Singer-Songwriter Melissa Quinn Fox Discusses Her Music and Her Recent Success

Hard work and perseverance have really started to pay off for Melissa Quinn Fox. Everyone has their own unique story of how they got to where they wanted to go, but what’s similar amongst all is that they didn’t get there without working hard. That’s certainly the case with Quinn Fox, as she has really begun to emerge over the last couple of years. Since 2021, she has released ten singles and a self-titled EP. Along the way, she has played about 150 live shows per year, taking as many opportunities to play for audiences as she could. In that time, she has opened for Brad Paisley, Tenille Townes, Chase Bryant, and more.

Growing up singing in church in an environment rich with music, it seemed only natural for Quinn Fox to pursue a career in the arts. She earned a BA in Musical Theatre, and found a niche performing at theme parts in the U.S. and Europe. Hailing from Pittsburgh, she didn’t necessarily grow up with Southern roots, but you can hear it in her music. Her lyrics are honest, expressive, and story-driven, like many of the great Southern artists. Stevie Nicks, Patsy Cline, Miranda Lambert, and Natalie Merchant have all influenced her in important ways.

Today we are joined by Quinn Fox to talk a little bit about her music, her career, touring, and her new single “Slow Down.”

How would you describe your music?

Melissa Quinn Fox: “Modern Pop Country/Americana with one foot planted in the classic country feel. Story driven, relatable, down to earth.”

What is the story behind your stage name?

“My first name and maiden name with my married name added. It was important to me to keep my maiden name since music has been my passion since a very young age and keeping Quinn in my name honoured that.”

How would you describe your creative process?

“Usually draw inspiration from real life situations or relationships I’ve experienced. Feelings that were so strong they needed to come to life in a song. Lyrics almost always come first, then a melody, usually a chorus first. For years I wrote all my songs by myself, but in 2021 I started revising old songs and writing from scratch with other songwriters and producers and it was an awesome experience.”

Melissa Quinn Fox ‘Slow Down’ album artwork

Who are your biggest influences?

“I have always connected with so many genres of music, so many artists, and bands. I feel they all shaped me. I’ve loved listening to Mariah Carey, Melissa Etheridge, Fleetwood Mac, Carol King, Trisha Yearwood, Natalie Merchant, Patsy Cline. I fell in love with music at such a young age and it is so hard to only name a few influences. I connected with all the stories in the songs and felt all the feelings they brought on.”

Tell us about you most recent single “Slow Down.” What was your experience making it? What went on behind the scenes? Any notable moments stand out?

“My lastest release is my single ‘Slow Down,’ I wrote this one back in 2006 in a little green lyric book I always had with me. I played it at shows with my band back in Pittsburgh, but it I put it aside as life took me different in different directions musically. In August, 2022 I decided to resurrect it and revise it with my producer Todd Wright. After we revised some of the lyrics and music, I took it down to a producer I work with in Franklin, Tennesse, Off The Row Studio, PT Houston producing. It was an amazing feeling to take this old song and make it new and fresh, hear all these amazing Nashville musicians playing my song in the studio.

“I had a great experience recording it and then I had the opportunity to create a music video for this song in Franklin. This will also be the first music video I release. I got to have my husband in the video with me, which was a special experience.

“The song is about trying to convince yourself to take it easy and try to not fall in love so fast when you meet someone amazing because you’re afraid it’s going to end up like all the other failed relationships. This is like how it felt when I met my husband, and he ended up being the one I was waiting for like the song says.”

What do you like most about playing music?

“Connecting with the audience, the energy we share. Getting an emotional response from something I write and perform. Having someone tell me, I love that song, I went through that myself. That song makes me happy. Hearing this is the best feeling in the world to me.”

What’s your favourite city or venue to play?

“I would say my hometown of Pittsburgh. Any chance I get to play where I grew up is so special to me. I remember being a little girl and singing in church or singing in plays or going to see live shows and just wanted to follow this dream so bad. Getting to go back home and play and sing at any venue is an incredible feeling. I think that little girl would be proud of me.”

What’s next for you?

“I am working on my next EP to be released this year. I write and record every week, collaborating with some fantastic local artists. I’m planning on recording and releasing more music videos this year while continuing a full tour schedule.”

What is the best show you’ve ever played?

“In June, 2022 I was selected to perform with my band at the Barefoot Country Music Festival on the beach in Wildwood, New Jersey. This was a four-day festival with headliners like Jason Aldean, Brett Michaels, Eric Church, and 40 other Country artists. This was my first big festival, and it was a dream come true. It was the most incredible feeling stepping out on that stage to sing my songs. Seeing the crowd get into the music and love it then want autographs and pictures with me after. To feel like and realize I belong there, making connections with other artists. That show was such a turning point for me, and I’ll never forget it.”

What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?

“On April 1st, I won all three awards in the Country/American category at the 2023 Washington, D.C. area Wammie Awards. Best Country/Americana – Artist, Album, and Song. The Washington, D.C. area has so many talented musicians and artists so to sweep the category and win all three was an incredible honour. I also won the the award for Best Country/American Song the year before in 2022. So winning four awards in two years when I only started releasing music in 2021 is something I’m very proud of. I’ve worked so hard to release ten singles and an EP in such a short time while playing over 150 a year, and it feels amazing to be recognized as artist and songwriter.”