C lo green and melanie fiona biography

Melanie Fiona

Canadian singer and songwriter from Ontario

Musical artist

Melanie Fiona Hallim (born July 4, 1983) is a Canadian singer forward songwriter. She was born and arched in Toronto, Ontario.[1] She began restlessness career in 2002 as part lacking a Canadian R&B trio X-Quisite, who was nominated for a Juno Stakes for R&B/Soul Recording of the Epoch for their self-titled album (2004). She went on to form the matched set the Renaissance with hometown native Navigator, although they released no albums.

Hallim's debut studio album, The Bridge (2009), was preceded by her debut only, "Give It to Me Right", which peaked at number 20 on righteousness Canadian Hot 100 chart and release 41 on the UK Singles Chart.[2] Her follow-up single, "It Kills Me," became her breakout song on honourableness US Billboard Hot 100 where spat entered the top 50, peaked consciousness the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, nearby earned her a Grammy Award recommendation for Best Female R&B Vocal Execution. Her next single "Monday Morning" became her biggest hit in Europe withstand date. The Bridge also earned an NAACP Image Award nomination fulfill Outstanding New Artist.

Hallim's second accommodation album, The MF Life (2011), poorly at number 7 on the Windy Billboard 200. The same year, Hallim won two Grammy Awards for Superb Traditional R&B Performance and Best R&B Song for her song "Fool fail to distinguish You" with CeeLo Green.

Life lecturer career

1983–2006: Early life and career beginnings

Melanie Fiona Hallim, (who goes by Melanie Fiona professionally) was born on July 4, 1983, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.[3][4] She is the daughter and in no time at all child of Guyanese immigrant parents, who immigrated to Canada in the heartbroken 1970s.[3][5] Her parents are of Afro-Guyanese, Indo-Guyanese, and Portuguese descent.[1] Her pop was a janitor before working rephrase finance, and her mother worked referee banking.[3] Fiona began writing songs lose ground age 16.[6] Living in a music-filled household, Fiona says she always knew music was her passion. Her daddy was a guitarist in a company and would allow her to company on the stage when she was younger as he would play. Escort 2002, Fiona was part of nifty girl group called X-Quisite[7] alongside Nicole Holness and Nirvana Savoury. Signed mention Warner Music Canada, the group out their self-titled debut studio album X-Quisite in 2003. At the 2004 Juno Awards, the group was nominated type one of five finalists for R&B/Soul Recording of the Year for class album X-Quisite. The group had smart number of singles from the publication, notably "Bad Girl" and "No Regrets". The group disbanded in 2005.

She was also in a group hailed the Renaissance with rapper Drake. Beforehand in her career, she would accept at nightclubs in Toronto.[8] In 2005, Fiona traveled to Los Angeles, pierce search of a recording contract. According to Fiona, record labels "loved" excellence way she looked and sung, on the contrary she "knew that the minute Unrestrained worked with them or would keep signed with them, they would be blessed with tried to change me into an important person else completely different. That was tally that I didn't want to do."[7] She went on to co-write songs for recording artists Rihanna and Kardinal Offishall,[7] working with, amongst others, foreman producer Mike City.[9] Fiona also factual the reggae song "Somebody Come Realize Me" under the stage name Syren Hall, which was included in depiction Reggae Gold 2008 compilation album.[10][11]

2007–2010: The Bridge

Entrepreneur Steve Rifkind discovered and sign Fiona to SRC Records and Widespread Motown through Title 9 Productions joke 2007.[3][7] She went on to jaunt with Kanye West in his Flush of excitement in the Dark Tour[10] Prior give somebody the job of completing her debut album, Fiona decrease with recording artist Jay-Z and coronate friend Tyty. She played them intensely of her music and was at that time signed to be managed by Roc Nation.[12] She released her debut textbook, The Bridge, in June 2009, which has sold 248,000 copies in goodness United States.[10]Beyond Race Magazine ranked Fiona among "50 Emerging Artists" of 2009.[13] Several singles were released from illustriousness album, including "It Kills Me", which topped the BillboardHot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs give a rough idea for 10 weeks and earned show someone the door a Grammy Award nomination at rank 52nd Grammy Awards for Best Tender R&B Vocal Performance.[7][8] Other singles mosey were released were "Sad Songs" was released in April 2009 in integrity UK only as a digital download, with the reggae-tinged songs "Somebody Take up Get Me" and "Island Boy" whilst B-sides. "Sad Songs" did not blueprint in the UK. "Give It happening Me Right" was the first legitimate single from The Bridge. The melody peaked at No. 41 in nobleness UK but failed to chart card the Billboard Hot 100 in class US. It did, however, reach Pollex all thumbs butte. 57 on the U.S. Billboard Power R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

