Adna Melan blends haunting melodies with poetic introspection. In this interview, she reflects on music’s healing power, emotional storytelling, and her multidisciplinary journey as a songwriter, author, and visual artist.
1.
You’ve been writing since you were 12 and have evolved into a multidisciplinary
artist. Can you tell us how that early passion for writing and piano shaped
your identity as Adna Melan today?
I remember
I was always fascinated by music, like everything: listening to music,
instrument toys, music boxes. I knew I wanted to be a musician since I was 5-6
years old, but I didn't know what music genre I wanted to sing until I was 8.
However, I think the turning point was when I was going through a tough phase
of my life as a teenager, and then writing became a strong tool to fight
against mental issues I was dealing with at that time. So at that moment, I
started writing a lot and had many ideas of melodies and instrumentation, and
it was something that would bring some relief and hope, somehow. So, I'd say
that my love for music saved my life in those dark times, because I had
something I loved and that I could use to express myself.
2. Your
music often explores emotional struggles and inner demons. How do you approach
translating such personal experiences into art that resonates universally?
I felt that
I would develop my writing skills, and the ability to translate emotions into
words more every time. You improve when you practice. And reading a lot,
everything from poetry, lyrics to other people's life stories too, it brings
this sensibility.
3. Your
latest single “Lie” carries a haunting yet empowering tone. What inspired the
lyrics and emotional core of the song?
I really
like the lyrics of Lie because it came to my mind and at that time I wasn't
even aware of how I was feeling until I had a relapse in depression. And the
lyrics express a longing for releasing myself from everything that was hurting
me back then, which I know now that was very important to recognize it inside
me and it's related to a big change in my life.
4. The
production of “Lie” blends atmospheric soundscapes with powerful
instrumentation. How did you build the sonic landscape for this track?
I wrote the
lyrics on February 2024 and kind of forget it. A couple months later, I was
reading some of the recent lyrics I've been writing and I began to like this
one more. I was singing its melody in my head over and over again, and ideas
started coming to my mind, like the atmosphere in the beginning, the guitar
emerging and disappearing when the vocals start on the pre-chorus, the backing
vocals, etc. At that time I was practicing guitar only for 4 months, but I
decided to make a demo playing guitar too, in order to express all my ideas and
the feelings I wanted the song to convey. This made me practice guitar even
more every day in order to be able to record a demo of Lie. And I worked with
really good producers that helped developing my composition into this final
version.
5. You
recently stepped into music video production and visual storytelling. What did
you learn from creating the videos for “Melancholia,” “Forevermore,” and now
“Lie”?
I was
always fascinated by music videos and acting, and I was always in love with
creating, so I started making music videos to my songs and I've been learning a
lot about video production.
6.
You’re also a published author and designer with your eBook Roses and
Melancholy: Turning Tragedy into Poetry. How does your writing process differ
between music and poetry?
I've
been writing a lot for years, and not everything I write comes with a melody,
so these ones I turn into poems. I have so many texts, including lyrics I like
but maybe I will never record. So I wanted to reunite the best ones in this
poetry eBook.
7.
Artists like Evanescence, Lana Del Rey, and Jeff Buckley influence your work.
What is it about their artistry that speaks to you most?
I first
heard about Evanescence when I was 8 years old and I was instantly amazed by
the songs and music videos. That's when I decided I wanted to sing rock. So I'd
say it's one of my biggest influences. I admit I had some prejudice against
Lana Del Rey, but when I started listening to more of her songs, many of them
that aren't the most famous ones, and even unreleased songs, I could notice
that she - and everything she writes, is very unique. I was in love with the
melancholy of some songs. I read about her life's story as a singer and I
identified myself a lot with many aspects, and many songs. She used to make
home music videos; she writes poetry as well. And Jeff Buckley is a great
musician, all his singing technique and his way of expressing feelings through
singing are fantastic. The last two are a huge influence to me as a solo
musician making songs on the piano.
8.
There’s a strong visual component to your work—from cover art to photography.
How important is visual identity in expressing your music and message?
I consider
the visuals as a very strong way to convey a message, so I think it's a part
that deserves attention and I really like the process of creating and bringing
my ideas to life.
9.
You’ve been a semifinalist twice in the “Song of the Year” contest. What did
that recognition mean to you as a songwriter navigating such introspective
themes?
It's always
nice to get some recognition of this kind as a musician. However, lately I've
been focusing on trying to make my music reach to more people who relate to my
music and lyrics.
10.
Looking ahead, what artistic directions or projects are you most excited to
explore next? Can we expect a full-length album or perhaps a continuation of
the visual poetry we’ve seen in “Lie”?
I wish I
can release an album someday, and I even started planning it. I think it'd be
really exciting to do it one day!
So good, I liked your art!
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