Melted State is a promising up-and-coming band that are on the heels of releasing their newest musical endeavor, Dipped in Soul. The group, who has been garnering love from fans and critics alike, have recently been sharing their single, “Say You’re With Me,” to acclaim. Together the group create an unstoppable force that will peak the interest of your ears immediately. Their sound is soulful, blissful, and a whole lot of Rock n’ Roll, that brings the classics home. We had the chance to catch up with Melted State as they share with us the past, present and future of the band.
What comes first when writing, the music or the lyrics? Why so?
Music always comes first. Sometimes it will be a vocal melody, a guitar line, or a chord progression but the music always comes first. I believe if you can convey a feeling with just the music, without the lyrics, then anyone can love it even if you don’t understand the language.
What is the theme and concept behind the upcoming new record? What inspired you to create the songs?
Dipped in Soul is about acceptance, self forgiveness, and Love. It’s about trying to see things from someone else’s point of view instead of being stuck in your own thoughts and feelings. I think when you do that something beautiful comes about. Something you didn’t think existed in you. Creating these songs definitely came from a place of a broken heart. But instead of spreading that pain I wanted to write about my reflection on that time. It’s an interesting place to be in because you have to figure how to love yourself again as well as forgive the person who broke your heart.
The vocals are silky smooth with an incredible. What vocalists do you look up to and how did you craft your vocal style?
Oh man. Too many to count. BB King, God rest his soul, has always been a big influence on me. The tone and feeling he got just couldn’t be replicated. I love old soul and blues singers. Ray Charles, Nina Simone, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin; those type of singers just always did it for me. But I also like D’Angelo, Susan Tedeschi, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, Sharon Jones. I could go on forever.
What kind of instruments do you use on the new record?
The EP really has classic instruments on it. Guitars, Organ and Rhodes, Bass, and Drums. Just with a little twist of a modern style to it.
Do you record the new album on your own, or did you head to the studio with an outside producer?
Drums were recorded in a studio downtown San Jose. Other than that everything was done in house. Thank you to our friend Greg Randuch for letting us use his home studio for a while. We recorded the rest at our home studio. Our guitarist Angelo Santi engineered the EP. Did a great job too. He and I produced it. Our friend Scott Nagareda mastered it for us. There is definitely something special about keeping it all in the family.
What is the inspiration behind the new single, “Say You’re with Me”?
The song was inspired by not wanting a lover to leave. When you get into those rough periods you can’t just demand your partner to make a snap decision. You have to give them the time and space they need. If they end up leaving, then it’s ok. At least you gave the situtaion some room to breathe. It’s also a reminder to me to give second chances. Simply, that’s what I would want.
With elements of an array of genres, how do you combine those elements to craft your own, unique sound?
Years and years of grinding away. A lot of the older styles take a lot of time to develop. You throw in some elements of pop and rock and it starts to take shape. When it comes down to it we play music that makes us feel good. Stuff that makes us happy.
Where do you see Melted State 10 years from now?
I see Melted State ruling the world in 10 years! Oh wait, I meant touring the world! haha. But seriously a few albums out, a couple Grammy’s, headlining huge festivals. I want us to grow at a rate that is sustainable. Don’t want to burn out. Just like BB King I want to play till my last days. Not because we have to but because we want to. Grew up around these guys. This is a family band. And family stays together.
