An Inspired Chat with Mel Kay of Hawaii, Honolulu

Mel Kay shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Mel, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
At the moment the start of my day consists of waking up, getting ready and making the bed. I then often get a cup of coffee and walk the dog. After that I generally head to either exercise or to work on my laptop/to studio.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am an Australian singer and artist trained at The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts with a BA in vocal studies.
I currently write introspective pop/folk with the aim to help people feel less alone. I have worked as a singer, artist and writer for over 10 years.

I have performed at venues across Western Australia, Darwin & Hawaii. In 2023 I released my first USA single HEAVEN in Hawaii & the launch sold out at The Slack Key Lounge in Honolulu. I also opened for Taimane Gardner at The Northshore International Film Festival in 2023.

In 2025 I work as a performer in Hawaii and recently sold out another show at The Velvet Monkey.
I am passionate about my music reaching those who have been hurt with the aim to help people feel less alone. ​

Having explored many genres of music in my writing through the years I am now leaning into folk pop with gospel roots.
I am excited to be working on my debut album this year ~ Of Angels & Architects ~ set to release early 2026.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
When I was 17 I auditioned for the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. I remember in the interview portion after I had auditioned I shared honestly that I knew I wasn’t the best but that I would work hard.

The audition was with the head of music at the university and he was the one that believed in me enough to let me into the course and program. Some singers got things straight away but I had to work at it and work at it to get where I was by the end of the degree. I am still so glad that the director of music gave me that chance and saw something in myself I often doubted. Because now I am able to help others get through roadblocks to find their own voices and I am able to sing in a way I could never have dreamed of when I was a kid.

I will always appreciate him giving me that chance and for where that has allowed me to be now.

Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
I guess maybe a few people might know but one thing I really miss living overseas is the smell of the rain in Australia. There is something about it I find profoundly calming and soothing.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think freedom, integrity and genuine kindness and care for those around you.
I find it very hard to connect deeply with people who are not introspective and do not have regard for other humans and animals. I also think they would probably say tea and hiking.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope that people remember the stories I wrote and maybe they still continue to bring a sense of healing and comfort when I am not there anymore.

I hope that a kid somewhere out there reads the book I am working on and gets to play with my imaginary friend like I did when I was a very lonely child. I hope that the characters live on even beyond me and bring someone else out there the sense of being understood and less alone.

I hope that I become a memory that makes people stop forgetting to remember that life can still be beautiful and full of wonder even when you are fully grown.

I also hope it is noted that I was determined, unrelenting, occasionally funny and that I liked properly brewed tea.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
red hat picture credits are:
Travis Davis

People upside down and right way up:
Liv Beros

Otherwise not needed

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