Formula Indie Sessions – Interview with Melanie Wehbe

What is your earliest memory connected to music?

Some of my earliest memories are of my dad playing Queen at home. As I grew older and experienced more of life, I began understanding the lyrics differently and discovering new meanings in songs I had known since childhood.

How did your passion for creating music begin?

Songwriting became the easiest way for me to express the things I struggled to say out loud. As my emotions and experiences became bigger, music gave me somewhere to place them and make sense of them.

What’s the story behind your current music project?

When we wrote “Alive”, I knew I wanted to create something that went beyond love and relationships. Growing up, I often felt different from everyone else, so the song became a celebration of being yourself, taking up space and finding joy in exactly who you are.

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?

I would describe it as emotional, melodic pop with a lot of honesty at its centre. I grew up loving powerful female vocalists such as Kelly Clarkson, so I have always been drawn to big melodies and vocals, but the lyrics and storytelling are just as important to me.

What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?

I’ve learned that inspiration can come from everyone in the room. I have been fortunate to work with so many talented people throughout my career, and every collaboration teaches me something new or encourages me to approach music differently.

Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?

“Now I’m In It” by HAIM. I love the contrast between how energetic it sounds and the vulnerability within the lyrics. It captures the feeling of being in a difficult place while still reminding you that you are not alone in it.

How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?

Growing up feeling different has shaped so much of what I write. Whether I’m creating music for myself or another artist, I often draw from relationships, identity and the emotions I’ve experienced, with the hope that someone else might recognise themselves in the words.

What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?

More than anything, I want people to feel seen, understood and less alone. Sometimes you might feel alone and lost, but you haven’t found the right room yet, and I hope my music can offer a little comfort while you are finding it.

What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?

That there are no rules. I’ve been lucky enough to write across different genres, with creatives from different backgrounds and in many different countries. Every song needs something different, and allowing space for that creativity is so, so, so important!

What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?

I’ve been incredibly lucky to perform at places like Manchester UK, Austria Pride and Stockholm Pride, and being chosen to sing the official Stockholm Pride song this year is a huge honour. I would love to perform at London Pride, New York Pride or Gran Canaria Pride one day, and eventually take my music on another summer tour!

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

Sara Bareilles. I have been inspired by her for as long as I can remember. She has an incredible ability to combine beautiful melodies, powerful vocals and deeply honest storytelling, while always maintaining such a distinct identity as a songwriter.

Where can our listeners follow and support your music?

You can find me at melaniewehbe.com, follow me on Instagram at @melaniewehbe, and listen to my music on Spotify and all other major streaming platforms.

Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?

I want to continue writing songs for other artists, because it’s a huge part of my work that I love, while also developing my own music and allowing more people to discover it. My dream is to keep creating work I believe in and to see where those songs are able to travel.

What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?

I hope they discover that there is a place for them within my music. I would love someone to hear one of my songs and feel that I understand something they have experienced, even if we have never met.