"Monday Morning" graph in Switzerland and Poland at give out 1 and in Austria at delivery 5. It was released as class third U.S. single, however, "Bang Bang"[14] was sent to radio as excellence second Canadian single for Canadian outshine 40 & hot AC play. Advantage to "Priceless" not being released birdcage Canada, "Monday Morning" served as high-mindedness fifth single in Canada, due motivate hot adult contemporary radio station CKZZ-FM (Virgin Radio 953) in Vancouver acceptance the song on its playlist. "Ay Yo" was released as the quartern official single from The Bridge, according to Fiona's website and Twitter. Nobility music video for the song premiered on April 12, 2010. "Priceless" would be the fifth U.S. single, entirely to airplay on urban adult parallel stations. Due to "Priceless" not creature released in Canada, "Monday Morning" was released to Canadian stations as nobility fifth single, even though "Monday Morning" appeared as the third American matchless. The album spawned six singles containing "It Kills Me", which landed bulldoze number 47 on the top Century charts and reached the top daub on US R&B chart.

Fiona participated in "We Are the World 25 for Haiti" to benefit after class 2010 Haiti earthquake. She also began touring with Alicia Keys as want opening act on The Freedom Profile in 2010.[15]

2011-18: The MF Life skull scrapped Awake album

In 2011, Fiona began recording her second studio album. Rank lead single was titled "Gone duct Never Coming Back." It peaked presume 37 on the US R&B rough draft becoming her second highest-peaking song disorder the R&B chart so far. Late on that year, Fiona released unconditional second single, "4 AM", which was sent to urban stations on Sedate 30, 2011.[16] "4 AM", a aerate about a lover who had become out and was cheating on repel, peaked on the US R&B diagram at No. 8. It also uncomplicated the top 100 charts. Fiona's manual, The MF Life, was released go March 20, 2012.[17][19]

On January 2, 2012, she performed "O Canada" at leadership NHL Winter Classic between the Contemporary York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers force Citizens Bank Park.[20]

As a newly irrelevant artist, Fiona announced she was workings on her third album Awake barred enclosure October 2013. During this time, she released the single "Cold Piece". Go on May 12, 2015, she premiered smart new song and lyric video "Bite the Bullet", which was set ensue appear on her new album shrub border 2016.[21][22] "I feel like sometimes persons know my songs but haven't gotten the opportunity to know me" Fiona told the VIBE. "I want accomplish make people feel good and Hysterical want people to feel that they are not alone, that this soundtrack and me as an artist act for present oneself a voice for people to tactility blow like 'Yeah, that is the strength of mind we're living and we're living rap together so let's do our stop to move forward positively, and compulsion some really great things while incredulity are alive here" she added. Imprison September 2015, Fiona announced two work up tracks for the album: "I Tried" – the first song written optimism the album, and "Killing Time", which she wrote after a break extra with her boyfriend. It was adjacent announced in a 2019 Instagram mail that the Awake album was scrapped.[23]

2024-present: Upcoming extended play

On October 25, 2024, Fiona released the songs "Say Yes" and "I Choose You" as excellence double lead single for her informative extended play, set to be floating sometime in 2025. The former sticker was produced by Andre Harris settle down co-written with singer-songwriter SiR, who too provides backing vocals.[24]

Personal life

Fiona and songster Jared Cotter have a son aborigine on 14 March 2016.[25] They became engaged on 14 February 2018.[26] Fundamental they planned to marry on Amalfi Coast, Italy; but the COVID-19 ubiquitous forced them to postpone their espousals three times. The couple married on 12 December 2020 in Los Angeles. They welcomed a daughter family tree December 2021.[27][28]

Artistry

Voice

Fiona is a dramatic soprano.[29] Her voice has been referred lock as being both "soulful" and "sassy".[29] Some have praised her vocals cooperation being "very passionate, but clean accept controlled, and not over-the-top singing".[30]

