

Dub MD: Mela Machinko, What's good?
Mela Machinko: Hey I can't complain, who´d listen?

Dub MD: For those who don't know, could you just give a short review of what you've experienced in your music career up until now?
Mela Machinko: Umm, ok. Started out in a group called Madame IzReal, we did some local shows and had a lot of support, then we broke up and I went solo, started singing with Pharoahe Monch and working on myself as a solo artist. Got dope, got on Monch´s record, got on Kweli´s record (Hostile Gosspel Part 1) and here I am.

Dub MD: Coming from Brooklyn, what do you think of the New York R&B scene right now?
Mela Machinko: I've never really understood it honestly. I've always been more into Hip Hop scene, although I sing. I'm not sure what they like and what moves them, I try though.

Dub MD: Do you have a new project in the works? what's it called? and what can heads out there expect from it?
Mela Machinko: I'm working on my project now, for ´08. People can expect some groundbreaking, game changing shit and I'm not blowing smoke up your ass. I'm at the grown ups table with my game, I don't know how to answer that without sounding like a rapper! (laughs)

Dub MD: With this project, what artists & producers are you connecting with?
Mela Machinko: I've been working with dope folks for years. My principle producer is Con?One and hes doper than everyone. I have production by Fatin (Lloyd banks, Boondocks), 9th Wonder, Khaliyl (Mr. Man of Da Bush Babees), DJ Boogie Blind (Executioners), Nick Fury (Trina, Trick Daddy, T.I.), I'm blessed. These dudes are awesome and really understand me.

"I've got something to say and i make sure I say it. I consider my voice as a vehicle to get my points across"

Dub MD: What's your label situation like just now?
Mela Machinko: No label yet, the industry is different now! The best thing is to do your music and get money worldwide and holla when you both are ready.

Dub MD: You've been working closely with Pharoahe Monch lately, featuring all over his latest album, how did you hook up with him?
Mela Machinko: Met him through Anthony Marshall (Lyricist Lounge), hes like a big brother to me, auditioned like anyone else and got the gig. That was 5 years ago. Monch is one of my principle mentors now.

Dub MD: What do you think is your most defining and unique characteristic that sets you apart from every other vocalist out there?
Mela Machinko: Honestly. I would say it isn't my voice, it's my songs. They aren't like anyone else's, I've got something to say and i make sure I say it. I consider my voice as a vehicle to get my points across.

Dub MD: If you could describe yourself as an artist in 4 words, What would they be?
Mela Machinko: Unique, Important, Earth- shattering & Hot!

Dub MD: For your fans who haven't seen you perform yet, are you planning a worldwide tour anytime soon?
Mela Machinko: Working on it. I will keep you posted, for sure.

Dub MD: What is on tap for Mela Machinko for the rest of 2007 and beyond?
Mela Machinko: Musical World Domination!

Dub MD: Do you have anything to say to the fans? anything you wanna get off your chest? any shout outs?
Mela Machinko: Love Europe. Love the run I just finished! Cigarette smoke makes my life difficult though, glad that's over next year in Europe. (I'm in Madrid currently).

Check out this exclusive Mela track called "Patron", Right click & save as to download:
Mela Machinko - Patron
http://media.raptalk.net/audio/Mela Machinko - Patron.mp3

DUB MD

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