https://www.facebook.com/felinemelinda
Sounds like: Melodic Metal/Rock
From: Italy
1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound? How did the name "Feline Melinda" come about and is there any meaning to it?
Well, you come to music through passion. First as a consumer, and then at some point you want to try it yourself! Initially, starting to play in a band during your school years, purchase musical instruments, and learn your first chords... At some point, you attempt to cover songs of your own idols. At some point, some people find it too boring, too complicated, or too time consuming or costly! Many musicians are familiar with this: different ex-bands then form a new group... and continue the path they have chosen! In the case of FELINE MELINDA, the band originally consisted of three members. It was only during the studio recordings for the album “Dance of Fire and Rain” that a lead guitarist joined the band. Since then, we have been performing as a quartet. Meanwhile, there has been another evolution in the band's history, as we now also have also an excellent replacement guitarist (Francesco) when Matt is busy with his other band, and a guest singer (Doris), with whom we perform from time to time or produce and release new material
However, one thing that has remained unchanged throughout the band's long history is its name: FELINE MELINDA! “Feline” stands for the perfect predator, for animal instinct, for nature’s perfection. “Melinda,” on the other hand, symbolizes the beauty, the rational side of human nature. Together, they unite the animal side of humans, the primal, the creation. It’s true, not everyone likes our band name. Some find it bizarre, others inappropriate, and sometimes confusing... But also many others like it because it distinguishes us from other bands. Anyway, we like it, and it represents our music with positive vibes and catchy tunes!
2. What do you want people to take away from your music?
Good feelings, joy of life, positive vibes, and enthusiasm for our music, which is created with passion, dedication and love.
3. How would you describe your sound to the average listener?
It's quite simple: anyone who follows us, knows that we make pleasant and easy to remember catchy music. We're not interested in “preaching” to anyone with our lyrics. Our lyrics contain positive messages and joie de vivre, not political statements or anything like that. We pay close attention to beautiful melodies, cool guitar riffs and solos and arrangements. Furthermore, our songs from our varied repertoire are ideal for singing along, too!
4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
Indeed, not easy to give an answer: each of us band members would give a different answer to this question, depending on our own preferences. It should be a band that suits us musically: so, for example, no trash or death metal band... because we'd be playing to the wrong audience! Finnish band Sonata Arctica, or the timeless Scorpions from Germany, or even stylistically similar bands would be great! We opened several concerts for Freedom Call and Uriah Heep in Europe, and those were cool, unforgettable gigs.
5. What's your thoughts on AI generated music?
This is a controversial and sensitive topic. While we know where we currently stand with this development, we don't know where it will lead us. It’s very difficult, if not impossible, to say where artificial intelligence will take us... not only what concerns the music industry, and more general entertainment, but above all in many other areas of life! Development is rapid and unstoppable. There will still be handmade, honest music in the future, and there will always be people who want to play an instrument and make music themselves. However, AI generated music will increase probably especially in pop music and advertising. Fast, easily generated tunes for a large consumption by the uncritical masses and for quick profits will be a growing market. However, rock and hard ‘n’ heavy music is more than just “music.” It is an attitude toward life, a way of life, and in some cases even a “religion.” That is why good music will never die out... For sure, also classical music will continue to find enthusiastic audiences.
Looking back, there has already been a transition from analog to digital production. The end of physical recording media has been predicted. But even today despite of streaming platforms, there is still a market for vinyl records and CDs. Fans are happy when they can collect music by their favorite artists or buy a record or a T-Shirt of their favorite band! Fans are delighted when the lead guitarist of their favorite band plays an amazing solo on stage. Musical emotions are created by people for people and can never be replaced by soulless background music.
6. What’s your take on the current state of Metal?
There are many different genres and trends in metal, as well as in other musical styles. It can be quite confusing at times, but these categories were created to provide fans and listeners with an immediate classification. Don’t forget, making and selling music is also a business, and many genres serve to market the product. Everyone should listen to what they enjoy most and what evokes the most emotion in them, but there should always be openness and respect for other genres.
7. What’s the current music scene like there in Italy?
There has been a heavy metal scene in Italy for many decades. FELINE MELINDA itself is part of the “Italian metal” band movement, meaning it is one of those bands that has been around since the 1980s. Our debut album “The Felines Await You” is often mentioned in this context. There are fans of hard music, and Italy also has a few notable open-air events. There are also several acts that are known beyond the country's borders and tour worldwide, but these are few and far between. However, much of the hard rock and metal scene takes place in the underground... in small clubs and well-known live music venues.
The problem is that music has become a business, and everyone wants a piece of pie. So without an agency, as a band you have little to no chance of performing and getting a decent fee for it. Without a steady day job, life as a rock musician in Italy is very difficult. Perhaps too much business means that the real meaning - fun and enjoyment - is lost because everyone wants to be the best and the most famous….? It's even harder with melodic hard ‘n’ heavy music genres here in Italy, because kids are mainly into harder metal genres and most of the younger generation only follows mainstream pop and, above all, rap and trap sung in Italian. Rap and trap thrive on the bad boy image and are more about good marketing than musical substance.
8. What’s your take on the royalties that streaming services pay out to artists?
There's only one word for it: shameful! Royalties are not distributed fairly. On the other hand, as an artist or band, you are forced to be present with your music on digital streaming portals these days. The financial distribution is anything but fair. The only real positive aspect of the whole thing is that your music can be heard anytime, anywhere! And for musicians who create music for joy and creativity, that's the best reason!
9. What’s next for Feline Melinda?
We are currently working on the single for this year. It is the follow-up to the song “Seventh Heaven” and is once again conceived as a duet with Doris Albenberger, our friend and guest singer since 2016. This song is also produced in collaboration with producer and Avantasia guitarist Sascha Paeth. Furthermore, we’ve already started with the follow-up to the EP “Duets”. Following the successful release of this recording in 2019, the follow-up album, “Duets 2”, is expected to be released in 2025 or early 2026.
Next year marks the 40th anniversary of FELINE MELINDA. To celebrate this milestone, a double also a best-of album will be released. Both CD and vinyl editions are planned. We will also be focusing on live performances again. Stay tuned, folks!
10. Any shoutouts?
Metal is a way of life, don't forget that! Up the horns and thanks to Mike of “From The Depths Entertainment”, and all those who have supported us from the beginning, and last but not least to all people out there around the world who appreciate FELINE MELINDA and our music!
