“Cry Baby is…like a pretty pink cake with rainbow sprinkles, but you open it up and there’s a gooey dark chocolate middle.”
Melanie Martinez may have gotten her start singing Britney Spears covers on NBC’s The Voice, but she’s proving to everyone that she has a unique and evolving sound. In addition to releasing the EP Dollhouse earlier this year, her single “Carousel” was featured on American Horror Story: Freakshow, and she’ll be gracing us with her presence at SXSW 2015. Martinez keeps things interesting with her signature half dyed hair, bright colored lipstick, and jewelry made of baby doll appendages. You do you, Melanie!
Vinyl Mag: How many shows will you being playing, and where will they be at SXSW?
Melanie Martinez: I’ll be playing six shows — Waterloo Records, Neiman Marcus, BMI, Perez Hilton, and the KAMX and KPEZ/KHFI radio shows. It’s gonna be fun!
VM: What was the best part about creating an EP like Dollhouse, which showcases your signature style as an artist?
MM: Dollhouse was the start to the whole childhood thing paired with the adult situation thing that I stuck with for the album. I was able to do three tours off of the EP, and I’m so stoked to put out the Cry Baby album so people can hear the new songs I’ve been working on for over a year.
VM: Did you write “Carousel” specifically for AHS: Freakshow?
MM: I didn’t, but it definitely fit this season perfectly. I wrote it like two months before I found out about the new season theme and sent an email to my manager, and we didn’t hear back from anyone for a year basically, and two days before they aired it, I got an email saying they were using it for the trailer. I was super excited.
VM: Can you tell us a little more about your upcoming album Cry Baby?
MM: Cry Baby is basically a giant pack of 13 story books. Each song is an individual story in this girl (Cry Baby)’s life and what she goes through. All of the songs have a childhood theme but are all paired with a mature/dark situation. It’s like a pretty pink cake with rainbow sprinkles, but you open it up and there’s a gooey dark chocolate middle.
VM: How do you think your time on The Voice has influenced your path as artist?
MM: I think it helped me with getting over nerves when I’m in front of a camera and under pressure in live show situations. I definitely feel more comfortable on stage, and I also learned a lot about behind the scenes TV stuff.
VM: What was the hardest thing about being in situation where you are not only judged by famous artists but also by an entire nation?
MM: Well, I never really focused on the fact that people were watching at home. It was harder for me to feel comfortable singing cover songs, because I’m a songwriter and just wanted to play original music.
VM: Can you play any other instruments with your feet besides the tambourine?
MM: Nope haha. I wish!
VM: Do you ever get sick of people focusing on your age?
MM: Usually people don’t focus on my age. Most people actually don’t know how old I am. So not really haha.
VM: Who are you most excited about seeing at SXSW?
MM: There’s so many people playing, I’m just excited to walk around and hear new music.
VM: Would you consider yourself more of a barbeque joint or taco truck gal?
MM: Definitely BBQ! Love me some ribs!
VM: What’s next for you after SX?
MM: Some more promo stuff, putting out the album, and just writing.