Mel Incarnate is a self-titled “tranny pop-star” working to get “big tits to match (her) ass.” Mel channels her pain into music as she navigates everything from sobriety and early stages of transition, to abuse and trauma in Alabama. Using horror-inspired lyrics and synths, Mel unfolds her brain into melody and shapes her life into hyper pop bangers and unreasonably catchy lyrics. Her new single ‘About Fashion‘ is out today (Spotify / Apple Music) so Loverboy thought it was time we caught up with Mel to find out more…
Hi Mel, congratulations on your new single ‘About Fashion’ – it’s out today! How did the song come about?
Thank you babes. This song started because I was on my way to a photo shoot and the photographer asked me, “What are you gonna wear?“ It felt super condescending. He kind of looked me up and down like “You better look hot.“ So I responded “I just got a bunch of filler in my face, fake eyelashes and my tits just started growing. My body is what I’m wearing.“
The single gives me ARTPOP vibes. I’m praying for this Part II that Bloodpop keeps discussing. Do you think we’ll get it?
Okay 1. Thank you. 2. Girl..If we don’t…Miss Gaga will be hearing from us.
I missed the lyric but you said ‘something delicious as a fondue.’ Fondue is a gift from the gods. What is your favourite thing to fondue? And are we talking chocolate or cheese? Or something else I have not thought of using?!
“Look at all the things that I did for you, I’m looking so delicious like I’m fondue.” This part of the song basically talks about when you’ve tried really hard to get someone’s attention and you change your outer appearance in order for them to notice you. Like the insanity of trying really hard just to get dick. I’m essentially begging somebody to dip themselves in me. But to answer your question, strawberries in chocolate.
Your debut single, ‘Big Tits’ was released last month and I hear there’s a music video coming soon! How did it feel to make your first music video and what can we expect?
Honestly this feels like I’m living in a pipe dream. Because I am. It’s so surreal and I’m so fucking grateful but at the same time I care a lot so I do get stressed out. You can expect tons of horror references and lots of gyrating. And also blood… for some reason there’s always blood with me.
What is it about the horror aesthetic that you love and how do you incorporate it?
I think I’ve always identified as an outcast, even when I wasn’t. I was struggling so much with things that I thought were evil like drug addiction and alcoholism and queerness, that a lot of rage built inside me and when I was able to see that reflected onto TV that was really special for me. I use elements of horror in my music and imagery because for a long time I thought that my queerness was evil. I was taught, by my parents, at an early age that transness was bad. Now that I’m out, and I want to basically tell all of that messaging I collected in childhood to fuck off. Maybe I am evil but I am fierce and hot.
Your EP Tranic Attack is coming soon! How are you feeling? I’m in Spain, so I’m not sure of regulations in the states etc, but are you out performing, launch parties etc?
Yes ma’am. I’m kind of hitting the ground running and getting as many gigs as possible just to get my name, face and music out there. My performance style is very spastic and high energy. And I’m usually as naked as possible.
What’s your songwriting process like?
Usually at random, I get a hook stuck in my head. I’ll make a voice note of that and then write around that hook with verses and melodies that make me excited. I will take that to my co-writer Tor Miller and we will just work it out on a piano. Which is hilarious. Me on a piano singing big tits to match my ass, it sounds so classical. I will then take that to my producer Jack, and then together we will work on noise as I freak out in the studio.
You’ve been open about your sobriety, and recovery from addiction. How has creating music helped you on this journey?
I desperately needed an outlet to channel all of my feelings. I was doing comedy videos for a little while but I wasn’t able to say everything that I wanted to say. I wanted to create something that made me feel good and excited to be alive while simultaneously being able to perform live and emote everything that the songs bring up for me. Performing live itches that scratch.
You call yourself a ‘tranny pop star’. That word has become less popular in recent times with a lot of people. What’s your own personal relationship with that word?
This word should become less popular in all communities other than trans. It was a word started by us, for us as a term of endearment. Then subsequently stolen by cishet communities to insult us. It’s a reclamation.
You grew up on Christian music. Loverboy is from London, but Barcelona-based so I don’t know Christian music. Can you recommend a song I might like?
NOOO! It may traumatize you too.
Lastly we are named after the biggest selling single of 2001, so we always ask, what is your favourite Mariah Carey song?
Omg all. But if I had to choose…either Emotions–if you see a really good drag queen perform this you’ll never forget it–or Obsessed. I love pop-Mariah and The-Dream produced it, he’s made amazing pop songs. Also Obsessed is a dis track that makes me feel bitchy and hot. It’s fab.
‘About Fashion’ is out now – Spotify/Apple Music
Follow Mel Incarnate on Instagram
