Singer Melanie Fiona recently shared that record labels initially hesitated to sign her because they perceived her voice as too powerful. They preferred a more conventional or mainstream sound akin to Ashanti’s. Now, let me clarify, I don’t consider Ashanti’s voice basic in any way. She possesses considerable vocal prowess, which has notably evolved over the years. Ashanti can certainly deliver a tune.
Nevertheless, Melanie Fiona’s vocal talents are equally impressive and somewhat overlooked. For those unfamiliar with her, here’s a quick rundown: hailing from Toronto, she’s a Guyanese Canadian R&B vocalist who entered the industry during her teenage years. Initially part of the girl group Exquisite, she later navigated Toronto’s music scene, collaborating with none other than Drake. Both were involved in a collaborative music group called The Renaissance before each embarked on their solo journeys, ultimately finding success in their own right
Melanie faced considerable challenges getting signed because many labels doubted her potential as a soul singer. Instead of embracing her unique style, they pushed her towards making pop music, while some executives had ulterior motives. Recalling one encounter, she played her song “It Kills Me” for a label, only to be met with surprise at her talent, accompanied by backhanded comments about her nationality and vocal ability. This experience was emblematic of the music industry’s preference for pop-oriented R&B at the time, leaving Melanie feeling disillusioned. Despite her dreams of breaking into the American music scene, she encountered harsh realities, including blatant objectification by male executives.
Refusing to compromise her integrity, Melanie sought a supportive environment where she could thrive. Steve Rifkin, the only person who believed in her authenticity, offered her a lifeline by signing her to his label, SRC Records, a subsidiary of Universal Music Group.
Following her signing, Melanie quickly garnered significant attention. Her debut single, “Give It to Me Right,” caught the eye of none other than Kanye West, leading to a tour alongside him. Further acclaim followed when Jay-Z’s Roc Nation signed her. However, it was with the release of “It Kills Me” that Melanie truly made waves. This track soared to the top 10 on R&B radio and clinched the number one spot on the Adult R&B charts. Additionally, it secured a place within the top 50 on the Billboard Hot 100, firmly establishing her on the music scene. This success paved the way for her highly praised debut album, “The Bridge,” which received four Grammy nominations, with “It Kills Me” earning a nod for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.
In 2012, Melanie unveiled her sophomore album, “The MF Life,” featuring the hit single “4 AM.” The track ascended to the top 10 on the Billboard Hot R&B and Hip-Hop charts. Notably, she collaborated with CeeLo Green on “Fool for You,” earning a Grammy for Best Traditional R&B Performance.
Despite her professional triumphs, Melanie faced personal challenges. A tumultuous breakup with actor Adam Rodriguez fueled much of her music’s emotional depth. Compounding matters, her label, SRC Records, folded in 2012, coinciding with vocal issues that hindered her performances. Struggling with vocal limitations for a time, she sought medical help and explored alternative healing methods like Reiki and acupuncture. Overcoming these obstacles, she regained her voice and emerged as a vocal health advocate.
Transitioning to independence post-label closure, Melanie parted ways with Roc Nation in 2014. Today, she thrives as an entrepreneur, operating Millie Belly Mamas, a business centered on crystal sales. Additionally, she co-hosts the Mama Den podcast. Beyond her professional endeavors, Melanie finds fulfillment in her roles as a mother and wife to Jared Cotter, a songwriter and manager.
Reflecting on her journey, Melanie shared insights on navigating the music industry’s challenges in a recent interview with Amanda Seales on “Small Doses.” She highlighted the industry’s preference for certain types of artists, citing Ashanti as an example. Despite facing rejection early on, Melanie persevered, ultimately carving out her own path to success.
I grew up immersed in the music of artists like Whitney Houston, Lauryn Hill, and Brandy, dreaming of singing R&B ballads. But when I entered the industry, I faced pressure to conform to a different sound—something more pop-oriented and less vocally challenging. I encountered skepticism from record labels, who believed that my style of singing wouldn’t appeal to audiences at the time. Despite presenting songs like “It Kills Me,” which showcased my vocal ability, many labels passed on signing me, citing concerns about the marketability of ballads on radio. This was during the era dominated by artists like Ashanti, whose lighter voice and pop-friendly sound were more in line with industry trends.
It’s worth noting the challenges faced by artists with powerful voices and soulful sounds, particularly women of color. While singers like Beyoncé had to navigate within a certain commercial framework, those with a more retro, soulful style, like myself, encountered resistance in an industry that favored a more mainstream-friendly sound. This contrast is evident when comparing the reception of artists like Amy Winehouse, who, despite being white, received more industry support for her soulful music.
In this environment, black female artists often felt compelled to adapt their sound to fit industry expectations, sacrificing the authenticity of their voice and musical style. Jennifer Hudson, despite her vocal prowess, struggled to find commercial success in music outside of her acting roles, a testament to the industry’s narrow definition of marketability.
Fortunately, I was able to overcome these obstacles with the support of believers in my talent. I found allies in the industry who embraced my unique voice and musical vision, allowing me to break through and connect with audiences who appreciated the authenticity of my sound.
Melanie shared an intriguing anecdote on Amanda’s podcast, recounting a time when she toured with another R&B artist and faced criticism for her song choices. Despite the audience’s positive response to her performances, her management conveyed feedback suggesting that her set wasn’t in line with expectations. Determined not to compromise her artistic vision, Melanie stood her ground, refusing to conform to someone else’s standards. Reflecting on the incident, it’s speculated that she might have been referring to a tour with Marsha Ambrosius from Floetry, where she notably performed “Ironic” by Alanis Morissette. This narrative underscores the industry’s tendency to pigeonhole artists, but Melanie’s resilience shines through as she defies limitations and stays true to her craft. It’s a testament to her strength and integrity. What are your thoughts on this? Feel free to share in the comments below. And if you enjoyed this discussion, don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share. Thank you for watching, and until next time, take care!