‘I Am Woman Watch Me Roar’ is a detour into the collective musical landscape, inviting the shared voice of my comrades to express on theme. The title of this blog hearkens back the powerful 70’s anthem by Helen Reddy, and also evokes a sense of a powerful lioness defending her children and pride (double meaning). I was going to take a break to publish my own blog but at 14 pages long it needs more thought, I also have a few videos so possibly later this week as part a) and part b) on Self Production- The Feminine Voice with an invitation to a free taster Zoom workshop and offer for Creativity Coaching. Stay tuned for that, blessings Cath
INTRODUCING MELODY MOON
Briefly describe your role in Music? (eg songwriter producer dj, radio, manager, engineer, all rounder etc)
I’m a singer- songwriter and producer with a love for playing with sounds I collect in nature. I have been self-managed and booking my own gigs and tours so far. As modern music artists we have to put on an array of hats, so I have learnt many skills over the years to allow me to create, record and share my music.
How long have you been engaged in your musical journey?
I’ve been writing songs since I was a young girl, writing about nature and love in primary school. I learnt classical and music theatre styles as a teenager, then moved into jazz. But it was really a solo trip up the East Coast of Australia in a kombi in 2008 with a guitar that birthed my personal style. And it’s been evolving since then. From folk to indie to pop, into a blend of everything I love; storytelling, affirmation, wellbeing, catchy sing-a-longs, nature, and now looping.
I released my first EP ‘Little Hopes’ in 2010, when friends showed me how to record, and I haven’t been able to stop writing, recording and releasing since.
I love growing, learning more instruments and getting more comfortable with technology so I can bring all my samples into my live performance and create a full sound. And also making videos for my songs is another creative outlet I get a bit addicted to!
In what ways has unconscious bias (sexism or other) affected you personally?
I feel like I may not have been taken as seriously as my male counterparts when buying instruments in music stores, or when chatting about the technical side of recording and performing. There does seem to exist a bias towards males being seen more as ‘engineers’ and females more as ‘just singers’. I’ve had quite a lot of experience recording, editing and producing music and video. But there is a strange phenomenon I’ve noticed: when a male colleague confidently talks about these technical things, no matter how basic, my own knowledge and experience seems to fade somewhat into unacknowledgement. I’m still trying to figure out the main source of this, if it’s internal or external, but I really think it’s a combination of both. And I have learnt that the only way to resolve this imbalance is to shine bright and allow myself to ‘be seen’.
Why are you sharing this video?
‘GOLDEN ACACIA’ – I’m sharing this song because it’s a bit of a wild creation and collaboration with another tech-savvy creative woman Heidi, who filmed it. It’s a live and raw emotional song on a wild windy day.
What do you feel women need the most to thrive in the current social and musical climate?
Women need creative time. Away from the screen and society’s white noise- to a place of inner space. We are dreamers, visionaries, and have been respected for this in many cultures for thousands of years. Today, in modern Western culture, here in Australia, being a human, being an artist, being a woman artist… Well, we are pulled by a culture telling us to be more of, to be busy, to be productive, to be overconsuming, to be organised, to be perfect, to have it all together, to overwork to be able to live ‘the dream’.
We can get caught in a web of unhelpful messages and miss out on our actual dreams. Our dreamtime is vital. To have space to vision and be wildly creative is an important part of making music that is meaningful and much needed on the planet right now. We need to remember the value of our path and purpose, and despite internal and external doubts and pressures, just keep moving along it.
What has been the greatest obstacle you have had to overcome on your musical path?
I think for me, feeling worthy. And believing that I belong here with other great songwriters. I remember saying to someone that I don’t want to be in the music industry. I do want to create and share my songs, but just to be me, without the pressures of having to fit in. And then I’ve felt disappointed when I haven’t gotten into festivals or been played on Triple J. So it’s been a bit of a push-pull relationship, working out how to be fully myself and be a part of something also. And embarrassingly I’ve only just discovered that the music industry is made up of lots of people like me! Other creatives and alternatives who are passionate about music, and dedicating their lives to it too. So moving from a fearful comparative state to realising we are actually a quirky community that’s all in this together, has been very helpful. And we shine brighter by supporting and encouraging each other.
What is unique about a women’s voice, and approach that is so desperately needed in music today?
In my experience women have a very natural ability to see outside the box. They can ‘feel out’ a situation, problem, or song, and intuit where it needs to go. This is so needed in creating music that touches and delivers messages that the world needs right now. As a culture we benefit so much from art that awakens and inspires the heart, that gives permission for nurturing and balance, and being our true selves, that helps us remember our innate connection and contentment. It is healing. That’s the feminine wisdom and voice.
Do you have any advice for young women or others in the early stages of their musical exploration/ journey?
Enjoy what you do, do what you enjoy. Ask yourself why you make music and keep coming back to that. Think of it as a long-term thing. Do not worry if you get rejected or don’t get replies or compliments on your music, just keep doing it, for you and the music itself. Come back to why you do it. There is no rush. Stay true to yourself and be very brave. AND reward yourself for ALL your achievements ! Melody x
Thank you Melody, the caliber of women artists their sensitivity, artistry, leadership and musicality is a pleasure to share. Be sure to check Melody out at the links below
Website URL?
Social media Links