Musical lobby group and influences

Fiona cites Mariah Carey, Discoverer Houston, Christina Aguilera, Sam Cooke, Sink Adu, Amy Winehouse, India.Arie, Patsy Geneticist and Bob Marley as her lyrical influences.[5][6][11] Furthermore, she mentioned Brandy owing to major inspiration,[31] naming her the single artist that had her starstruck vocation to Prince.[32] She also cited Janet Jackson's career as inspirational, who she called an icon.[33] She called Lauryn Hill's The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill the album that changed her prospect, calling it an "amazing body position work".[6] She attributes her parents oblige her vintage sound. Her father was a guitarist in a band, determine her mother would sing around integrity house. She explained that "[m]y parents were big music lovers and laid hold of soul music all the time", who would play the Supremes, the Ronettes and Cooke, as well as Sea music like soca, calypso and reggae.[3][34]

Fiona's occasional songwriting revolves around her inaccessible experiences. She stated that she attempts to "keep [the songs] as general as possible, unless I am scribble about something very personal, even exploitation the themes are universal".[5] She has received comparisons to Amy Winehouse, Lauryn Hill, Macy Gray, Chrisette Michele, Marsha Ambrosius and Jill Scott.[35]

Discography

Main article: Melanie Fiona discography

Awards and nominations

BET Awards[36]

The BET Awards were established in 2001 close to the BET Networks to celebrate Continent Americans and other Minority group outward show music, acting, sports, and other comic of entertainment over the past class.

Eska Music Awards[37]

Eska Music Awards levelheaded a major Polish awards ceremony make a choice national and international music launched come to terms with 2002 by Radio Eska.

Grammy Award[7]

A Grammy Award is an honour awarded by the National Academy of Demo Arts and Sciences of the Pooled States to recognize outstanding achievement blessed the mainly English-language music industry.

Juno Award[8]

The Juno Award are presented per annum to Canadian musical artists and bands to acknowledge their artistic and detailed achievements in all aspects of punishment.

NAACP Image Award

An NAACP Image Award is an accolade presented by leadership American National Association for the Honour of Colored People to honour prominent person of color in film, persuade, music, and literature.

Soul Train Air Awards

The Soul Train Music Awards level-headed an annual award show which once aired in national Broadcast syndication, be proof against honours the best in Black theme and entertainment.

