Artists Name/Band: The Melvinator
Music Genre : Rock
Websites or Social Media Pages
https://www.reverbnation.com/themelvinator
https://fandalism.com/themelvinator
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIlpq8ako4x1fMcvZ7ZWkJg
https://www.facebook.com/The-Melvinator-192430667520759

Melvin Donovan,
What Musical Genre Do You Feel Best Describes Your Music And How Would You Describe Your Sound?
Classic Rock is probably the best description. Heavy influence from The Beatles, Moody Blues, CSN guides my composing and with the help of many talented friends from around the world adding their creative spirit, I’m never 100% certain what the results will be. My main instrument is 12 string guitar, so there tends to be an acoustic flavor to the tunes.
How Did You Get Your Name? Is There A Story?
Ha!! I work in the refrigerated dairy department in order to earn a living and there once was a home refrigerator called a Kelvinator. One day a co-worker called me Melvinator and that stuck from then on. It is very hard to come up with a name that isn’t already taken, so I used that.
What Are or Have Been Your Musical Influences?
The main ones would be The Beatles, Moody Blues, CSN, Jethro Tull. Current groups I like are Dave Matthews and John Mayer.
What Are You Working On Now? Any Future Collaborations We Can Look Forward To?
Right now I’m refining the final mix on a waltz style of song with my frequent co-writer and vocalist Melani Cholie from Germany. We are joined by Pete Goindi from Canada on drums; Tedd VanWagner on bass and from Italy on lead guitar Giampiero Giamp. We just posted Babel Land which my good friend Kent Taylor produced, played drums, wrote and sang the lyrics with Tedd on lap steel guitar, Bill Watkins on bass and Brice Cross on electric guitar.
What Is Your Ultimate Goal In The Music Industry? What Is Your Plan Of Action?
At this point in the game of life, I get great satisfaction by creating the songs by bringing together different mixes of the talented friends I have met over the past several years on Fandalism. Of course we all would like to have our music heard, but I would be very happy to have our music used in a movie, TV show or game.
What Is Your Favorite Track To Perform Live and Why?
When I was performing live on a regular basis, I enjoyed doing my song Day Dreaming because it has such a nice easy feel to it. Like being on the beach on a warm summer day.
What Has Been The Biggest Challenge In Your Career Thus Far?
When I was a member of a working band, juggling a real job and the long nights at clubs was tough. With all the advances in recording programs, it is now affordable to record at home, which has made song writing so much easier. Plus collaborating with friends around the world who are so talented, helps lift the songs to a better place.
What’s Your Typical Songwriting Process?
I almost always start with the music first as opposed to the lyrics. I’ll be noodling around or trying an alternative tuning and hear something that catches my ear. It might be a pleasing sound or some times it’s the rhythm of playing it that sticks. I’ll try different chord progressions until it all feels right and makes sense arrangement wise, then I’ll record the rhythm guitar with a click track for reference to send to other artists. This is usually when Melani will come up with a first draft sing / lyrics. From there we add the drums, bass, guitar, solos and then final vocals.
How Has Social Media Influenced Your Career As An Artist?
Through Fandalism and the ability to collaborate with folks all over the world, my songs have become much better quality wise because they are so good at what they do. I quit music for many years and the ability to meet these artists inspired me to do what I love doing, creating music.
What Are Some Tracks and Artists Currently On Your Playlist?
I don’t have much free time, but Madison Mueller is someone I met and did a couple of collabs with before she started being noticed. She’s a natural talent and has an extremely pleasing voice and is young enough that she has the possibility of a bright future.
Any Advice For Young People (Men or Women) That Want To Succeed In The Music World?
Since I have not succeeded, that answer would be no, but I would advise them to stay in school. Take an even approach to both music and a real job! LOL
How Do You Feel About Originality?
We have fun doing cover tunes, but for me there is no comparison to planting the seed idea of a song and watching as it grows with the addition of other artist’s creative spirit. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts as they say.
Is There Anything Else We Should Know About You Or That You Would Like to Add?
If music is a part of you, do not turn your back on it if you get discouraged, the band breaks up, again, etc. Denying that part of you will be harmful to your health and well being. Stick with it.