by kristen case
photo courtesy of sienna melgoza
Sienna Melgoza is a multi-talented singer-songwriter, actress, and dancer whose passion for music and the arts has shaped her into a dynamic performer. While her sound is rooted in pop, she seamlessly blends various genres, instruments, and styles, creating a sound that is both fresh and deeply personal. Sienna is embracing autonomy with her single “CUT.” We discuss the story behind “CUT,” the atmosphere creating the single, and the role lyricism played in the songwriting process.
Congratulations on your newest single “CUT!” Tell me about how “CUT” got started? Any unexpected moments or challenges while making the song?
Sienna: “Thank you!! ‘CUT’ got started because I really needed a way to let out all of the emotions I was feeling after a breakup. I had been hurt really badly and was struggling to find ways to cope or accept what was happening. Music has always been my safe space, so I let it speak for me. I think the hardest part about writing a song like this is that I would never want to hurt the person that I experienced that time of my life with. I will always care about them deeply, but at the same time, I want to share my full truth with people, even if it feels scary and vulnerable. It’s something I go back and forth on all the time, but I think at the end of the day, I know that I wrote this song about me and my story, not about them.”
What's the story behind “CUT?”
Sienna: “At the time of coming up with the concept for the song, I was harboring some pretty intense emotions about a breakup I had just had. I could feel myself going through every stage of grief, and in this particular moment, I was going through the anger stage. I really needed an outlet to release and say the things I would never say out loud. This song kind of just formed from there.”
“CUT” really hits the mark by diving into the angst and embracing the feelings that come with making the choice to cut ties with a person from your past. How do you hope this message is being portrayed by listeners?
Sienna: “I hope this song encourages someone to do the one thing in their life that they are scared of. To take a leap of faith into something they aren’t sure about. And even though they are unsure, they do it anyway because they are putting themself first.”
Do you think lyricism is an outlet you use to get your emotions in songwriting? How is it beneficial for yourself?
Sienna: “100%. As I grow as an artist, something I'm really working on improving is my writing! I want my audience to feel exactly what I was feeling in the moment I was writing, and to be able to picture the scene I am painting with my words. Songwriting is so beneficial to my creative process and state of mind, no matter how I am feeling at the moment.”
When it comes to sound selection and production for “CUT,” what was the process for sound selection like and did you ever have a specific vision for what you wanted the song to sound like?
Sienna: “The main feeling I wanted the production to embody was anger. I knew I wanted an electric guitar and heavy drums. However, the talented producers I work with did the heavy lifting of transforming my baby concept into a fully produced masterpiece.”
As your music career has grown over time, how do you balance the evolution of your artistry while staying true to yourself?
Sienna: “The biggest thing for me as I continue to grow as an artist, is to keep my empathy and morality. I know balancing my artistry and staying true to myself will become harder as my career progresses. I'm ready for that challenge because it will only better me as a person in the long run. I know I will never lose my core values during this journey, so I cannot wait to see the evolution of myself and my art!”
Is there any verse or lyric of “CUT” that holds special meaning to you?
Sienna: “I think the lyric I love the most is, ‘Wish I would have seen / Blame’s always on me / Bent over in the back seat.’ It’s a terrible feeling when you finally step out of something harmful, take off the blinders, and realize there’s so much you could’ve done to prevent yourself from being hurt so badly. It’s hard knowing that you thought the best thing you were doing for yourself was staying. That the love you were feeling was what you needed. But the love you were feeling was just your own, and I guess that’s a good thing.”
Can you describe the atmosphere you created with “CUT” and what's the biggest takeaway you have gained from this release?
Sienna: “The atmosphere I created with ‘CUT’ was a healing one. This song was written with a specific intention in mind, and that intention was to release the resentment and anger I was feeling. I’m glad I can say I reached my goal and will continue to work towards healing my wounds every day. The biggest takeaway I gained from this release is that I'm allowed to talk about things that have happened in my life, regardless of when they happened to or for me. I went through it, and if I feel like writing about it, I’m going to write about it. Music is my safe space and I intend on keeping it that way. I will never let anyone take that away from me!”
What can fans expect from you next — new music, tour, collaborations?
Sienna: “The next step for me is always new music. There’s plenty happening on my end, whether I talk about it or not. You’ll be the first to know this, but I have a music video coming out very soon. Stay tuned for that! Tour is something I'm hoping for in the near future. Live music makes me feel a different type of way, and I cannot wait to make others feel it when I perform! In terms of collaborations, there may be one or two in the works. I can’t say too much about that yet, but it’s all exciting stuff!”