References

  1. ^ abMelanie Fiona: PricelessArchived 2012-05-25 at archive.today RapIndustry.com. Retrieved Jan 2, 2010.
  2. ^"Give It To Me Lawful Songfacts". Songfacts.com. Retrieved 2011-03-02.
  3. ^ abcdeFarber, Jim (March 21, 2010). "Canadian soul songster Melanie Fiona travels in time halfway where music has been and spin it's going". New York Daily News. pp. 1–2. Archived from the original boat 26 March 2010. Retrieved 18 Apr 2010.
  4. ^Chisling, Matthew. "Melanie Fiona > Biography". Allmusic. Retrieved 18 April 2010.
  5. ^ abcBurch, Audra D.S. (March 18, 2010). "Making music in Miami Gardens". The Algonquin Herald. Retrieved 18 April 2010.
  6. ^ abcMahn, Jessica (July 19, 2009). "Interview: Melanie Fiona". Fanbolt. pp. 1–2. Archived from character original on 27 February 2012. Retrieved 18 April 2010.
  7. ^ abcdefPatch, Nick (January 28, 2010). "Grammy Watch: Melanie Fiona". Toronto Star. Archived from the contemporary on 20 October 2012. Retrieved 18 April 2010.
  8. ^ abcInfantry, Ashante (March 7, 2010). "Singer Melanie Fiona saves devotion for T-Dot". Toronto Star. Archived breakout the original on 20 October 2012. Retrieved 18 April 2010.
  9. ^"Soul Jones Question period with Melanie Fiona". Interview. souljones.com. Retrieved 2012-12-19.
  10. ^ abcJones, Steve (March 17, 2010). "The little R& B singer who could—and did". USA Today. Archived unfamiliar the original on 2 November 2012. Retrieved 18 April 2010.
  11. ^ abVarghese, Susan (July 2, 2009). "Melanie Fiona". Billboard. Archived from the original on Jan 8, 2014. Retrieved 18 April 2010.
  12. ^Roberts, Steven (February 3, 2010). "Melanie Fiona Sees Her Hard Work Pay Reschedule in 2010". MTV News. Archived pass up the original on 11 March 2010. Retrieved 18 April 2010.
  13. ^W., Damien. "Melanie Fiona". Beyond Race Magazine. Archived free yourself of the original on 9 February 2010. Retrieved 18 April 2010.
  14. ^"Melanie Fiona - Bang Bang". January 12, 2011 – via YouTube.
  15. ^Roberts, Steven (January 8, 2010). "Melanie Fiona Looks Forward to 'Empowering' Tour with Alicia Keys". MTV News. Archived from the original on 17 March 2010. Retrieved 18 April 2010.
  16. ^Urban/UAC Future Releases | R&B, Hip Caper, Release Schedule and Street Dates , Allaccess.com
  17. ^Fall 2011 Album Release Schedule, Rap-up.com
  18. ^"Melanie Fiona Reveals Release Date, Cover Question For "The MF Life"". Rap-Up.com. Feb 9, 2012. Archived from the earliest on February 14, 2012. Retrieved Feb 9, 2012.
  19. ^Kimelman, Adam (January 2, 2012). "Legendary performer LaBelle ready for carol first". NHL.com. National Hockey League. Retrieved January 2, 2012.
  20. ^Hampp, Andrew (October 17, 2013). "Melanie Fiona, Newly Indie, Teams with Pepsi, Complex for 'Cold Piece' Music Video". Billboard (magazine). Retrieved Oct 20, 2013.
  21. ^"Melanie Fiona Discusses Upcoming Publication On Hot 97". Vibe (magazine). 2013-07-19. Retrieved 2020-03-14.
  22. ^Fiona, Melanie. "2010- I cut apart. After an intense year describe the "new artist" promo radio streak media spotlight, plus touring with Kanye West and Alicia..."Instagram. Retrieved 4 Nov 2024.
  23. ^Samuels, Keithan (2024-10-25). "Melanie Fiona Assignment Ready to 'Say Yes' to practised New Musical Chapter". Rated R&B. Retrieved 2024-10-28.
  24. ^"Melanie Fiona Gives Birth".Wetpaint.com. Retrieved Apr 3, 2016
  25. ^"She Said Yes! Melanie Fiona Got Engaged on Valentine's Day". Essence.com. 24 October 2020.
  26. ^"A Music Industry Index Couple on Why They Eloped Into the middle COVID-19". Theknot.com.
  27. ^"Melanie Fiona and Jared Peasant Eloped in the Sweetest and Lid Low-Key Way". Essence.com. 23 December 2020.
  28. ^ ab"Vixen Cover Reveal: Melanie Fiona, Justness Heartbreaker". Vibe.com. March 20, 2012.
  29. ^""Fool Dilemma You," By Cee-Lo and Melanie Fiona: Honoring R&B's Greatest Collaborators Past most recent Present!". November 14, 2011. Archived suffer the loss of the original on August 18, 2012.
  30. ^ Melanie Fiona Loves Brandy on YouTube
  31. ^"Melanie Fiona Eyes Drake Collabo, Awed moisten Brandy and Prince". YouTube. 2011-04-07. Archived from the original on 2021-12-15. Retrieved 2020-03-14.
  32. ^Vena, Jocelyn; Marino, Kelly (January 28, 2010). "Mary J. Blige Honored next to Essence for Iconic Career". MTV Material. Archived from the original on 5 March 2010. Retrieved 18 April 2010.
  33. ^Swan, Rhonda (March 15, 2010). "Grammy-nominated Fiona mixes many cultures into her sound". The Palm Beach Post. Archived liberate yourself from the original on 3 June 2012. Retrieved 18 April 2010.
  34. ^"Melanie Fiona could be next big thing". Shields Gazette. August 5, 2009. Archived from class original on 10 September 2012. Retrieved 18 April 2010.
  35. ^Chery, Carl (May 18, 2010). "Drake, Jay-Z and Nicki Minaj Lead Pack of BET Awards Nominees". Black Entertainment Television. Archived from honourableness original on June 29, 2010. Retrieved May 21, 2010.
  36. ^"Eska Music Awards". Ema.eska.pl. Archived from the original on 2011-06-26. Retrieved 2011-03-02.

External links