MELONYX “Soul Glow” Out Now + Exclusive Interview

‘Soul Glow’ is the debut album from Georgia Copeland and Nadia Latoya AKA soul sister duo MELONYX. Produced by renowned producer and fellow Nottingham-based artist Joe Buhdha, the album embodies a series of prevalent themes and conversations between MELONYX throughout their friendship and time working together. Drawing on influences from the worlds of Hip Hop, Neo Soul, and Lovers Rock, the release serves as a mantra, reminding the duo of their worth; as a manifestation of the growth and evolution yet to come; and as a way of shedding a light on the high value, power, and energy of Black women. It invites the listener into the MELONYX universe, created as a reminder to allow oneself the kindness and freedom of self-acceptance.

While tracks “God Is”, “Solar Power” (produced by Brighton-based multi-instrumentalist J-Felix), and “Melanin Queens” give thanks – to God, the sun and everything that is divine about womankind – “Energy” and “Light Em Up” hit back at those who might try to undermine this strength and power. From different angles, MELONYX tackle the female experience of feeling used and undervalued; of having to find the strength to support those around you without necessarily feeling supported yourself or without much appreciation. Through “Plenty” and “Ujjayi”, the heaviness is pushed aside to create space for calm, quiet and taking time for yourself, “knowing always that we are enough; we have plenty and we ARE plenty,” MELONYX add.

MELONYX summon this energy into “Black Elixir” and “At The Door”, bringing the attention to everything that is admirable and healing about the love and affection of a Black woman, and putting forward an unmistakable invitation to put your partner before your ego. The space created from these powerful journeys intertwines with the exploration of the survivor’s guilt experienced on the road to feeling deserving of blessings on “Made To Suffer”. Together, these themes form the multi-faceted nature of MELONYX’s progression. Through the smooth ease of “Butterfly”, the duo expresses the fears and self-doubts they encounter on this road to self-belief; “an introspective confession of the arduous journey we persevere on and the anticipation of a beautiful transitioning awaiting us”. Through the support of one another and the conviction in their lyrics, MELONYX’s vocals float across Joe Buhdha’s production, reaching new heights of assurance that carry across the LP.

Continuing to grow their audience, MELONYX’s “Black Elixir” was used in the recent series of Bel-Air; a Peacock/Now TV reimagining of the iconic Fresh Prince of Bel-Air series. More recently, they worked alongside Terri Walker to record “Sugarcane & Lime feat. Rampage Sound” for the “Beautiful Pairings” EP; produced by Zed Bias and released on Big Community Records. The collaborating trio performed the track at Notting Hill Carnival on the Rampage Sound Stage. They were announced as Best Newcomer at the Groundbreaking BlacOut Soul Awards 2022.

MELONYX have performed at Gilles Peterson’s We Out Here Festival, Shambala, Dot To Dot, Kendal Calling, Splendour, Sofar Sounds, Metrofest (London), Ronnie Herels Big RnB Show Live at Homegrown (London) and as part of the Tru Thoughts Takeovers at Jazz Café (London), Lost Horizon (Bristol) and Hackney Social (London). Connecting with their musical peers, the duo have supported Children of Zeus (Metronome, Nottingham), Blue Lab Beats (Brixton Hootenanny) Don-E (Jazz Café, London), multiple events organised by soul legend Terri Walker, and sold out their own headline show at The Chapel, Nottingham. Their Soul Selection radio show on 97.5 Kemet FM broadcasts regularly, with recent guests including Tiana Major9, and the pair have put together mixes and features for Jazz FM and Selector Radio. Continuing to build and create with Joe Buhdha and the Can’t Stop Won’t Stop family (Joe Buhdha’s production house) in the studio, as well as on stage, MELONYX have performed at Mimm x CSWS showcase at the Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery. Harking back to their community roots, they have also given workshops aimed at getting young people involved with music and events and organised free online yoga for African and Caribbean women.

MELONYX – Soul Glow

1. Soul Glow
2. Butterfly
3. Energy
4. Solar Power
5. At the Door
6. God Is
7. Melanin Queens
8. Black Elixir
9. Made to Suffer
10. Light Em Up
11. Plenty
12. Ujjayi
13. Keep Stepping