After nearly a decade away from the mic, Melly Mel Mel is back — stronger, wiser, and more soulful than ever. Once a standout voice in both the real and virtual music worlds, she stepped away after throat surgery left her uncertain if she’d ever sing again. Nine years later, she’s returning to the stage in Second Life this November, carrying a voice renewed by faith, resilience, and life experience.
I had the honor of catching up with Melly to talk about her journey, her love of music, and what it feels like to finally find her song once more.
Q: Melly, it’s been a long time coming — how does it feel to be performing in Second Life again after nearly ten years?
Melly: I’m so happy to be performing in SL again! I’m definitely nervous—it’s been a while—but I’m really grateful for the chance to share my love of music with you all.
Follow-up: It must feel like returning to a home you’ve missed for so long.
Q: Can you take us back to your earliest memory of singing? Was there a moment you realized you truly loved it?
Melly: My earliest memory of music is at three years old, belting “Jesus Loves Me.” The joy I felt was overwhelming, and I knew even then that I wanted others to feel that same light.
Follow-up: That’s beautiful.
Q: Your musical background is incredible — from classical piano to guitar and opera training. How do those roots show up in your singing now?
Melly: Honestly, my classical training has been a lifesaver getting back into singing. Everything I learned (and keep learning) lets me use those techniques across all the different styles I’m doing now.
Follow-up: So those years of study weren’t just practice—they were building a toolkit that’s helping you now.
Q: The surgery and recovery period sounds like it was really challenging. What kept you hopeful when you couldn’t sing?
Melly: What helped me stay hopeful during the years I couldn’t sing was knowing that music is simply who I am. I thought about artists like Bonnie Tyler, who had the same surgery and was also told she’d never sing again—and yet she came back. Like her, my voice is different now, but the training and the heart behind it are still there.
I never really left music, either. I DJ’d in SL, taught others, and explored new creative projects like photography and podcasting. Music has always found a way to stay with me.
Follow-up: That’s inspiring — music really is in your DNA.
Q: You’ve called finding your voice again “nothing short of a miracle.” Can you walk us through that first moment you realized you could sing again?
Melly: OMG, yes! I was hanging out with my roommate, who’s also a musician. We were in the studio on this bright, sunny day, and after listening to him sing a few songs, I felt this overwhelming urge to sing again. I finally said, “Okay… I think I could maybe sing one song.” The song was “Give Me One Reason” by Tracy Chapman — it’s written for an alto, so it sits comfortably in my range. And it’s full of soul — and lord knows, I’ve still got plenty of that! LOL.
So, he queued up the backing track and told me to get on the mic. And I did.
What happened next felt like a miracle. For the first time in ten years, my voice didn’t sound like a cat being scalded — it actually sounded like me.
What I didn’t know was that he had recorded the whole thing. That track — the first time I truly sang in a decade — is now on my SoundCloud. And that moment was the rebirth of my musical life.
Follow-up: Wow — having that first recording must feel like a treasure now.
Q: Your voice has such depth and emotion. How has coming back after ten years changed the way you connect with your music?
Melly: Coming back to music after ten years feels different. I’m not the same person I was—I’m older, wiser, and I’ve lived a life full of joys and heartbreaks. All of that comes through when I sing. You can hear the truth in my voice now.
Follow-up: It sounds like your life experiences add a new layer to every note.
Q: For those hearing you for the first time in Second Life, how would you describe your sound and what they can expect from a show?
Melly: I once heard it said of Barbra Streisand—and trust me, I’m not putting myself in her category—“Barbra sings to your tear ducts.”
I sing to your soul. Sometimes to stir it, sometimes to soothe it, but always to reach it.
Each performance is a story, and each song is a feeling. I show up as myself—no filters—and I think that’s what makes it real.
Follow-up: That authenticity really comes through. Do you tailor each performance to the audience, or is it more about what you feel in the moment?
Q: Is there a particular song you’re most excited to perform at your debut, especially one that feels meaningful after your journey?
Melly: Right now, I’m working on “Both Sides Now” by Joni Mitchell for an upcoming performance. The version I’m preparing is the 2000 remake—Joni’s voice is lower, richer, more grounded. There is a lifetime in that version: reflection, perspective, and emotional depth.
It’s a song that understands what it means to have lived.
And I have lived.
And I am here.
And I am singing again.
Follow-up: That song choice really speaks to your comeback story.
Q: Your journey has had its share of challenges and triumphs. What message would you want to send to others hoping for a comeback of their own?
Melly: To anyone fighting their way back: don’t you dare give up. Never lose hope. Keep pushing. We only get this one life, and if you don’t throw yourself into it, you’ll never see the greatness that’s already in you.
Follow-up: Powerful words.
Q: Finally, what’s next for Melly Mel Mel? Any dreams or future performances we can look forward to after your debut?
Melly: My dreams, well I’m living my dream. I have a great real life, as well as a very satisfying second life.
As far as what you can expect at future performances, my repertoire is growing as I practice and take voice lessons, so you’ll have many more options to request songs that speak to you.
Follow-up: Sounds like this is just the beginning.
Sitting down with Melly today reminded me why I’ve always believed in her — not just her talent, but her heart. This comeback isn’t just about music; it’s about resilience, passion, and the joy of finding your voice again after life tries to take it away. I can’t wait for the world to hear her sing in Second Life this November. If her story teaches us anything, it’s that sometimes, the greatest performances happen after the longest silences. And knowing Melly, this is only the beginning.
Melly Mel Mel
Soundcloud
Euphoric Vibe [TELEPORT]
NOVEMEBER Saturday 29th
LINEUP
4 PM – Cudzoo
5PM Melly Mel Mel
6PM Jimmyt49 Dukes
BIO
Melly Mel Mel — Artist Bio
Melly Mel Mel’s musical journey began before she could even spell her own name. She started singing in church at just three years old, showing an early gift for tone and expression that would shape her entire life. By six, she was studying classical piano and music theory, building a deep foundation in musicianship. At thirteen, she added classical guitar to her repertoire, and by fourteen, she was training in opera — refining the power and precision of her voice.
At seventeen, Melly began singing professionally, captivating audiences with her soulful tone and emotional authenticity. Her performances — both live and in the virtual world of Second Life — showcased a rare blend of classical discipline and raw Southern soul.
But Melly’s journey hasn’t been without heartache. After developing a large polyp on her vocal cords, surgery to remove it left her with devastating news: she might never sing again. For nearly a decade, silence replaced song.
Then, against all odds — and by what she calls nothing short of a miracle — Melly found her voice once more. Nine years later, she’s back, stronger and more soulful than ever. With every note she sings, Melly Mel Mel carries the story of loss, faith, and a triumphant return to the music that’s always lived within her.
.
