A self-made force: Melody McArthur previews her May 2026 album with “Roses Never Fade”
From the stages of Alberta to the lights of Off-Broadway, Melody McArthur is a name that has become synonymous with powerhouse vocals and artistic independence. As a multi-award-winning singer, songwriter, and actor, she has spent years meticulously crafting a brand and a discography that resonates far beyond the Canadian border.
With six acclaimed albums already under her belt and a prestigious 2025 Horizon Alumni Award from the University of Alberta to her name, McArthur is entering her most ambitious year yet. While many recognize her as the former lead of the hit musical Bear Grease, she is currently preparing for the world premiere of Tomson Highway’s Rose at the National Arts Centre this spring.
Today, we are thrilled to feature a first look at the lead single from her highly anticipated seventh studio album, The Gospel Truth (arriving May 2026). Titled “Roses Never Fade,” the track serves as a poignant introduction to this new era of her career.
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Tansî, Hello, Salut! My name is Melody McArthur, I am a vocalist, songwriter, actor, and contractor for Alberta Justice Services. I am originally from Treaty 8 Territory In Northern rural Alberta, a little rugged around the edges, but educated, self-reliant and have been performing on stages since I was a toddler.
“Roses Never Fade” is a beautiful, timeless title. What was the specific “spark” or moment that inspired this song, and why did you choose it as the world’s first introduction to your 7th album?
The title was inspired by a gospel tune called Where the Roses Never Fade; a song I grew up singing and heard sung by many musicians around the communities I lived and worked in. That particular tune is told – I believe – from the perspective of someone crossing over into the afterlife but very much looking forward to what that next journey may bring.
I chose this song as my first single because it was the first song I wrote for the new album and catalyst behind what I truly believe to be my most authentic, raw, honest, and resonating music to date. I wrote it during a major life transition from a nearly 4-year consecutive touring schedule and life out on the road with a family of artists I grew to love immensely but needing to move on from, grow, and challenge myself as an artist. I was broken, lost, aching and afraid of what life may bring based on actions I came to know needed to be taken to save myself, want more from life again, and to find my most authentic voice, and I believe I have in Roses Never Fade, a song I penned about addiction, affliction, and the pain but also beauty of the human condition.
You’ve titled this upcoming album “The Gospel Truth.” Does this signify a shift toward a more acoustic or spiritual sound, or is it a reference to a new level of honesty in your songwriting?
I would say The Gospel Truth references both a spiritual journey and novel – to me anyway – honest, and vulnerably raw chapter. Not only in the writing and recording process of the album but also the experiences I have had thus far and believe I will come to have during the post-production and release process as well.
With six albums already under your belt, how do you feel your sound has evolved from your debut to The Gospel Truth?
Exponentially and profoundly. The journey from my first album Redneck Reservation to The Gospel Truth has been full of grief, loss, incredible triumphs, traumas, love, lessons and strength. From my songwriting, to my producing skills, to honing my ability to write and perform melodies and vocals that resonate with every day people from many walks of life I feel I am in the best place I have ever been in terms of artistic merit, focus, brand, image, and style. Would not be here today if not for all those wins and losses and willingness to take risks.
You are known for being a “self-made artist” who crafts your own brand. How did that independence shape the creative direction of this new project compared to your earlier work?
The gospel truth is, without access to resources, support, and a professional team to help guide my artistry, it took a lot longer than it maybe should have to get here but no regrets because I had to go through all of that to become the force I am on and off a stage. So, prior to having immersive hands-on experiences and performing for large audiences in renowned venues, and touring all around North America, my songwriting and release strategies – in hindsight – needed a lot of work, direction, focus, and surrending to as well as distancing from all the outside noise that tends to suppress or inhibit the creative process such as – but not limited to – addictions, abusive and toxic relationships, social media toxicity, industry pressure, lateral violence, and unhealed wounds and traumas. All of which I have worked on which lead me to a more internal focus and attention paid to my spirit, the path Creator intended for me to walk, and who I really am as an artist and what I really want to say.
If you had to describe the “vibe” of The Gospel Truth in just three words, what would they be?
Haunting, Empowering, Representation.
As a proud member of the Bigstone Cree Nation, how does your Indigenous heritage influence the “emotionally-driven performances” that critics often highlight?
I am an artist who happens to be First Nation, not an Indigenous artist. I write songs and represent myself in a way that opens up dissemination, dialogue and storytelling between myself, spirit, the ancestors, and other human beings who identify with my story, journey, beliefs and approach to life.
I am very proud of the communities that helped shape who I am as a person. Specific to First Nations people and the history of colonization, assimilation, and indoctrination you could definitely say many themes addressed in The Gospel Truth album are interwoven experiences influenced by multiple intergenerational impacts of being colonized. However, being colonized is not an exclusive to Indigenous People existence as we are all impacted by colonial systems. We are all colonized people in Canadian society. Indigenous communities just tend to be more aware of their unique experiences and the traumas brought about by colonization, but we are all impacted by the process in some way; some more so than others. I am a passionate performer. I feel everything, often too much at times but that is – I observe – to be the one thing about me audiences resonate with most, and I have a witty sense of humour and humility that seemingly does not go unnoticed. Is that because I am First Nation? I could not say, I am shaped in a particular way because of my beautiful heritage, but under the constructed label of Indigenous, I am just a human being with Creator-given artistic gifts for which I am very grateful.
Aiy hiy ninaskamowin
Thank you, merci beaucoup!