BIOGRAPHY

Melina Soochan (born May 17, 1985 ) is a soulful and sophisticated singer-songwriter and pianist. Born and raised in Montreal, this multi-faceted talent has performed heavily across Eastern Canada, won several prizes and recognitions, recorded an array of songs in a variety of genres, and has independently produced two music videos. Over the years, she has collaborated with several international music writers, among others Montreal rock artist SuLE . She currently hosts, organizes, and promotes her own local artist showcase in Montreal, the bi-monthly musical series called Acoustic Nights. She founded this event to support her fellow musicians in order to give a quality platform for excellent acoustic artists to perform on. In addition to being recognized in bars and stages across the city, she regularly performs at prestigious corporate events and upscale venues, such as the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel in downtown Montreal, where she captivates her audiences with her sultry voice and intricate piano accompaniment. She specializes in the musical genres of jazz, rock, R&B, folk and soul.

Early years: the rigorous classical training

Melina started taking classical piano lessons at the tender age of four. She received a thorough musical training during which she focused in excelling at music theory as well as developing the performing skills that would later jumpstart her career. After leaving her mark at Marianopolis College, she got a Bachelor degree in Music in classical piano at the prestigious McGill University under the teaching of renowned pianist Luba Zuk . However, at that time, only a few knew that playing Bach, Mozart, and Chopin's masterpieces would only be one of Melina's many ventures.

Emancipation and experiencing other genres

With a natural flair for rock, R&B and soul, Melina began writing songs at the age of 11 and started singing in school variety shows, community talent shows, local competitions and benefit concerts, using her piano to accompany herself. Her passion for creating and performing music eventually led her at 15 to enter the "RapSohD Talented Teen Competition", where she was crowned Miss RapSohD Talented Teen 2001 after performing one of her own songs. She then went on to represent Canada at the 2001 Hal Jackson Talented Teen International Scholarship Competition in New York City, where she competed against other singers, dancers, musicians and theatre actors from all over the world. Sharing the stage with guest artist Alicia Keys, who at that time was just starting to make a splash on the pop charts, proved to be a most memorable and inspirational moment in her life. She walked away with the Wilda LaBrie scholarship for the talented teen with the highest academic standing. This contest was a turning point in her career as she realized her grand love for the stage and her potential as an original artist.

Mastering her style

As such, over the years Melina has shaped and developed her own personal musical style, and continues to grow in leaps and bounds. Accompanying herself at the piano, she often adds a touch of jazz to her music and delivers a captivating performance every time. As a singer, she has mastered a diverse repertoire ranging from jazz standards to contemporary pop numbers in a smooth and sensuous way, touching the hearts of each and every one in the audience. Melina's original music is itself a fusion of styles, a sultry blend of jazz, R&B, and soul that transcends generations and genres. Whenever she plays, she breathes emotion into the music, as much through her voice as through the keys of her piano.

Musical inspirations

Through her music, Melina strives to deliver positive messages about life, women empowerment, beauty in diversity, and the simple enjoyment of everyday life. Montreal the megacity has been a great source of inspiration, especially for her 2nd single City of Love (released on a 6-song EP City of Love, 2009 ). Her musical inspirations include mainly North American women artists, more specifically Canadian singer-songwriters such as Chantal Kreviazuk, Sarah McLachlan and Amanda Marshall. She has also a great admiration for urban pop sensation Alicia Keys, as well as trip hop creator Esthero.