We were lucky to catch up with Melione recently and have shared our conversation below.

Melione, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I’ve always loved writing, performing, and being able to share my art/music. Since a young age I knew I didn’t want to work a regular 9-5 job. It just wasn’t for me. Even when I had one (working as a telemarketer, or at a pizza parlor or even doing office work at a studio!), I’ve always felt deep down inside like I wanted to be an Artist full time. And make a living of course. But it’s not easy. At first it’s a balance. You give up more of your 9-5 hours to focus on your art. Then eventually, I feel there’s a moment of truth. You have to kind of decide. And once I did, I never looked back. Leaving my 9-5 job and pursuing music and entertainment has been one of the best decisions of my life!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Melione (Mel-E-On) A Vietnamese/American Music Artist that also goes by the alias DJ Mel (I Dj as well). I grew up in Orange County and Los Angeles County and have performed nationally and internationally.

As a Music Artist, I’m unique in the sense that I rap in Vietnamese and English. My music is energetic, melodic, catchy and original. For the most part, I try and focus on positive outlooks, the benefits of staying focused while chasing your dreams and just exuding confidence being yourself. My music is a mixture between Hip Hop, RnB, and Pop.

Since a young age, I was always performing. Whether it was for local talent shows, school events, family gatherings or even just in my room, I was always passionate about performing. I started writing songs around the age of 10 and did my first studio recording around 13.

Growing up, my family and I didn’t have much. My mother came from Vietnam as a refugee. Her sister and her niece and nephew were lost at sea trying to escape Vietnam during the war. So her escaping on the boat was a big risk. She didn’t have any money, didn’t own any property, didn’t know any English, and only had the clothes on her back. Eventually, she got a job at a local cafe and did her best to take care of my older brother Jimmy and I. We grew up on welfare and lived in poverty. But we were so blessed to have a caring mom and dad who always made sure we were fed, clothed and have the best birthday parties in the neighborhood!

My mom’s journey inspires me. She came from nothing and look where we are today! Days and nights when I’m tired or feel “lazy” (I hate that word), I draw inspiration from my past and the struggle it took my mom to get to America for a better future.

Of course, at first, when you’re a new independent Music Artist, no one books you. It’s hard to get paid or have any source of income. In 2018, I decided to pursue my interest in becoming a professional Dj. Djing and Mcing go hand in hand. Both elements are important parts of Hip Hop. I started practicing more and started getting booked more and more as a DJ.

As DJ Mel, I’m vibrant, fun, and professional. I DJ all types of events- from weddings, night clubs, private events, school events, etc.

In 2021, I started my own entertainment company called Stay Dope Have Hope LLC. We provide DJing Services, Mcing Services, Music Artist performances, Lighting, Photobooth, Caricature Artists, and Cotton Candy and SnowCone Services.

I never want to limit my time, energy and talents. I want God to use me however he feels fit. Whether it be a Music Artist, DJ, Radio Personality, TV Host (all of which I have been during this journey of mine), I will always do my best to execute with excellence!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a creative is when people tell me how my work inspires them. I’ve been told that people were either depressed or discouraged and came across my music or journey and were inspired to keep going! How humbling and rewarding to hear!

As a Dj, I recently had a young girl come up to me at a party and say “I didn’t know girls can be DJs”! That was such a powerful moment for me. I want to let young girls know they can be anything they want to be! As long as you work hard, believe in yourself and never give up, anything is possible!

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think people who aren’t Creatives may not truly understand why I’m so passionate about my craft. Non-creatives can sometimes struggle to see why I (or any Creatives) sacrifice sleep, sacrifice time to eat, and even pass on chances of going out just so we can continue working on a passion project of ours. It’s about more than the money, though we do need money to survive. It’s for the LOVE we have for what we do. Don’t get me wrong though; Creatives deserve to be paid, especially if we’re great at what we do! Eventually, and hopefully, we all get to do what we love for a living! That’s the dream right? Then, we’ll never “work” a day in our lives!

To anyone reading this, I hope you’re inspired to chase your dreams and never give up. No matter where you come from, no matter where your family comes from, and no matter what your circumstances are……..#StayDopeHaveHope

Contact Info:

• Website: Vh1Melione.com
• Instagram: Vh1melione
• Facebook: Vh1melione
• Youtube: Vh1melione