We had the pleasure of chatting with rising NYC star, Melissa XYZ, to discuss all things new single, Flamingo After Dark, and how her sound has evolved. Enjoy!
WWD: ‘Moving In The Dark’ marks your first track featuring your own vocals. What inspired you to take this step, and how did it influence the production process?
I’ve always loved to sing—from having the lead roles in my middle school plays, a vocal solo in my high school marching band show, and winning a scholarship for voice lessons— I finally got back into it when I started producing. I’ve been singing on demos since the beginning of my journey, testing out my voice in different keys, then I worked with a few vocalists who inspired me, and then “Moving In The Dark” was the first one I felt ready to share! For this one, I only came up with the bassline idea and drums before writing the vocals. After the vocal recording session, I added the 16th note melody and chord progressions, inspired after digging into some of my old piano music. I love playing on a real piano when I can in between studio sessions because it sparks creativity. Then when I go back to my laptop and midi keyboard to produce, the melody ideas flow out.
WWD: Flamingo After Dark is not just a record label but also a creative platform. Can you tell us more about the vision behind it and what you hope to achieve with it?
As a producer and recording artist, my main goal is to create and release music I love. While I have inspiration from many different record labels, I felt it was important to have my own sound. So when it came to finally feeling like I was ready to release music, the natural step was to start my own platform. And the flamingo became a part of my brand – long story short, it started on my DJ livestreams at the beginning of the pandemic. I have so many ideas on developing Flamingo After Dark – right now I’m setting precedent for the vision with the exciting releases, and we’ll see where that takes us! Stay tuned 😉
WWD: Your debut release, ‘Falling,’ made waves in the electronic music scene. How do you feel your sound has evolved since then, leading to ‘Moving In The Dark?’
I wrote ‘Falling’ about a year before I wrote ‘Moving In The Dark’ and in between, I experimented with different synths, bassline grooves, and more complex melodies, which you may notice by how unique this new one sounds.
WWD: You’re known for your captivating DJ sets. How do you approach curating a set, and what’s the connection between your DJ performances and your productions?
I typically structure my DJ sets around my new productions that I want to test out, and depending what time of the day/night I play, I’ll prepare a playlist of music I know would work. And then I use my DJ set experience (dance floor response, flow of the set, etc.) as inspiration for new productions, so it’s a continual evolution.
WWD: ‘Moving In The Dark’ is described as hopeful, emotive, and exhilarating. What emotions or imagery do you hope listeners will experience when they hear it?
I always try to tell a story in my songwriting and take listeners through a range of emotions. My vision of this record starts with a playful feeling, then euphoric, then intense, and then feeling like you achieved something when it ends. I also want to make my listeners want to hear the song on repeat.
WWD: As a Brooklyn-based artist, how has the city’s vibrant nightlife and music scene influenced your music and your journey as a producer?
Living in Brooklyn/ New York City exposed me to so much music I would have never heard otherwise, and I am so grateful for that. I could go see an artist I’m inspired by every single weekend if I wanted to. I used to do just that, exploring different types of electronic music, and eventually the late nights of partying turned into late nights of producing.
WWD: We’ve heard there is a lot of unreleased music waiting in the wings, what can we expect to hear from you following this single?
Yes I have a lot of unreleased music I’ve been testing out at my shows, and have gotten some really exciting dance floor responses. I can’t say which will be released next yet, but you can expect more high-energy music!
WWD: Techno and melodic elements are central to your sound. How do you balance the club-ready energy with the more emotive, personal aspects of your music?
Almost every song I write has a breakdown in the middle, that’s atmospheric with pads or strings, as contrast to the high energy. I love using them to build suspense and anticipation before the exciting drops.
WWD: What’s next for Flamingo After Dark and Melissa XYZ in 2025? Are there any collaborations, releases, or projects you’re particularly excited about?
All of the above! I have a variety of active projects at the moment, but I can’t share much yet. Extremely excited about the release of ‘Moving In The Dark!’
WWD: We can’t wait to see what’s in store! Thanks for the chat 🙂
‘Moving In The Dark’ is available here