FEATURED INTERVIEWS                          

Rue Melo

Ready to groove? Groove to this! Rue Melo loves you.
By: Gian Erguiza - - May 21st, 2008 - 11:48 am PST



Check it, check it, Ms. Rue comin' through! With infectious lyrics and infectious grooves, provided by the her live band, Rue is putting a spin to the way things are done and she is taking "Urban Pop" to the next level. So what is Rue Melo all about? Let's find out.

Hey Rue, can you please do me a huge favor and give our readers a quick history lesson on the band and how it all began?

We pretty much got together 3 years ago in the middle of my solo album, where I came to realize that I wanted to play with a live band of my own. My manager introduced me to the boys and I instantly knew they would be a perfect fit. We immediately had them play live on the album and give it what it was missing. The four of us have been touring for the passed year.

Your debut CD, rightly titled, “Rue Melo,” is out now on Fighter Records. How much work went into making this album as far as production, recording, and sound?

Two years worth of work went into this baby. My father, brother and my favorite producer Bernd Burgdorf all worked along side me helping bring about the album that I envisioned.

Which song off your debut best describes what Rue Melo is all about and which one is the bands favorite on the record or in a live setting?

“This is My House” is definitely the introduction to who I am. As far as the bands favorite song to perform, it’s definitely “Con Alma Y Corazon”

What were you guys hoping to accomplish with your debut record and do you guys have any expectations?

Of course I hope the album does well, but really most importantly, I just want people to listen to it and take something from it.

What is the songwriting process like for you guys? Do a lot of songs end up on the cutting room floor? Where do you guys derive from when writing your songs?

The writing process, just kinda depends who I am working with. With the band, it all starts in a rehearsal setting, everyone is just freestyling and playing around until we land on something that we really dig. Then we pick it apart kinda like surgery.

In the studio, I kinda do the same thing with Bernd just in a studio setting.

The writing portion usually comes from a personal experience or whatever is going on around in our world.

Having the ability to speak 3 languages must definitely be an advantage. And from watching the video for ‘Enamorada,’ I see that you (Rue) use it well to your advantage. How has having this ability changed your perspective as a musician or songwriter and where did you guys learn the sweet dance moves!?

It gives me more of a way to express myself. Knowing that with three languages, I can reach more people, challenges me to write about things that maybe I wouldn’t, if I was only writing from an American perspective.

"The writing portion usually comes from a personal experience or whatever is going on around in our world."

The sweet dance moves? We get it from our mama’s

Let’s switch gears here. The presidential election is getting real heated. Do you guys pay any attention to what’s happening in the election or are you guys going with a certain someone? Barack, Mccain, Clinton? Why?

My bass player watches countless hours of CNN that lead to van discussions, everyones got their own opinion, and we kinda want to keep it personal. But we’re very aware.

So since you guys are L.A. based, you guys must definitely know how to live it up in this real melting pot for different artists and bands with different styles, sound and genres. Where do you guys fit into this musical landscape and what are you guys’ thoughts on the current happenings in the music world?

We started calling our music “urban pop” when we couldn’t narrow it down to one genre. It seems to best describe our mixture.

As far as the music world, its up to us to bring back to what it once was, in the good ol’ days. Us and handful of really talented artists out there.

Rue Melo loves ___________________________.

Food, Basketball and New York.

The digital revolution is upon us. Some say that the internet is ‘killing music’ and some say that it’s ‘helping music.’ Do you guys feel that the internet is ‘killing music’ or ‘helping music’ and what are your thoughts on digital downloading?

I feel like people were not prepared for the change, but once catch up, I feel like it can only be good for both the artists and music lovers.

What’s the biggest misconception about Rue Melo?

When I first come on stage, people usually think a small voice will come out of this little body, its funny to watch the looks on their faces once I open my mouth.

What is Rue Melo’s plans for 2008? What can we expect from Rue Melo in 08?

Look out for the “This Is My House” video and lots of shows all over U.S.

Any additional comments or shout-outs?

I want to give a shout-out to the best roadie ever 'Beef' and to all the fans who come to the shows to support.

Thanks Rue!



  I Email to Friend  I Print

RELATED CONTENT

Rue Melo - "Check It" Music Video

Rue Melo - Rue Melo On Mun2's the Shuffle
Check out Rue Melo on Mun2's The Shuffle

Rue Melo - "Enamorada" Music Video
Rue Melo - "Enamorada"

Need more info about this band?
Official Site
Rue Melo's Myspace

What do you think of Frantik Mag? Tell us your thoughts!