Interview with Melanchloé

Chloé Pourmorady, known on stage as Melanchloé, is a multi-talented violinist, vocalist and songwriter. The LA-based artist has been making waves on local radio and on SoundCloud. We featured her as one of our Top 50 Songs of 2014. She infuses her Persian-American roots into a uniquely heady music that is all her own. She has all the power of Fiona Apple with the intricacies and allure of Kate Bush. I chatted with Chloé about her influences, new music and her upcoming shows.

Ryan: How did the name Melanchloé come about?

Melanchloé: My very clever pianist friend, Michelle, gave me this nickname back when we were in college ­– I was Mademoiselle Melanchloé. It’s a play-on words of melancholy, mélange, and melody. Also, the letter “M” is my favorite in the alphabet and the first of my Hebrew name, Miriam, which I have great connection to.

Ryan: Your music is so beautiful and signature. Have any specific musicians or genres inspired or influenced your music?

Melanchloé: From punk to jazz to Balkan gypsy to Kirtan to Fado to Persian mystic chants. I love it all. I love roots music, music that is close to the people’s heart and the earth. I am most inspired in silence and space, and when I am not listening to music, actually. I haven’t sought out new music in a while. As I’ve gotten older, I am more and more inspired by what is within and near me – my dreams, my imagination, and my father and my grandmother, for instance.

Ryan: Did you have formal musical training or are you self-taught?

Melanchloé: Yes, I studied music in college, though I did not grow up with strict conservatory background. I just didn’t have the discipline to focus so hard on violin as a child, I wanted to run outside for miles and shoot hoops in the streets with my cousins. I’ve never had singing lessons before, just violin. I suppose I’ve resisted because I like to sing instinctually, though it is definitely on my mind to try because there is much room for growth, and I always support growth.

Ryan: Are you working on any new music?

Melanchloé: I have SO much music written! I just can’t record yet, or all at once. I plan to go back into the studio by early April, and I am very excited to get more music out there. The recordings will be less produced and less complicated, yet still powerful (I hope!). I am playing around LA with my group of violin, accordion, percussion, and guitar/jarana/bass right now, so the sound will be of our ensemble. More gypsy and more Farsi.

Ryan: Do you have any shows coming up?

Melanchloé: Of course you are welcome to come to the live shows if you want to hear more than just a few recordings! That is how I PREFER it anyway! It is more fun, and then you can see the other musicians I play with.  We’re playing a late night set at Bar Lubitsch on March 3^rd, airing a live performance and interview on Andisheh TV (Persian station) for International Women’s Day on March 8^th,  the Hotel Café on March 19^th, and much more! If you stay in touch with the Facebook page, I will try to keep up with all the info. I am not so good with the marketing and social media, but I will try my best!

Ryan: If you could have an actress play you in a movie about your life who would it be and why?

Melanchloé: Bette Davis. She needs no explanation.

Ryan: What is one album you love that you think everyone should listen to?

Melanchloé: I don’t think everyone needs to listen to what I like, but if we have similar feeling for music, then I would suggest this album by Vladimir Godar and my Iva Bittova – teacher, guide, and friend to me. “Godar: Mater”– It is pure and beautiful and I’ve listened to it many times in many quiet places.

Ryan: Anything you’d like to say to your fans?

Melanchloé: I am so glad to have you! I am glad that I can compose what I feel and enjoy and that you feel it too. I want to affect people in some way, in an honest way. I thank you for being fans this early in my career, it is just the beginning! I can’t wait to continue this journey, I am working hard and doing everything in my power to make things happen! I appreciate you being beside me and watching me grow.

You can find all of Melanchloé’s music at her SoundCloud page. Her Facebook page has show updates and more.