Many of you may know of the SL Enquirer Singer / Songwriter Open Mic Competition hosted by this publication each month. As a rule, we generally recognize only the Winners of those contests with a Spotlight Feature article in the SL Enquirer, except in cases where several of the competitors gave such phenomenal performances that selecting a winner was all but impossible. February was just one such month. In this case, the outstanding performance turned in by Melenda "Mele" Yarrowroot so blew away the judges that Lanai Jarrico, CEO of SL Enquirer, insisted we recognize Melenda’s stellar performance as well. I was able to reach Melenda the other day and gain greater insight into this wonderful performer and entertainer.
Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) JB: So, Melenda. Congratulations on your fine performance at the February SL Enquirers Songwriters Open Mic Contest. win. It was well deserved. Thank you for agreeing to chat with me. To begin with, how long have you been performing your music, and at what sorts of venues?
Melenda "Mele" Yarrowroot (MY): Thank you so much for reaching out to me for this interview, it was a nice surprise. I started singing in SecondLife on a whim after the place I ran karaoke at closed down. I just happened to wander into Cafe Musique's open mic. I Sang over voice that night and the singers there and owner Laya were so sweet. This was back in 2016 and since then I have sung at many different types of venues, like Templemore, Firefly, Lovekats and I also try to be involved with the Camping for a Cure family for RFL each year at least once. I am very diverse in what I do lol.
JB: Wow. That is certainly a variety of locals and genres. So tell us, what was the inspiration for the songs you sang at the contest, and why did you choose those particular songs?
MY: I honestly picked them to start out because the theme was love songs. As I was waiting my turn, I was going through my list and trying to find ones that spoke to me. Ones that I knew I could put my heart into when singing them. I also really like to find songs that I think people can relate to. To Make You Feel My Love is one that at some point everyone has felt. We have all loved someone and sometimes it feels like they do not feel it how it is intended. For many reasons, people can relate to that. Then I choose Lose Control. I feel that one speaks for its self. smiles
JB: To really stand out in the SL Music scene, you have to have something special about your performances. How would you describe the brand that you now represent, and how do you define your music style?
MY: I agree that performers should do something that brings people to the shows. I joke about this, but my performances are total chaos, but tons of fun. I love feeding off the chat and the energy of the audience and I incorporate it into my performance/songs. I try to engage with people as I am singing for them. To make them feel included in my performance. I recently added to my arsenal of fun by passing out a pink unicorn that was made for me. I use it when I sing the popular song Pink Pony Club. I have changed up the name a little and it is now the Pink Unicorn Club. I am known on other platforms as the Fluffy Unicorn Melenda, so it only fits to add it here. My management is also great and coming up with what they call Melly Merch. Carlita has been doing Melly Merch for many years. I want the audience to have an immersive experience with me. It makes it fun for me and fun for them.
JB: What has been your biggest challenge breaking into the Music Industry?
MY: For me, the biggest challenge has been my own self. I tend to get in my head and I become very nervous and that causes me to hold back. I am also really shy so it is hard for me to self-promote in here. I tend to hide as much as possible, this is something I am currently working on overcoming by going out more and hanging out and talking instead of being always the wallflower. Now my friends would tell you that once I do get comfortable, I never shut up! So, if you see me out and about, PLEASE msg me! I promise I am nicer than it seems from my silence lol.
JB: What does it take to be a successful musician these days?
MY: You know, I think it is about putting yourself out there and being authentic to you. There will be many that will try and change who you are, how you sing or how you do the things you do. You really need to find what makes you happy and that will shine through to the places and people you sing for. The people can tell when you are not being true and they are not big fans of it.
JB: What have been the most memorable performances of your career so far, in both SL and in RL?
MY: Well, there have been so many performances over the years. One that I will always remember was my first officially hired show. I was so nervous and I spent so long getting ready. My wonderful friend and support at the time, Kayden Rae, made me this killer guitar and case. I loved it so much! All the people I knew came out and supported me, there were so many. Then at the end of the show I went to take my mic off and well sl took it all from me. There I stood my first time doing a paid show and I ended it non-meshed and naked. I figured at that point if I could stand there and laugh that off, then even at my most nervous times (which have been a lot) I would get through it with laughter and fun. As for my real life, I honestly do not go out and perform anymore. It has been many, many, many years. I have done a couple open mics or went out for karaoke but no real shows. That shyness just overwhelms me with stage fright. Who knows maybe one day I will break it and you will see me at a festival near you like I want to be.
JB: Wow, Melenda. I do hope you got your guitar back? That could scar a musician for life! So then. Who were your music idols, and those who most influenced your musical style?
MY: Etta James was someone that I just loved to listen to when I was younger. My grandparents raised me so I heard a lot of the older artists and that is what turned me on to singing. When I was in high school, I was in all the musicals and all the show choirs and competitions. It wasn't until I got older that the shyness took over. Other artists that over the years inspired my style have varied from Madonna to Lizzo. I have an eclectic style to my shows. You never know if you will get soft chill music, or if we will be belting out some dance hits and EDM.
JB: Do you post your performance schedule for anyone who wants to catch one or more of your gigs? Where would our SL readers go who want to hear you live and in concert?
MY: There are many places that people can go to catch me singing. I have a group in-world as well as a discord that we always post the shows in. I do have a Facebook, but I tend to not use it as much. The notifications just get lost there. You can also look for me in world melenda.yarrowroot and there are all kinds of links in my profile to send you in the right direction. I currently do not have a lot of shows, but hope to pick up some more soon.
JB: Do you have any Social Media Sites out there where readers can learn more about you?
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melenda.yarrowroot/
- Discord: https://discord.gg/8tAR3XDzVK
There you have it, folks…an in-depth look at that musical sensation, Melenda Yarrowroot: The Woman…the Myth…the Legend! If you are a fan of Live Music in SL, and let’s face it, who isn’t? Then you simply have to catch one of Melenda’s shows and decide for yourself how wonderful this performer really is. And when you do, tell her “Josh sent me”. You’ll be glad you did.
Be There! Aloha!
JB
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