Introducing Music + English Teacher + Jazz Singer Mel Lathouras…

What do you love about Music?

Music is my life. I live and breath it. I see Music as a higher energy – something bigger and greater than us. And I also see it as a privilege that I get to be one of its interpreters as a musician. Music can be an enormous gateway to change. It can change people’s lives, bring people together and make us feel good. That’s what I love most about Music. It’s magical.

When did you know that you could sing?

My parents bought me a keyboard when I was six years old and I quickly discovered its list of pre-programmed music that played like backing tracks. Most of them were extremely daggy but I fell in love with The Beatle’s song Yesterday. I learnt all the words and started singing it for anyone who would listen. I got a lot of compliments and whether these were genuine or not, I saw it as the encouragement to continue. The next tune I set myself to master was ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’. I knew I was onto a winner with this one because every time I would sing it, my Grandmother Mavis would cry. I proceeded to sing these two songs for the next several years at important gigs, such as family BBQs and out in front of my parents’ fruit and vege shop. So rather than saying that I knew that I could sing when I was young, it’s more so that I knew early on that I wanted to sing and perform for people.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

To be honest, when I’m not working, teaching singing, gigging, I’m eating out or watching Netflix. I also love to go to my friends’ gigs or go to concerts. I also just really love hanging out at home.

What advice would you give to young people wanting to be Musicians?

Sing!!!!! I believe everyone can sing and should sing! It’s so good for you on so many levels but more importantly, great for your soul. I believe every instrumentalist should make singing a part of their daily practice because it can help you quickly embody the musical language you need to transfer onto your instrument.

Also, if you have a burning desire to be a musician but people tell you that you need to have a ‘fall back’ career, don’t listen to them. There are so many ways to make money as a Musician these days with so many online tools to help you do it. You are smart and can make anything work for you. Go for your dreams and work hard at your craft.