Nov 20 2021

Melissa Jordano on her music journey, creative tastes & debut EP “Lullabye”

By David Presley

Great to have you on Xttrawave. Please, introduce yourself.

Hey there! Thanks for having me! I’m Melissa Jordano, a singer, songwriter, and managing member of the internationally touring, NYC-based a cappella group, Backtrack Vocals.

What got you into music and made you realize that it was your chosen path?

I had an untraditional path to a career in music. Despite singing in choirs throughout high school and in an a cappella group at Johns Hopkins University, I never imagined that I could actually succeed as a singer. I majored in Film & Media Studies with minors in Applied Mathematics & Statistics and Entrepreneurship & Management, and when I ended up working at a large insurance company in their actuarial training program, I thought I was set.

It turned out a corporate job was not for me. The rigid structure was difficult, and I didn’t feel connected to my work. I also missed singing and the social aspect of being in an a cappella group, so I auditioned and joined Backtrack in 2015 when it was transitioning from a YouTube- only group to a live-performing group. As we received more and more gig requests, we realized that we could perhaps make this our living. We made that our goal, and in 2017, I quit my day job to pursue music full-time.

Today, Backtrack tours all over the country, taking the stage at perform at performing arts centers, universities, schools, and private and corporate events. Through co-managing Backtrack, I’ve learned how to run a small business, handling matters including booking, finances, taxes, contracts, agents and managers, social media, and internal aﬀairs. I’m further affirmed in my decision to pursue music every day – the joy I get from singing is unparalleled, and it feels amazing to be my own boss, to be onstage, and to be making music with some of my best friends.

Tell us about your new music? And what’s the story behind it?

I am thrilled to have released my debut EP, “Lullabye,” on November 5th. For years I had been saying I wanted to release an EP or album, and generally my excuse was not having the time. However, with Backtrack’s tour dates cancelled because of Covid-19, I ran out of excuses. I used the downtime to write and to learn how to record myself from home. Several of the songs were inspired by overcoming and pushing through the insecurities and fears that have held me back, and working on the EP throughout the pandemic definitely helped me to process, express myself, and heal.

What makes your music unique? How would you describe it?

I would describe my music as fierce and edgy pop. There’s a heavy focus on vocals and my lyrics tend to be introspective and a tad dark as well. When writing music, I usually start with a melody or lyrics, so working with Archie and Jack from The Write Music Group on production was super exciting – their musicianship and production skills brought my songs to life!

Who are your biggest music inﬂuences? And any particular artist/band you would like to collaborate with in the future?

Demi Lovato. Not only are her vocals insane, but her songs are so touching and personal, and she has been such a role model. I love her anthems about self-love and confidence.

Dua Lipa. She writes “bops.” A friend described “Lullabye” as a “Lullabop” and that was such a compliment!

Finally, the ladies of the ‘90s and early ‘00s, shaped my musical tastes growing up. I was obsessed with the Spice Girls, Britney Spears, Destiny’s Child, Avril Lavigne, and Christina Aguilera.

It would be a dream to collaborate with Little Mix. I love their fierce vocals, catchy songs, and stage presence. I also always enjoy working with an ensemble, so it would be incredible to work alongside such talented women.

Which is the best moment in your musical career that you’re most proud of?

I’ve had the privilege of performing in some incredible venues including Carnegie Hall, Beacon Theater, BB&T Pavilion and on Steve Harvey’s daytime show, but the proudest moment of my musical career was last week after a performance at a college in Iowa. Like all performing groups, Backtrack was hit hard by the pandemic, and all of us had to decide how to move forward individually and as a group. For me, there is nothing better than being on stage and making music, but three of the five members decided to pivot and not return to a touring- lifestyle. This was really stressful and scary because the future of the group was uncertain.

Luckily, we’ve now secured three amazing new members, and the show in Iowa was the first for two of them. It felt amazing and easy to share the stage with them, and I am so excited for the future of the group. I truly feel like a proud parent and can’t stop bragging and showing video of our new members to family and friends.

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?

I would encourage aspiring musicians to follow their dreams and also be open to opportunities that present themselves along the way. You often hear, “Find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life,” but I like to say, “Find a job you love and you’ll be motivated to work hard every day of your life.” A career in music is a constant hustle and a lot of hard work, but it is also so rewarding and there’s nothing else I’d rather do.

If you had one message to give to your fans, what would it be? What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects?

I would like to thank my family, friends, and fans for all their support. I felt really vulnerable writing and releasing “Lullabye,” but the positive response has been so encouraging and made me realize that I am my biggest critic and there are people out there who enjoy and gain something from my music. With the world opening back up, I am excited to be back on the road with Backtrack Vocals, and I also plan to set aside time in 2022 to work on more original music.

Stream Lullabye on Spotify