Mel Denisse
Some artists write songs. Others build entire worlds. Mel Denisse does both.
With a sound that feels cinematic, shadowed, and emotionally charged, she crafts music that lingers in the in-between — where longing meets restraint, and vulnerability presses against silence. Her latest single, “aiming alone,” captures that fragile tension: the desire to be understood while standing behind invisible glass.
As both artist and producer, Mel Denisse moves through a genre-blurring landscape with striking intentionality, balancing creative control with emotional depth. Based in Nashville yet sonically untethered from expectation, she creates from a place that feels almost subterranean — part diary, part film score, part quiet rebellion against the noise of an industry moving at overdrive speed.
In this conversation, we explore isolation, authenticity, the pressure of algorithms, and the quiet power of building something that lasts.
“aim alone” is out now !
"aiming alone” explores the feeling of wanting to be understood while remaining emotionally sealed off. Where did that idea first begin for you?
Some of the lyrics that first came to me sort of described that picture and I dove further into that world- instrumentally there is also this feeling of a void and it all just sort of painted a picture together.
The image of being “close enough to see you, never close enough to meet you” is incredibly striking. Does that reflect your relationship with the world, the industry, or something more personal?
It was more so channeling into this character I saw in a story in my mind as I was writing this, as that really helps my writing process, but I can definitely draw from my own personal experience when it comes to not quite feeling understood at times.
The outro of the track feels almost like a surrender — but also a decision. Was that acceptance something you arrived at gradually while writing the song?
Yes, I wanted the ending to feel like the breaking point that the song was eventually building up to and a bit like that glass wall is shattering.
As both an artist and a producer, do you experience more freedom — or more pressure — having full control over your sound?
I lean more on the freedom side, and I’m lucky to have other talented producers around me as well that have been a part of the project.
Nashville has such a strong musical identity. How has being based there influenced (or challenged) your genre-defiant approach?
I think it definitely convenient to be here in a city that is so music oriented, but surprisingly it hasn’t really dictated things for me influence wise, since I feel like I’m in a cave most of the time working on stuff.
Your music has been described as cinematic and noir-drenched. Do visuals play a role in your songwriting process?
For sure, visuals play a big part whether it’s inspiration from art or fashion designers or even books that I’m reading. The music is such a multi-sensory piece for me where I’m seeing imagery with the emotions and trying to marry several things together.
When creating something as emotionally layered as “aiming alone,” do you start from a sonic texture or from a lyrical concept?
I grabbed this from one of my old voice memos and it had the guitar progression with the main vocal melody line from the chorus- so I quickly had an idea of what this was going to be and it was the fastest song to be finished off the EP.
BBC Radio 1 and major playlists have already supported your work. Has external recognition changed the way you approach your craft — or do you try to block that out?
Not too much, no. I always feel so thankful when the work can be recognized in that way, but either way I am approaching it the way that feels right for me.
In an industry often driven by trends and algorithms, how do you protect your authenticity?
Trends and algorithms really are driving a lot of music right now, so sometimes it’s challenging but I try to just have a balanced view of still doing what feels right while also learning how to present this story through music.
What are your thoughts on today's music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
It seems like so much is on overdrive now and if something blows up overnight, it’s like winning the lottery. I think that mindset can be really unhealthy for artists who are trying to develop and build their craft because they are set against such a crazy goal to live up to to be noticed. There are pros and cons to everything, but I do miss and appreciate the slow craft of creating a body of work that can stand through time.
There’s a strong sense of emotional urgency in your music. Do you see songwriting as catharsis, confrontation, or something else entirely?
I’ve always been drawn to strong, heavy emotion in music, so I definitely seek that for my own as well. A lot of the themes touch on introspective things that someone may not be able to easily vocalize in how they’re feeling, but having a song that can sit with them in that place so they’re not alone.
What does “connection” mean to you as an artist — especially when your latest single explores distance and isolation?
I know there’s a lot of people that are struggling through those themes of isolation and not feeling seen, and if it can bring any catharsis or comfort, that’s one of the most rewarding things to me as an artist that brings connection.
For listeners who feel unseen or misunderstood, what do you hope they take away from “aiming alone”?
That in my experience a lot of people that are misunderstood probably have some very unique gifts that are worth exploring, and being patient with allowing the right people to come alongside you.
Looking ahead, are you leaning further into this darker, genre-blurring world — or are you planning another unexpected shift?
I think the genre blurring will be getting even more blurred ;)
How do you take care of your mental health on a daily basis?
I try to move my body as much as I can and carve out time for myself to do something I can zone out to like read or play a video game. Other times I like to meditate and clear out my thoughts when I feel like a lot has built up.
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