Melotika released her video to ““Don’t Believe (You Speak)” and we were abundantly impacted by the immediate display of her gaudy fashion selection, serving looks before her intricate vocals finishes off the detail. The chemistry between her and the other characters in the video was nicely orchestrated well to a point where it seemed almost natural and highly fitting for the aesthetic of the record. What I appreciated the most about Melotika's music video was her intricate way of fabricating complex storytelling and exceeding the expectations I had for a pop style visual. The video was really different than anything I've seen for quite sometime! If you throw-it-back to 2005 when Panic! At The Disco released their music video for "I Write Sins Not Tragedies", thinking how cool and captivating that music video was - like you are watching a short film or theater performance. I got that exact same feeling and vibe from Melotika's video "“Don’t Believe (You Speak)”. “Don’t Believe (You Speak)” has a sexual and powerful stance that we loved. I was highly impressed by Melotika’s way of demonstrating her sensual character in a subtle erotic manner. The long hours, acting and persistence really paid off for Melotika and the team. “Don’t Believe (You Speak)” is a song and video that you need to check out!
Check out our exclusive interview with Melotika about her new music video below.
Listen to "“Don’t Believe (You Speak)” here.
Hi Melotika! Congratulations on your new music video! What was your initial vision for the video? Did the outcome match your expectations?
My initial vision for the video was to captivate the meaning behind the song “Don’t Believe (You Speak)” visually as best as possible. During the pre-production of the video, with Cinematographer from Mississauga Eric Soto, we discussed the meaning and origin behind the song and dived into psychology and popular culture. “Don’t Believe (You Speak)” is about being in a toxic relationship and how the relationship failed due to false expectations and emotional abuse. The video was meant to have an actual story line with different characters portraying different roles of the relationship. The video was also made to empower the victim of this toxic, abusive relationship. The outcome did indeed match my expectations! The pre-production was done cautiously in order to captivate the meaning of the song. Every role and actor had a purpose and significance. A general script was written and behind the scenes myself, Melotika, directed all the actors and had created all the costumes in order to make the story work. Simple gestures, facial expressions, costume and body language were crucial elements to make this indie music video work.
How would you interpret the video for our readers in your own artist perspective?
The video is obvious in the sense that there is one male character, played by hip hop artist Krosst Out, dominating (or at least trying to!) the three women seen in the video. This was purposely done to make light of the stereotypes in Western Culture where the alpha male will do anything to get what he wants through manipulation and power, however in the end his tactics fail. It is noticeable in the video that Melotika is conflicted with this character. Throughout the video both Melotika and the aplha male are constantly arguing and at each other's throats.
One of the females played by Elysya Scerbo-Pasta, known as Elle Dante, portrays the role of a flirty, pin-up style female who can easily seduce the alpha male. Her role also signifies what the alpha male TRULY WANTS the most in a significant other and wishes his partner were extremely feminine, playful, and flirtatious at all times. This was done to make light of the stereotypes created in Western Culture and false expectations of ‘what a women should be’. The other female played by Lenka Schrottová, known as Lenkina Von Check, represents rather the complete opposite: a conservative and corporate female with her guards up and does not trust the alpha male one bit. The alpha male character in this video fails to gain this characters attention. Her role signifies what the alpha male DOESN’T WANT in a significant other which is being strong, prudent, and sharp because if that were to happen, the alpha male would feel, in his perspective, less in power. Again, this was done to make light of the stereotypes created in Western Culture and false expectations of ‘what a women should not be’. Now that it is 2019 and these subjects are no longer taboo, it was a great opportunity for myself to play with this topic through creating performance art. The final character that we see in the indie music video is a mime. In theatre and drama, a mime is known for bodily gestures and techniques for entertainment purposes. Mime’s do not speak; such as the title of the song “Don’t Believe (You Speak).” I had the idea of introducing a mime to elaborate further on this subject as a metaphor, meaning women should not be “silenced” and that women do have a say in society, relationships, careers etc. In this video, the mime also signifies creativity, intelligence, and being the outsider of this awkward situation between the aplha male and the three women in the video. The mime is looking over the situation, sort of like a narrator of the story and/or the subconscious of the main character, Melotika. Finally, Elle Dante kindly brought a long to the scene her snake Dakota. Serpents typically symbolise fertility, rebirth and transformation. This fit in perfectly with the video as it brought something new to the plate; something fun and alluring.
How has this project been different than anything you've done before?
My previous music videos did not involve other actors. This was exciting and special because I was able to get out of my comfort zone and allow others to help tell a story. I introduced people who are very close to me in my personal life such as hip-hop Krosst Out, who is my current partner and Elle Dante and Lenkina Von Check who are very close friends of mine. It was great to see these people on camera in a Melotika video! I took deeply into consideration everyone's strengths and personalities to fit them in these unique roles. Having the opportunity to assist Eric Soto behind the scenes directing the actors was a very fun process as well. When it comes to art, I get really into it. I remember asking the actors to mimic what I was doing behind the camera so that they can choreograph the same movements and gestures in front of the camera and make it all happen. It was also advised to them to remain poker face while I give them a lap dance. I would say things like “YES! This is a great moment. Do it again!” or things like “stay right there, don’t move. Tilt your head to the side...’’ I think one of the worst parts in making this video was that I had to slap Krosst Out really hard in front of the camera to get some emotion. Another funny moment was asking Krosst Out to give a kiss on the cheek to one of my friends. I thought this was funny! It’s all for the art!
Do you find any challenges in connecting with the camera or is it second nature to you?
Somehow connecting with the camera is easy. It allows me to be the person I always wanted to be and to express myself the most. In everyday life I am more of an introvert. A lot goes through my wandering mind,. When a camera is in front of me, suddenly I feel at ease and it is finally my time to shine. As a teenager I had practiced a lot of photography and small skits in college. This may have helped me overcome camera challenges.
What’s one of your favorite parts in creating a music video?
My favorite parts in creating a music video beyond creating a unique story to tell, is the costumes, makeup and props. If you have seen my other videos, you will find a similar trend with my videos: elements of quirkiness, the meticulous use of colour and props that have actual significance. I love putting the pieces of my own puzzles together and making things happen. Creating music videos allow me to change my persona for fun, get theatrical and act.
We can't wait to hear what's next from you! What can your fans expect in 2019?
This year for 2019, I will be releasing a few singles. It is intended to make at least one new music video to go along with one of the singles. On March 15th, I will be participating in The Bout Showcase Festival in Toronto at The Hideout. In the Month of May, along with Krosst Out, we will be touring Canada’s West Coast to meet new fans and network with other artists. A lot of other shows will be scheduled for the year. No dates officially confirmed as of yet but to be expected to perform in Canada’s East Coast during the summer time!
Connect with Melotika on social media:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/melotikamusic Twitter: www.twitter.com/melotikamusic Instagram: www.instagram.com/melotikamusic
Website: https://melotika.com