How would you describe your music?

It sounds like a sky punch.

You grew up in Puryicard, France, not exactly a location famed for its blossoming music scene. When and how did you get into music?

Where I’m from doesn’t have any venues and we didn’t get any cool radios stations in my city, only dance or French hip-hop. I started discovering some of the biggest rock bands when I dated my first boyfriend in high school. Only when I moved to Paris around 18 did I experience the whole experimental music world.

You’re Melody by name, but are you melodic by nature? Does writing music come naturally or is it something you need to work for?

My dad was a bass player in an Italian Rock band in the 70’s and both my parents are in love with music! I lived in a house where you could hear Vangelis, Michael Jackson, Coltrane, Sibelius, Arvo Part, all at the same time. I don’t know if I am naturally melodic, I’ve been trained a lot.

You sing in both French and English. Does one enable you to express yourself more than the other?

I’ve never naturally written in French until recently when I was recording in Perth. I think I was a bit sick of hearing Aussies talk all day long so I started mumbling to myself in French. I just needed to connect to France in some way so I wrote my first French songs there! I guess it feels easier to me to sing more abstract, weird things in English. In French I feel a bit too self-conscious and everything sounds so serious…

Melody’s Echo Chamber is pretty fresh on the live scene. Are live performances something that make you nervous or excited?

A bit of both: I’m always pretty excited to play but I’m shy and being on stage in front of a bunch of people doesn’t feel that natural or comfortable yet. I haven’t played many gigs so I hope I’ll get less nervous with time and enjoy it even more! I hope people will enjoy sharing that moment with us too.

The debut album sees you collaborate with Kevin Parker of Tame Impala. How did you guys meet?

Guru Kevin Parker produced my album and played bass and drums on the record. We met after Tame Impala’s first show in Paris at my friend’s bar Le Motel.

The album is set for release on the 5 November. What do you hope for as a response?

I guess I just hope people can escape a little when listening to the record.

You’ve been in a number of bands before. Is Melody’s Echo Chamber here to stay?

Yes, absolutely. I feel like I’ve found myself and blossomed with this record – I can’t wait to record some new songs.

Good news. So, what can we expect in 2013?

I think I’m just gonna go record some new music as soon as I can and hopefully travel the world with it!

Melody Echo Chamber’s self-titled album is out 5 November. She plays London’s Cargo on 6 November. melosechochamber.tumblr.com

Words: Angus Griffin
Images: Diane Sagnier

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