A Creative Entrepeneur: Melody Mcarthur Discusses Singing, Songwriting, and Acting

With the walls decorated in her signed albums, RONN!E from Daybreak Star Radio interviews singer, songwriter, and actor Melody Mcarthur. Originally from the Treaty 8 territory, Melody is a proud member of the Woodland Cree nation.

Melody’s musical talent and versatile voice lends itself to exploration within several genres. Being an independent artist allows for her to explore the different sounds that interest her, ranging from country to R&B, and hip hop while also adding her own native roots. Blending her native language into her career has been an important part of building her brand, adding it to her songs and her social media presence.

When it comes to her process of building her music, the order might surprise some people. Melody prefers to start with the beat and, you guessed it, the melody. Once she understands those aspects, she decides what kind of song she wants to make, soft and sad or more upbeat. After this decision is made, she starts in on the lyrics and blends them all together to get hits like Unceded.

Recently nominated for her second single of the year at the Internation Hip-Hop Awards, Melody has a packed schedule between her own solo albums and touring as a part of the Bear Grease cast as Sandy. Bear Grease is a native parody of the popular show, Grease, and has given Melody the opportunity to test her dancing chops along with singing and acting. She mentions that the show has been a great confidence boost since she has had to make several transitions within herself and push herself to grow outside her comfort zone.

Putting solo touring head-to-head against an ensemble-based tour, Melody admits that there are pros and cons to each. Though solo shows can become lonely, they give you room to decompress and be by yourself. They also lend themselves to tweaking things as she wants, since it is all her show. That being said, the experience of the ensemble may be overwhelming at times but the ability to share the experience with others and build that community is an incredibly special experience.

Considering how busy Melody is, it’s a wonder she has managed to stay so grounded. She credits her parents for her ability to stay humble and focused. Having watched them and their work ethic growing up, Melody knows that they passed that knowledge down to her so that she could openly share her gifts with the world. Humility is part of native teachings and Melody says these teachings show her how it’s not about her, it’s about what she can do to better the world and inspire others to do the same.

The advice Melody would impart to anyone trying to live their life is to be willing to do things afraid. Take steps outside your comfort zone so that you can grow and learn. Even in the failures there is growth. Go for it.

Melody has a new album coming out in 2025 and the Bear Grease tour is finishing up its residency in Edmonton this October only to go on tour around BC before settling in Ottawa for a Christmas run in December. Check out Melody McArthur on all her socials to keep in touch with what she does next!