Mel Ertler
Australian singer/songwriter Mel Ertler unveiled her new single “Saturn Blues” on December 20th.
Fusing soul and jazz, the self-written single paints the alleviating feeling when you’ve found a person who you can open up with.
“Saturn Blues” follows Ertler’s debut single “Hold on to My Mind” released in 2018.
With an EP on its way, Mel Ertler is creating groovy records that combine heartfelt lyrics with soulful vocals.
“Saturn Blues” is now available worldwide.
Photo credit: Otti Lawson
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
Yello my name’s Mel. I’m a 20 year old musician and songwriter. I live in Sydney, Australia and am studying a contemporary music course at the Conservatorium of Music. My musical journey is still in its fresh stages with just 2 singles under my belt. I intend to keep cooking up some groovy songs that make you wanna dance but still poke you right in the feels.
Could you describe your childhood a little bit?
I grew up on an acreage with eucalyptus trees, a dam and many delightful Australian insects. I was always drawn to creative activities; singing, drawing, dancing & video editing. Kid pix was also a vital creative activity I would partake in. I started writing songs at 10 and got my hands onto GarageBand at the same age. Overall I had a great childhood, some bumps here and there but I’m grateful for how it’s all shaped me, into the fine hexagon I am today.
If you could say something to your younger self, what would you say?
I’d tell myself to keep trusting my instincts and to also learn the sax/drums ! Maybe “Saturn Blues” would’ve had a brass section in that case.
How would you describe yourself today?
I’d say I’m quite equable and mellow, as a Mel should be. I do have a goofy, fun side to me as well. I’m optimistic and like to make people feel comfortable and lure out the best in them. I also care for people lots. I don’t know if I’m the best at showing it but I will announce it here: to all my homeslices out there, I do indeed care <3
What did you grow up listening to?
When I was young I was exposed to Blues-Rock/Heavy-Rock bands like Free, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple. My Dad also introduced me to softer styles like Carole King’s “Tapestry” and he’d even sometimes wake me up for school playing Cat Stevens on guitar. At 16, I discovered Steely Dan who were instrumental in me discovering my own sound. I still have a fat adoration for the band and they were my gateway into discovering jazzier, more soulful sounds that inform my own style today.
You study at the Sydney Conservatorium. What are the most important things you learned there so far?
Connecting with other musicians has been one of the best things about the Con. It’s just so valuable to have people in the same boat. It’s a really supportive community of independent artists egging each other on to release some boppin’ tunes. The most important thing I’ve learnt is that the delicious ingredients for success in this industry are not just being talented but being kind and proactive too.
"Saturn Blues" is your latest single. What's the story behind this song?
For some reason the sad patches in life seem to be good fuel for songwriting. The song reminisces on the feeling that you don’t have anyone to confide in or maybe aren’t comfy with vulnerability in the first place. The song paints the alleviating feeling when you’ve found a person who you can open up with. It uses cosmic imagery to illustrate that this person seems different to the rest, an inhabitant of another planet perhaps who makes you feel like you belong up there too.
When did you start working on it? Who helped you create this particular song?
I wrote the song in the Winter here, probably around July/August. It was one of those lucky times where a song just gushed out. The recording process was in collaboration with my big bro Alex. He’s a multi-instrumentalist which comes in handy as we were able to play all the instruments between us. The track was mixed by Alex and John Ertler (my Dad) and mastered by Dad so it was a full on Ertler production.
What did you feel when writing this song?
I think a lot of artists can agree that being in an emotionally heightened state is ideal for songwriting. It forges an easy passage for lyrics and sounds to flow. Upon writing, I felt confused and down but then my attention was redirected towards the craft and what I had created left me excited. It’s pretty soothing to take your hardships and channel them into groovy sounds.
What can you tell us about the artwork?
The artwork was made by a very talented bean by the name of Isobel Hauswirth. I sent her my own shabby sketch and she turned it into something sick!
What is the goal for "Saturn Blues”?
I’m treating myself as my own competition so with each release I just aim for it to be better than the last. Music-wise I think I’ve achieved this. I think Saturn Blues is better from both a production and songwriting standpoint. It’s definitely not perfect but I’m blewdy proud that it’s an improvement. In terms of the non-arty aspects, it’d be cool to gain some radio play with this one, reach more ears and blast it in a live setting.
What appeals you the most about releasing music?
It’s very satisfying to finish something and releasing it makes it feel more official, a sense of closure that you’ve completed the song at a standard you’re happy with. A lot of musicians have this pesky syndrome where they can’t finish anything because of procrastination/perfectionism and I’m aware that I mustn’t fall into that trap. It also feels quite freeing to release something so personal out into the world.
What does singing make you feel?
Singing makes me feel elated. I was happy singing into paper towel rolls as a young kid and I’m happy now singing into functional mics. When I’m really in the zone whilst performing I feel like everyone blurs away and the only thing that exists is my connection to the song. Sounds dramatic and it doesn’t always happen but I think that’s the goal when performing, to fweakin’ transcend into the 9th dimension.
What do you want to accomplish as a human being?
I want to be a source of light and positivity for people. My mum definitely encompasses that so I’ve had a very good example of that throughout my life. Even if I’m half as bright as her that's still a pretty good effort.
Besides music, what are you passionate about?
Hmm my passion for music gives me so much purpose, to be without it would be hella spooky. Also there’s so much to music, there’s practicing your instruments, production skills, gigging and songwriting so that does suck up a lot of my time. Anyways, some side hobbies include reading, writing, concert/gig attending, video editing and fitness. Some causes I’m passionate about are not treating our planet like poo, reducing political polarisation and an increase in human connection rather than materialism etc.
What lessons did you learn in 2019?
I’ve learnt to process my emotions better. I’m less reactive and better at thinking things through. I’ve learnt that sticking to a morning routine works well for me. On the most part I do planning, journalling, reading and yoga before anything else and it leaves my brain all glowy and phresh. I’ve learnt to really savour and enjoy being in my own company. I’ve also learnt not to dwell on the things I can’t change too much as that just makes me feel helpless and upset. Although if this does happen.. just feed those feels into a song. Voila.
What are your goals for 2020?
Oof I am quite keen. My first goal is to be listening to George Benson’s 20/20 as the new year commences. Next goal is to form a band and dig into the live music scene here. I also have an EP in the oven that I intend to pop out in the coming months. I’d love to just keep progressing with my music and also collaborate / write for others too.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
I think open-mindedness and listening is very important. Everyone has something of value to impart. It’s good to be able to empathise and also to understand someone else’s perspective even if it doesn’t align with your own. It’s important for people to feel cared for and understood so they don’t feel like an alien in a world where we should all feel connected.
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