Presented in partnership with Mississauga Music and Modern Mississauga Media.

In conversation with Melanie Cabral, singer-songwriter from Mississauga, currently attending Wilfrid Laurier University. In 2022, She was a 2022 nominee for a Mississauga Arts Award in the Emerging Vocalist category. In 2023, she was a nominee for the esteemed Mississauga Music Award in the Emerging Talent of the Year category. 

Rob Aguiar: Hello Melanie, thanks for helping me kick off this new Glimpse journey.

Melanie Cabral: I'm very excited to be one of the first artists being interviewed for the Glimpse Into The Heart of a Singer Songwriter Series.

Rob Aguiar: When writing a song, what comes first for you; is it the lyrics, melody, or even just a title or concept?

Melanie Cabral: I get inspired by so much, and a song can start from anywhere. Lyrics, melodies, and concepts for songs sometimes come to me out of the blue and I start building from there. 

Rob Aguiar: Do you start writing a song before finishing another and what do you do to manage your creative energy or bandwidth?

Melanie Cabral: I sometimes come up with a cool song idea, chorus or verse that I love, but the creative juices stop in the middle of the writing process. I regularly go through my unfinished songs to see if inspiration strikes again, or maybe even try to combine two ideas together. I feel like I have a pretty chaotic process. I have a folder where I keep all my songs; finished and unfinished. It’s kinda strange, no writing session follows a certain routine, and I just let my mind take me where it wants to go. I try not to limit myself, as I feel that can hinder some creativity.

Rob Aguiar: Have you ever been so locked in creatively that you wrote a song from start to finish in a short time? Or have you ever suddenly had a seemingly random idea or creative spark that led to the completion of a project that was in limbo for a while?

Melanie Cabral: I have had experiences in which I have written a song in under 20 minutes. It’s a pretty thrilling experience when you're just on a roll. Although that doesn’t happen all the time, it's cool to have a new work of art in such a short time. This usually happens when I am overwhelmed by emotion, positive or negative. Writing feels like one of the few ways in which I can express what I am feeling. Songwriting is truly therapeutic for me. 

Rob Aguiar: Lyrics really matter to me. Depending whether I’m feeling empowered or vulnerable, they resonate with me and in some way I feel seen.
Do you tend to write more from an empowered heart or a vulnerable heart?

Melanie Cabral: I’m a sucker for a sad song. As weird as it sounds, it’s easier to write more depressing lyrics than happy and uplifting ones. It’s strange because although writing sad songs seems easier, being vulnerable isn’t as easy. Songwriting can be a very personal way of working through emotions. Actually expressing your vulnerability and facing the truths in the lyrics can be very difficult. 

Rob Aguiar: I completely understand, but for me a vulnerable lyric isn’t always a sad one. A positive and inspirational lyric that leads to reflection can be equally vulnerable from a listener's point of view. 

Let’s shift focus just a bit; have you ever co-written a song? If so, what is that experience like? 

Melanie Cabral: Collaborative songwriting has helped me become better at writing music. As of now, all the songs I have officially released have been co-writes with the producers I have worked with. I also work with a songwriting coach, Michelle Treacy, who has been a huge influence on my songwriting. I meet up with Michelle once a month, and we go over songs I have written or start a song from scratch together. I am also fortunate to be studying music at Wilfrid Laurier University, giving me the opportunity to collaborate with my peers. I try to learn as much as I can from whomever I'm collaborating with to help strengthen my skills and abilities. 

Rob Aguiar: I’m excited for what your musical journey will bring. We’re just a few short months into 2024; what do you hope to accomplish this year?

Melanie Cabral: I have been working hard on writing, and I hope to be able to finally share some new music with everyone. I love being on stage and hope to have some performances lined up. I am also really focusing on finishing school. I am entering the final year of my music degree in September, and I am excited to finish that chapter of my life.

Rob Aguiar: Melanie, it was fun chatting with you. You’ve been a great friend and support to all things “Glimpse” over the last few years. Thanks so much for giving our community and beyond a glimpse into the heart of a singer songwriter.

Melanie Cabral: Thanks Rob! This has been so much fun! Anyone wanting follow my journey or learn more about what I’m up to please follow me on Instagram