Melody Mortal Releases “Nightmare”
Melody Mortal, hailing from Los Angeles, United States, is the creative force behind the original single "Nightmare." Teaming up with her co-producer Zad French, Melody embarked on a musical journey that transcended its initial pop-punk roots to embrace a dynamic and bold sound that sets her apart in the music scene.
Released on December 13th, 2024, "Nightmare" is a track that delves into the chaos of heartbreak amidst the backdrop of a rockstar's life. Drawing inspiration from artists like The Prodigy and Rob Zombie, Melody infuses gritty energy with a dark, hyper-femme pop edge, creating a track that showcases her signature style. With haunting lyrics and a raw narrative, "Nightmare" immerses listeners in a cinematic portrayal of emotional wreckage, making it an essential addition to any magnetic, freaky underground electro-punk playlist.
What's the story behind this release?
“Nightmare” channels the chaos of being a rockstar caught in the throes of heartbreak. Set against the backdrop of backstage drama and soundcheck sorrow, the track weaves a raw narrative of love gone wrong. With haunting lyrics like “white chalk outlines”—a chilling nod to a post-murder scene—the song paints a picture of emotional wreckage. References to green rooms, guest lists, and velvet ropes blur the lines between a live stage performance and the theatrical unraveling of a relationship, creating a dark, cinematic portrayal of heartbreak in the spotlight.
What was unique about the recording process?
The recording process for this track was a journey in itself, with nearly ten different versions created along the way. What began as a punk-pop anthem evolved into a more classic rock sound before Melody ultimately decided to steer the song toward a darker hyper-pop vibe—while still holding onto its rock and punk edge. Synth bass and gritty guitar riffs became the foundation to strike that perfect balance. If you heard the earlier versions, you’d be stunned by the transformation. Taking her time paid off, and Melody is confident the final result was worth every step of the process.
Tell us about the key contributors to this project.
The driving forces behind this project are Melody Mortal and her co-producer Zad French. While the song began as a nostalgic nod to 2000s pop-punk, it soon evolved into something far more dynamic.
Could you share a memorable quote about this release or your journey as an artist?
Melody's journey as an artist—and as an independent musician—reflects a constant tension: the pressure to go viral, boost numbers, and chase algorithms. While staying aware of those factors is important, she knew that rushing to release this track just for the sake of "what's next" would have shortchanged its potential. Instead, she took the time to let the song evolve, even when the process stretched a few months longer than expected—something many might argue goes against today’s fast-paced, algorithm-driven landscape. But Melody is grateful she didn’t give in to the rush. For once, she truly enjoyed the process, and the result speaks for itself.
Is there anything additional that would be valuable for curators to know?
Melody Mortal is what you'd get if Wednesday Addams and Harley Quinn formed a band, became rockstars, and started making anthemic revenge music. Drawing influences from '80s hair metal, 2000s emo-punk-pop, classic rock, and hyper-pop, she blends humor, joy, darkness, and raw intensity into every track. Her sound is defiant yet theatrical, always pushing the boundaries of rock with a fresh twist. For Melody, the journey has been just as exciting as the music itself—embracing the evolution of her character, Melody Mortal, every step of the way.
