Music Monday: March 27, 2022

I was first introduced to Melissa Polinar by a friend and fellow Filipino American musician who recommended her to me when I was still in academia studying Asian American YouTube musicians (a lifetime ago). My friend was absolutely right about her music–she’s a gifted songwriter not only with harmonic complexity but also with lyrical prowess. I’ve listened to her regularly ever since!

Fun fact: Prince once attended one of her shows in LA and seemed to have enjoyed her music (see her tweet below).

80-capacity venue in LA. Prince snuck in. I was onstage singing. Saw his face for like 2 seconds — and gave me the ultimate compliment. https://t.co/rXhA7YAUjw pic.twitter.com/CreXFtdDkD

— Melissa Polinar (@mpolinar) January 9, 2020

Today’s Music Monday song, “Jenny,” isn’t what I consider representative of Melissa Polinar’s typical sound OR usual lyrical topics; however, it is achingly beautiful, heartbreaking, and hopeful all at once. It exemplifies her incredible range as a musician and as a songwriter.

Someday I’ll feature one of Melissa Polinar’s more upbeat, catchy tunes that make her music so fun to sing along to.

Enjoy this slower-paced track to start off the week!