The musical landscape has become a fusion of everything from pop mixed with rap to rap mixed with R&B, to other mixtures that seem to blur the line when it comes to genres. R&B is a genre that seemed as though it was losing its footing in this landscape; however, with releases by notable artists like Tyrese, Sam Smith and Avery Sunshine the genre seems to be reclaiming its hold on the ears of listeners worldwide.
Melissa Clark is an amazing R&B artist from Chicago who embraces the genre and sounds amazing while she does it. Her voice is powerful and distinct. We had an opportunity to speak with her after her most recent performance at Wire. We discussed the resurgence of R&B and who she is as an artist.
Tell us who you are.
My name is Melissa Clark. I am an R&B singer/songwriter born and raised on the South Side of Chicago. I discovered I had a love for music at a very young age. I began recording music at the age of 13 and singing at venues around the Chicago area. Although I studied to become an educator, I continued to pursue performing at local venues, writing and recording music. I am currently a Chicago Public Schools science teacher. I have been teaching for 11 years and I still manage to educate children and entertain when I’m away from the classroom.
R&B has been at sort of an impasse these days. Why do you think it’s important to continue and share this genre of music?
I embrace R&B music because it is what I grew up listening to. It’s the music that has a sound you can never ignore. R&B lyrics primarily focus in the themes of triumphs and failures for African Americans in terms of relationships, economics and personal aspirations. It has been a tremendous drop in R&B music over the last several decades because there is such a competitiveness to stay relevant in the industry and compete with what is prevalent. I’m a firm believer that one should do what they love and makes them happy.
What artists would you say remind you of why you love R&B?
There are so many artists that remind me of why I love R&Bm so many from the past but currently I listen to Avery Sunshine, Ledisi, Johnny Gill, and Fantasia. I love artists who connect with the soul. These artists are masterful when connecting with their audiences.
Tell us about your newest single “All The Way.” What is it about?
My new single “All the Way” was released in July 2015. It depicts a softer side of my soulfulness. R&B is also about love and this song talks about taking your time in a relationship, not rushing anything. If you take your time and really get to know someone in a relationship, and make sure it’s what you really want, you can eventually go all the way, leading to something long term/something great.
What type of legacy do you wish to leave this world?
I want to be remembered for making great songs that all age groups will love and appreciate. I want to be consistent in doing so while not compromising my core values and beliefs as an educator. Creating a hit song is always the goal as an aspiring artist but I have to be comfortable with the lyrics. I want to stay true to R&B and to myself.
Tell us what’s next for you.
Right now I am currently working on an EP scheduled to be completed by the spring of 2016. I’ll continue to perform and create a buzz for myself while promoting my single. I want people to ask, “Who is Melissa Clark?”
What encouraging words would you like to leave with our readers?
I just want to tell anyone reading this article to follow your dreams and it is never too late. You don’t want to look back in life and wish that you did something you wanted to do. Even if it doesn’t work out, at least you can say you tried and I’m sure you will feel okay with that. Stay true to yourself and go “All the Way”.
Learn more about Melissa Clark by visiting her FB page:
https://www.facebook.com/Melissa-Clark-Music-640231776048630/timeline/
