We caught up with Sydney Singer and Songwriter - Mel Bailey in the wake of her latest beautifully crafted release: Running to You.
How’s life in Sydney?
Sydney is beautiful. For so long I wanted to move away and try something new (which isn’t off the cards yet), but I love my city. Although nightlife is trying to make a comeback, the music community is quite collaborative and welcoming. I’m so grateful to have met and worked with the people here in Sydney. Each person has helped me in some way. I currently work out of a studio based in Western Sydney that was created for like-minded artists, producers, collectives, and all we want is to keep building each other. We work in a way where, if you’re winning, everyone is. The mentality here is super inspiring. I hit the beach at least once a week too, so life in Sydney is pretty sweet.
What inspires you to do what you do with your music?
Knowing that no one will ever express music the way that I do and vice versa. No one will ever do a better job than you with your art because it’s yours. No one is you, and to me that’s pretty powerful shit.
Can you tell us a bit about Running to You?
Running to you was written around a time where I was constantly using relationships around me for attention and validation. I was fresh out of a relationship so I thought I still needed reassurance from wastemen to feel happy. It was a really good wake up call and it’s a good reminder to keep finding reassurance from yourself.
What is your ideal day?
First and foremost, a coffee with Vegemite on toast. Morning swim at the beach, followed by a quick stroll through vinnies. Most of the afternoon would then be at my studio working on music with my band. Finish off the day with a glass of red with a couple pals listening to Erykah Badu. Perfect.
Have soup as the only meal for the rest of your life or only have one outfit for the rest of your life?
That is so hard. Food is everything to me. So are my clothes. God dammit. I think I’m gonna have to go with one outfit. Just because soup would infuriate me way more than one outfit would and I would miss my mama’s cooking way too much.
Never hear music again? Or every second song you hear is who let the dogs out?
Not opposed to the second op to be honest. Wouldn’t be terrible? Song about dogs (which would just remind me of dogs - heck yes), with a catchy, repetitive hook... I’m about it.
What is next for you?
After this song drops, I should have the music video ready to go shortly after, so keep a look out! The rest of the year I’ll be releasing a few more songs, playing way more shows with a new live set and eventually be releasing my new EP, ‘March’. Cannot wait.
