Melina Hazewood – Dear Boy (2024)
At only 16 years old, singer-songwriter Melina Hazewood may be young but her music showcases sophistication beyond her years. Inspired by the likes of Adele, Charles Aznavour, Lisa Minelli, The Beatles and Charles Trent, Hazewood brings life to vintage artists with a contemporary flair. While she may be a relatively new artist to many people’s ears, the UK-based songstress is making waves on an international level. Three of her singles reached the semi-finalist stage in the UK Songwriter Contest teen category, as well as winning the best Singer-songwriter and Coup du Jury at The Golden Voices International Singing Contest in Cannes.
Following her debut single ‘Powerful’, Hazewood returns with the sophomore track ‘Dear Boy’. While a kick of Adele can be heard in the vocals, the obscurity leans far more toward artists like Cristina Perri, Duffy and a shiver of Amy Winehouse in the background giving Hazewood a penetrating intensity in the dulcet tones. Yet, it is not only her off-kilter vocals that snatch your breath; it is the profoundness and maturity of the composition and lyrics. An intricate similarity to Paul McCartney can be heard, however, Hazewood oozes originality, authenticity and genuine innovation in her work.
A piano-driven single, there is a simplicity to ‘Dear Boy’ but a kaleidoscopic charm seems to exist in the genre-diverse tapestry. Contemporary pop matches classic old-school power pop with a subdued sensuality rushing forth in soulful jazz. A rawness exists in the execution clasping at the gritty vulnerability of the theme while maturity drapes across.
Yes, the melody can hold its own, but it is the deeper lyricism that connects with audiences on an intimate level. Exploring the complexity of life, love and loss, ‘Dear Boy’ is a letter to a partner where perceptions are a bit skewed. Hazewood explains:
“The girl plays around with the fact that she is seen as a ‘goddess’ but tries to kindly talk some sense into the guy and make him realise that what he sees in her is unrealistic. Ultimately, she wants to be loved for who she really is, not how he perceives her.”
Find out more about Melina Hazewood on her Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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