5 Questions With ... Melanie Fiona

GRAMMY-nominated artist Melanie Fiona was the recent guest for an installment of The Recording Academy's 5 Questions With … series, held during The Academy's inaugural GRAMMYs @ event, a new series supporting The Academy's mission to be the leading voice in honoring, celebrating and advancing music and its makers. The debut installment, GRAMMYs @ Canada House, a partnership with the Consulate General of Canada in Los Angeles celebrating Canadian artists, featured a special performance by Fiona, who also discussed her upcoming album The MF Life, being nominated for a GRAMMY, advice for aspiring musicians, music education, and her favorite GRAMMY moment.

"The whole concept of The MF Life [is] to encourage people to feel OK with the ups and downs of life," said Fiona. "I really feel like I got a good sense of expression on this album."

Born Melanie Hallim in Toronto, Fiona developed a passion for music at an early age, drawing on influences such as Whitney Houston and the Ronettes. Before releasing her debut album, 2009's The Bridge, Fiona caught the interest of GRAMMY winner Kanye West, subsequently landing a spot on his European tour in 2008. The Bridge peaked at No. 27 on the Billboard 200, shot into the Top 5 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and featured Fiona's debut single, "Give It To Me Right," which samples the Zombies' "Time Of The Season." Fiona garnered her first GRAMMY nomination in 2009 for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for "It Kills Me," a song that cracked the Top 50 on the Billboard Hot 100. Fiona received her second GRAMMY nomination the following year for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration on John Legend and the Roots' "Wake Up Everybody."

Fiona's most recent single, "4 AM," was released on Sept. 6 and will appear on The MF Life, due Oct. 25.

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