The beautiful, talented former Pussycat doll, Melody Thornton shared with Ms.Royalty a side of her that has been overlooked based on misconceptions. She discusses going solo, songs on her Mixtape, her inspiration behind the title, her side of the story behind the famous sheer dress she wore to Elle’s women in music event. She opens up about not always being liked amongst her peers in school, her fear in relationships and much more…
What are the differences in the transition from being a part of a group to being a solo artist? What difficulties did you face and how were you able to overcome them?
“The differences in the transition from a group to perusing a solo career consist of a constant mental struggle within myself, to continuously remind myself that my true purpose in this life is to sing and inspire people as opposed to feeding into any negativity or preconceived notion about me as result of coming from a manufacture. I think it is important for people to remember what you see in a movie, play, a fantasy isn’t always real life. We as entertainers are always evolving and changing. In the case of the PCD {Pussycat Dolls}, we were all playing our parts. I came from little to no opportunity so I absolutely would not revoke my decision to be a part of that group {Pussycat Dolls}. I just continue to work on my music and allow the world to see what kind of artist Melody is. “
What was your inspiration behind the title of your Mixtape, P.O.Y.B.L (Piss On Your Blacklist)?
“The title has edge and makes a very strong statement. I remember always feeling disconnected from my peers in school, not always being liked and my style not always embraced by others. I think back to what my parents always told me, to be a leader not a follower. It’s not about fitting in or wanting to be part of the ‘cool’ group,P.O.Y.B.L. means… don’t fight to fit the standard of popular opinion, be yourself! If you believe in what you are, the rest of the world will follow.”
In the video for someone to believe, I see a lady whose life not just career is music, it being a part of you. Can you further explain the meaning behind these lyrics, ‘ And I don’t believe in fairytales no more, but I still believe in me.’
“Someone to believe has so many meanings!! HAHA I struggle with trusting that a man wants me for me and won’t run when the going gets tough. I’m big on love but I am the kind of woman who will leave you before you leave me. It’s cowardly at times but love is a MUTHAFU*KA HAHA! I also wish and pray for the kind of guidance in this industry that puts the music and the art first, not the money. There are a lot of insecurities there; I think all artists can relate to that. You can’t be on top forever; you yearn for the kind of loyalty that stands being by you through thick and thin.”
My favorite record on P.O.Y.B is ‘Hit the ground running’ because it discusses persistence and diligence in purpose. Did you ever feel that certain people in your life didn’t want to see you succeed, if so what was your driving force that kept you standing?
“I think it is human nature for some to see talented people and feel intimidated but what you must never do is infringe or interfere with what is meant for them through manipulation. That dog-eat-dog mentality tends to turn around and bit them in the ass. When you are running a race you have to keep your focus, you can’t look behind you in fear of your opponents. I believe all people can relate to feeling bullied and feeling small but it truly does not matter how many times you fall what matters is that you get back up.”
The media has been on frenzy about a sheer dress you wore to Elle’s women in music event, what statement if any were you making?
“I caught a lot of flack for it; at the end of the day I was making a statement with that dress. I love the look of the 60’s and 70’s. I’m inspired by how brave some of the women of that era were with their fashion given the setbacks during the time. Jane Birkin was my influence in this case as well as Donyale Luna. She was the first black model to grace the cover of British Vogue and Naomi Sims. I am firm with the criticism, come and get me HAHA. I am an artist and I have the goods to back it up.”
What does being a Voice of Hope mean to you and what advice can you give to your fans in being a Voice Of Hope?
“Being a Voice Of Hope means staying true to what I consider a real sound and setting an example for aspiring singers. To them I would say; I understand music has taken some very interesting turns but I would urge you to study the great ones! Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Maria Callas, Jackie Wilson. Usher uses his voice very appropriately while still singing popular music. Music Programs in school are so limited it’s in your hands to learn to use your voice the way it was meant to be heard! If music is the universal language and you are the future what does that mean to you and how will you be the difference?”
Credit to Becomeavoiceofhope.com for this interview.
