It was an unforgettable experience for rising star Melody Copley Knox.
The singer-songwriter captured first place in the Capella Star Talent Search, a chance to shine on the main stage alongside world-renowned artists.
“Winning Capella Star was unbelievable, an experience I will never forget and will always hold dear to me,” she says. “It was a dream of mine to be on the main stage from the first Capella that I went to and watched all the incredible local and international artists perform.”
That dream came true at the end of April when Melody took to the main stage at the one-day festival, with a star-studded line-up headlined by Damien ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley.
“To share the stage with so many passionate musicians and such supportive people around me was amazing,” she says.
The contest involved seeking votes from the public for 30% of the score, with 70% coming from a panel of three judges – Grammy award-winner Jason ‘JG’ Gilbert, Wayneroy Randall and Zosia McGregor.
Two spots on the main stage were open to Caymanian musicians, while residents could vie for one spot on the Supernova stage. Melody captured the top spot, winning Melody on stage at Capella. US$2,500, with Caymanian James Munro Jr. taking second place and Cayman resident Yohann Fitzgerald in third place.
ORIGINAL TUNE
Melody performed ‘Levitating’ by Dua Lipa, Bob Marley’s ‘Redemption Song’ and her original song ‘Home to the Islands’.
“The inspiration behind the song is the love of my home, and the relatability that everyone around the world can share when you leave your home – wherever it may be – and the longing feeling to go back,” she says.
The song, a collaborative effort with friends, was recorded at a home studio. It was produced by Zarek Deosaran, with Adam Stoner contributing guitar and vocals.
“I also must shout out Tim Schneider and Dashiell Flach for the production and mix, as they did an incredible job,” says Melody.
The single debuted on Z99’s Cayman Local Artist Series in February, and is now streaming on all platforms, including YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music.
LONG-TIME PASSION
The 21-year-old’s passion for music stems from her early years – both her parents are accomplished musicians on-island. Kate Knox is a violinist and performs with the band Trinity, while Shane Allenger is part of the popular duo Hi-Tide.
“My parents have always tried to keep me involved in the studio or rehearsals or anything musical,” says Melody. “They have gently pushed me in the right direction to allow me to find my own feet in the music industry.”
While vocals are her focus, Melody also plays a few instruments including guitar, violin and ukulele. She has her sights set on building a music career, both at home and abroad.
“I am currently working on my next few songs that I would love to release as an EP,” she says. “I am hoping to start performing live more regularly and build a name for myself in the music industry not only in Cayman, but internationally.”
HOME TO THE ISLANDS
– Lyrics by Melody Copley Knox
The island I come from got sisters we are three
No matter the distance, time, or sea
We’re all the same, you and me
The party tun up tun up
No matter your nation, race we are free
Carnival don’t care where you from you see
I’m drinking, I’m drinking
Rum can’t handle me
The world needs Cayman Kind
Believe me
I just wanna feel the island breeze
Take me home, take me home
Never miss the ocean til I had no beach
Take me home, I miss my home
I, I’m young and free
Forever, Eva, Eva Forever, Eva, Eva
And you, you can’t match me
Forever, Eva I am island free
The people jump up jump up
Whine on the road with their Soca feet
I can’t stop at all when the rhythm comes after me
I’m drinking, I’m drinking
Rum can’t handle me
The world needs Cayman Kind
Believe me
I just wanna feel the island breeze
Take me home, take me home
Never miss the ocean til I had no beach
Take me home, I miss my home
I just wanna feel the island breeze
Take me home, take me home
Never miss the ocean til I had no beach
Take me home, I miss my home
I, I’m young and free
Forever, Eva, Eva Forever, Eva, Eva
And you, you can’t match me
Forever, Eva I am island free
I just wanna feel the island breeze
Take me home, take me home
Never miss the ocean til I had no beach
Take me home I, I’m young and free, young and free
Forever
You, you can’t match me
Take me home
Take me home.
This article originally appeared in the summer issue of What’s Hot magazine.
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