(Nettavisen): Moving to a new country as a teenager can be a challenging experience for most people, but for Alessandra Mele (21), who moved to Norway when she was 18, it was the beginning of a journey she could not have foreseen themselves.
In just over a year, she has managed to win the Melodi Grand Prix, secure Norway’s best position at Eurovision in ten years, release her first EP and, not least, complete a European tour.
These are achievements that would impress even the most experienced in the industry.
On top of it all, she has experienced a roller coaster of ups and downs, going to school, falling in love and breaking up. It has thus been a hectic year, but at the same time an educational journey where she has learned a lot about herself.
A unique journey
– It has been absolutely crazy, there is nothing else you can say, says Mele, reflecting on the past year.
She recently released her very first EP, “Best Year Of My Life”, summing up what has been her most unexpected year so far.
– There have been “up and downs”, and there has been “excitement and ecstasy”. I have learned to be happy in the slightly sadder moments, while at the same time cherishing the good ones, says Mele.
For Mele, success has not only been a personal adventure, but also an opportunity to inspire others.
She shares openly about the challenges she has faced along the way, and encourages others to embrace both successes and adversity as a part of life.
– If I hadn’t gone on I wouldn’t have known everything I know now, she says, referring to the music school that has helped her shape her career.
At the highly prestigious music school in Lillehammer, she has learned how the industry really works and what is important in an artist’s career.
– Not everyone is so lucky
Nettavisen meets the Norwegian-Italian artist and songwriter in connection with the Spellemannprisen 2023. In February, it was announced that she has been nominated in the category “Song of the Year” with the MGP contribution “Queen of the kings”, as well as Breakthrough of the Year.
– Just over a year ago, I knew almost nothing about being an artist. I didn’t know how to make songs, I didn’t know anything.
As mentioned, Mele comes from a small municipality in Italy with around 2,000 inhabitants. Growing up in a small municipality has limited her experiences and knowledge of the life of artists and the creative world.
– But I love it more than I thought, Mele clarifies.
Because when it comes to summing up everything she loves about life as an artist, the 21-year-old is not at a loss for words. She lists everything from stage performances to the work around building her own brand as an artist.
– I love coming up with ideas and being a bit of a “businesswoman”, she says.
– I’m actually quite surprised that I feel ready for this. I just feel like I’ve figured out what I’m going to do in life. Not everyone is lucky enough to do that, she points out.
– Gives a fuck
For having been part of the limelight for just over a year, the popular 21-year-old appears to be both steady and self-confident.
As a teenager, becoming a pop star overnight can be intense and challenging, but for the Norwegian-Italian artist it has been relatively unproblematic.
The reason for that is simple:
– The thing is that I don’t give a damn about things. I don’t care too much about what everyone else thinks, and I’m not afraid to speak up. Even though I’m a celebrity, I’m still human, right?
Whether it is just her personality or so-called Italian temperament, it is not easy to say. However, Mele says that she can still feel that Norwegians are put off by her energetic and forward-looking attitude.
– Boys in particular can get a little scared of me because I’m so forward. They are put out, she laughs.
Breaks down taboos
According to the 21-year-old artist, it’s easy to forget the less glamorous moments that artists often experience behind the scenes. She therefore wants to share openly about these challenges – including coping with nerves and unexpected obstacles before a concert.
– Yesterday, for example, I had diarrhea right before I went on stage and was on the toilet for half an hour, she shares honestly and without reservation and continues:
– There are many artists who experience the same thing, but no one talks about it because it is small. But it’s just about getting a little nervous.
It is perhaps with such stories that Mele has forged a very special bond with her fans, who also call her big sister.
– I feel that this is exactly what I am too. I feel like they are almost my children.
Furthermore, Mele says that she does not think she will have children herself. If it happens, it happens, but she almost feels that the fans have become the child she wants and needs.
She sees them not only as followers, but as an extended family, which she feels a strong responsibility to care for and support.
– I love my career. I love what I do. At the same time, I feel that by teaching myself about life, I can teach back to the fans and to the people who are part of this project.
– And it’s a bit my child. The fans are a bit my child. And I intend to take care of that, she admits.
The balance between career and love
Alessandra’s relationship with her fans goes far beyond just performing on stage and signing autographs. For her, they are an integral part of her life and career.
A career she is ready to devote all her time to.
In November, she revealed to Nettavisen that it had ended between her and her boyfriend.
– It has been difficult. I feel that my ex-boyfriend is one of the best people there is, she emphasizes.
She does not hide the fact that she has a lot of love for him, but says that love does not always match the times in which you find yourself.
– I didn’t love him as much as I love what I do. And then you have to make a choice, because if a relationship steals time from what you most want to do, then it is not a good relationship, she says and emphasizes that it has not been easy.
Looking purposefully forward
Mele, on the other hand, does not regret the choices she has made to focus fully on her career going forward. And much can indicate that it has been the right choice.
Recently, the 21-year-old completed his first tour – which stretched across national borders.
– We had 20 concerts around Europe, she says.
Countries such as Germany, Italy, Poland and France have been visited, but one of the countries in particular was the best, namely Spain.
– Barcelona was a vibe. We also had an apartment, with the whole team. We played Mario Kart and I crushed them. I’m really good at Mario Kart. Antwerp was also great fun.
When asked what she believes is the most decisive reason why she has gotten to where she is today, she replies as follows:
– It’s not just hard work, but it’s hard work with a lot of love, and I think there’s a big difference in that.
Tags: Spellman Limpi village city Alessandra Mele queen kings
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