Guyanese songstress Melonie Fiona recently sat down with Coveteur Magazine. As she sipped cool beverages in her favorite Brooklyn restaurant Madiba, she discussed working with Jay-Z, style and food! See highlights of her Coveteur Magazine interview:
…On the evolution of her style:
“On my first album, the sound was reminiscent of retro soul, so my style was definitely more girly: pencil skirts, peplum dresses, et cetera. Since then, the vibe of the music has gotten more hip-hop and soul driven, and my life has become more spiritually driven, so my style definitely is more reflective of that. I don’t care as much about what people think style is ‘supposed’ to be… I don’t ever want to be confined to one look or image. I enjoy dressing for what makes me feel most comfortable and confident.” 
…On signing her record deal:
“One of the most memorable experiences, absolutely, has to be signing my record deal. Not only for the reason that it was what I had been working towards all the years prior, but the story that came along with having to fly to New York to make it happen. What was supposed to be a quick hour and a half flight from Toronto, turned into a 13 hour re-route through Atlanta, an emergency medical landing because someone had a seizure on the plane, and arriving in the middle of the night without my suitcase (that the airline had lost), with no clothes to meet the President of Universal Motown Records in the morning. What started out as a disaster, turned out to be such a beautiful, life-changing moment. It always happens that way for me.”
…On career highlights:
“Touring with Kanye West and then touring with Alicia Keys, two of my FAVORITE artists. I also got to be a part of the new ‘We Are The World’ tribute for Haiti, which was so surreal. I was singing chorus lines with Barbara Streisand, being directed by Quincy Jones!”
…On working with Roc Nation (a.k.a. Jay Z. No big deal or anything, you guys.):
“It was pretty crazy! I was actually one of their first signees. When they approached me about management, they set up a meeting. I had no idea that Jay Z would actually be in the meeting, so it was nerve racking and exciting all at the same. Having his support as a manager and as an artist is pretty cool, in business and as far a street credibility goes! He’s brilliant and having him as a resource for advice is definitely helpful along the creative path. Soon after I signed to them, Jay picked me as the face of the Rocawear Women’s line. They put a massive billboard of me from the campaign right in the middle of Times Square! Crazy!”
…On her style essentials:
“I would describe my style as the “Bohemian Tomboy”. If it flows, has fringe, or I can wear sneakers with it, I’m happy. I can’t live without my black leather Grey Ant sunglasses, favourite baggy G-star jeans, or my Nike Sky-Hi Dunks. Oh! and my Christian Louboutin Daffodile booties.”
…On the most Instagram-worthy restaurants in NY:
‘FOOD!!! Next to love… it is the most essential for me. I love Dos Caminos. Their sangria and fish tacos are soo good. But my absolute favourite food is Italian. My go-to choices are Carbone and Scarpetta. There’s not one thing on their menu that I don’t love. Everything is delicious.”
Photos & Interview highlights by Coveteur Magazine
Check out her new video: Cold Piece
