Brian Melo Releases His First New Solo Song In Over A Decade
After more than a decade since his last solo release, Brian Melo, the winner of Canadian Idol Season 5 in 2007, and a Gold-certified artist for his album Livin’ It, is making his return with his brand new single “Middleman”, released today with an accompanying music video.
Known for chart-topping hits like “All I Ever Wanted,” “Shine,” and “Summertime,” Brian Melo’s musical journey has taken him through remarkable highs and experiences across the music industry. Following his Canadian Idol victory, he crafted a successful career, touring Canada and showcasing his versatility as an artist.
In 2010, Melo released his sophomore album The Truth, along with the singles “Soundproof” and “Anywhere But Here”. Melo toured that album for a few years, before making a bold move to Nashville in 2015, where he started a band project called Apollo’s Crown. The band toured extensively through the southern US for several years, before Melo decided to move back to Canada to get married, concentrate on songwriting, and start a family. In June of this year, Brian and his wife, Samantha, welcomed their new baby boy, Gabriel Cruz Melo, to the world.
“Middleman” marks a significant turning point in Melo’s career as he delves back into his musical roots. The single is a fusion of roots rock and a touch of country, encapsulating the essence of Melo’s passion for storytelling through song. “Middleman” showcases his musical evolution and growth as a songwriter, while retaining the signature sound that captivated audiences early in his career.
Congratulations on the release of your new single and video for “Middleman”. This is your first new release in over a decade. What have you been doing all these years?
After the release of “The Truth” in 2010 I toured for several years and then in 2015 I moved to Nashville and started a band called “Apollo’s Crown”. We toured a lot in the southern US and then in 2019 I decided to move back to Canada to get married, start a family, and get back to writing for myself as a solo artist. I’ve been busy being a new husband and father to my beautiful wife Samantha and my son Gabriel, who was born in June of this year.
What can you tell us about “Middleman”?
“Middleman” was a song that I originally wrote to pitch to other artists. As I started sharing the song with people they kept encouraging me to record it for myself. So it was kind of a dark horse in my song list and as we started recording it, it quickly became a favourite for my first new single release.
Can we expect more new music from you soon? What is your plan going forward?
Absolutely!!! I plan to release LOTS of music in the future. I’ll release a minimum of 4 to 5 songs in the coming months with an album to follow.
What is more important to you in the long run – being a songwriter, or being a recording artist, and why?
That’s a tough question because I love both aspects of the musical process equally. I wouldn’t say one is more important than the other because they both serve different needs. But if I had to choose one it probably would be songwriting. I’m addicted to the songwriting process.
What is the most important lesson you have learned about being a songwriter and a recording artist?
As cliche as it sounds it’s to always be true to yourself. No one has lived a day in your shoes and even if you don’t think so, you have a story to tell that will resonate with people out there. Stay authentic, don’t try to fit in, trust your gut, and always bet on yourself.