Melissa Mars is an actress + singer who stared in the movie Curse
Of Mesopotamia. I met her
through my friend Lauand
Omar the director + writer of the
movie. She’s a French born actress, international performer + I
had the pleasure of having a lovely conversation with her about her
inspirations + influences as an artist. From a young age she knew
she was different and over the years she has inspired many through her music
and performances. During this interview we explored the many facets of Melissa
Mars as a musician + actress. You’ll find out which Hollywood classic she would
remake, what city inspires her music the most + how her fans connect with her
music. Enjoy!
Name: Melissa Mars
Type of Artist: Singer & Actress {Equally. I always
miss the other when I am not doing it.}
Country/ City Of Origin: Paris, France
Astrology Sign: Virgo
Animal Spirit: Panther – My spirit resembles the physicality,
agility and perseverance}
Superhero Alter Ego: Batman or Iron Man
Go-To Drink/Cocktail: I don’t drink alcohol so it would
be. Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice mixed
with fresh lemon and/or mango juice.
Vice/Guilty Pleasure: Candy & Chocolate {I have sweet
tooth}
Go to Party/Release/Let It
Go Song: My go to song is
ever evolving. Right now I am really into, “Can’t Hold Us” Macklemore, Love Me
Again by John Newman. I am addicted to the application Shazaam, I use it all when
I hear a song I absolutely love.
How Many Languages Do You
Speak: French, English,
Spanish, German, Arabic, Japanese. I’m a bit rusty in my German and Japanese,
but if I were to visit Germany for a month, I’m sure I’ll be able to pick it
back up.
Do you recall a moment when you realized you wanted to be and singer or actress? As a child I was always playing make believe and creating stories and characters on my own. I was an only child so I would play by myself as well as embody the different characters. It wasn’t until I was 9 years old, when I realized acting is what I want to do when I became an adult. It’s funny, I actually remember announcing it in school, they would ask what you wanted to do as an adult, and everyone laughed, thinking it was beyond people like us to dream so big.
Which artist inspires you the
most? Angelina
Jolie, I love how she balances the many layers of being a woman such as her sex
appeal, career, family kids & international relations. I think she is a great
example of how we as women can do it all and don’t have to limit ourselves to one
thing. I relate to her as I’ve always
had an inclination to help children and those in need. Helen Keller is another
person I very much admire. Her story is severely inspirational and an
inspiration for those who want to overcome adversities. In the story/play “The
Miracle Worker” she finds her ability to overcome her handicaps which was very
inspirational. I was very intrigued by her tutors’ {Anne Sullivan} persistence
and ability to change the life of Helen Keller enabling her to do more than
many ever expected, such as writing books etc.
What city best describes you
as a singer? Michigan is
what inspires me a lot right now. That’s where I first saw Fall in all it’s
beauty. I was able to visit the original headquarters of Motown in Detroit and
was so inspired by the history and the legacy they created in music and pop
culture in general. I was apart of a project where Coca Cola picked 52 international singers to create 52
songs about what happiness is to them. My song “Beautiful” is one of the songs
on the Coca Cola compilation songs of happiness. Pharell’s song "Happy" is also on of
course. My song "Beautiful" is a Vosa Nova song which I created after I
visited and became inspired by Michigan & Motown.
How do you want your art to
music to inspire others. What’s your message/objective? When I released my first single and I was
confronted with the notion that my music was helping others and it excited me,
but it didn’t start off that way. Because I always had dreams of being an
actress when I started singing I felt as if I was stealing someone’s dreams
because my main desire was to be an actress. I didn’t understand it was how it
was meant to be and this is how life is. When they ask for my musical
inspiration and favorite singer I didn’t think I would know what to say, as
this wasn’t my main focus growing up, it was always acting. When my first
single didn’t work I thought, I was right & I shouldn’t be doing this. Then
I went on holiday {vacation} and got an idea for my song "Daddy Doesn’t Recognize Me. This was the first time I was expressing myself and telling
stories. I realized it was my mission & purpose and it made me very
excited. That song had so many effects on people, I started receiving letters
from fans thanking me. I even had fans thank me saying, thanks to your music I
didn’t commit suicide. That really made me understand the power of my music. I
would like my music to influence others in a positive way and help people
through adversities.
Through
your travels you have experienced the influence of some very different
cultures. Have they made an impact on your work and perspective as
a singer? The topic of my 3rd album was about a love story, which
was frozen. “Army of Love” is a song off that album and it was very personal to
me, it actually came to me in photos. I had an image of myself stuck in ice, 1,000
of little Melissa Mars stuck in ice. I had the concept but no lyrics. For nine months no lyrics! That’s why we went to Iceland and there is where I felt it, it came to me and I told my mom it should be called "Army Of Love."
Art
is an ever-evolving thing. How do you manage to stay current as a singer? I
listen to current music, and work with great producers, as a producer’s job is to
stay current and relevant with the music and beats they create. I focus on photos & melodies while they come with the production and we collaborate.
If you can star in a remake of a classic
film, which film would it be and who would you play? “Splender
in the Grass” with Natalie Wood. I think Natalie Wood did such an amazing job,
I would love to simply star alongside her.
What
part of the world best describes your mood when you create? El Matador Beach in
Malibu. It’s very
colorful, and it's amazing to observe that blue ocean crash into those large rocks. At time's it's peaceful and other times it’s rocky and contentious. That is a
constant battle during the creative process.
Where would you alter ego
live? My alter ego
travels through other people. People who come in and out of your life.
What's your favorite beach? Malibu Beach.
If
you could be any animal which would you be? A bird, I love the status
of Eagles. Very regal and strong.
In your travels what cities
best inspire you creatively?
Right now Michigan, Detroit area.
What are your “must haves”
when you travel? 2
luggage pieces with all of my fashion must haves. I have a fashion blog for my
fans on Chictopia.
What’s you favorite room in
your house? I love my home/room
in Paris. I’m currently moving round a lot, but my ideal favorite room would
have a balcony, bedroom with a balcony.
Name some of your favorite
hotels? The Mondrian, I
love the décor and the rooms. I was in LA and I kept changing hotels but when I
got to the Mondrian I loved it so much I didn’t want to leave the hotel. I
wanted to stay there and enjoy it. I also love the W hotel everywhere, but I
really like the ones in NY, such as the W hotel on Wall Street &
Timesquare.
What
fashion house/designer is your favorite?
Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld, Jean Paul Gaultier, Julien Fournie.
What city best describes your love life? Anyplace has it’s own romantic feeling
because it’s the romantic energy from the people that will help create the
romantic atmosphere. Even friends can create a romantic experience by
discussing romance in a particular city, region or atmosphere.
What romantic journey do you want your
music to take your fans on? That’s a great question. I do have friends
who met because of me and they call their baby a Martian Baby. That’s one of the best outcomes from a
romantic journey right? Creating life from your love. I would love the same for
my fans, to be able to come together in love, with love and create & live
with love! Love is a healer and I think it’s safe to say the world can never
have too much love, right?
The bicycle print on this tie reminded me
of the textile trend which exhibits a Schwin bicycle aesthetic. These bicycle
printed textiles are great as accents which can/will exhibit your mood + or
personality. The grey color scale of this tie is a commonly used by
manufacturers, but the bicycle impression is a great unexpected touch of
character. Go to Harrison Blake to see more of their ties and subscription box. 
