Life & Work with Melany Toujas of Mid city

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melany Toujas.

Hi Melany, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
my story really starts with training before anything else.
After graduating high school, I studied for three years in a performing arts school, where I earned my diploma as a professional performing artist. That foundation in movement, voice, and stage presence shaped everything I do today.
Soon after, I traveled to Los Angeles to represent France at the World Championships of Performing Arts. That experience opened every door. It led me to work with producers who had collaborated with icons like Madonna and Janet Jackson, and it was during that period of discovery and experimentation that ECO’POP® was born in 2022.
From there, my artistic world expanded quickly. I began collaborating with Neff-U (known for his work with Michael Jackson), Gemini Muziq (who worked with Justin Bieber), and other creatives who understood and supported my vision of pushing sound in a new direction.
Today, I’m the only artist in the world creating ECO’POP®. the first, and so far the only, artist to integrate plant variations into pop songs and use nature as a literal co-composer. When I moved permanently to Los Angeles, I amplified that vision even further by joining the GRAMMY U Los Angeles chapter, collaborating across the city, and refining ECO’POP® into both a musical identity and a sustainable artistic movement.I partnered with innovative tools like PlantWave, began recording plant biodata, and started shaping performances where nature becomes a co-composer. From there, opportunities with brands, studios, and events grew naturally people resonated with the idea of music that reconnects us to something bigger than ourselves.
Today, I’m building ECO’POP® as both an artistic language and a platform a way to show that sustainability, sound, and storytelling can coexist. It’s been a journey of intuition, community, and a lot of bold decisions, and I’m still evolving. Sony became a key sponsor of my ECO’POP® event, supporting the vision of creating sustainable music genre, they also had me showcasing it during their immersive creator experience where music, technology, and nature merge into one artistic language. Their involvement didn’t just elevate the event but it marked the beginning of a growing relationship built on innovation, creative curiosity, and a shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of sound. Together, we’re exploring new ways to expand ECO’POP® and open doors for artists who want to think beyond traditional music-making.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I believe every artist faces struggles on their journey, and it’s often those challenges that shape their art and narrative in such a unique way.
When I first started singing, I was diagnosed with stretch marks on my vocal cords. A conservatory teacher told me I would never be a singer — although she was referring to opera, she generalized it, and it hit me hard. I felt devastated at the time. But I worked through it, doing vocal rehabilitation and consulting voice professionals who helped me understand the reality: I could absolutely be a singer, just not a lyric (opera) singer which was never my plan anyway.
On top of that, I faced a lot of bullying in high school. People told me I would never become a singer, that I’d never make it to the United States. Instead of breaking me, those words became fuel. They gave me the strength to work harder, to improve, and to chase my dreams relentlessly.
Now, I dedicate myself to supporting young generations, helping them navigate harassment and obstacles while encouraging them to fight for their dreams. I want them to know that struggles don’t define you, your resilience and determination do.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m the creator of ECO’POP®, a one-of-a-kind musical concept that merges pop music with the living frequencies of nature. I specialize in blending traditional songwriting and production with the variations of plants and natural elements, creating songs that are literally co-composed by the environment. To date, I’m the only artist in the world doing this, the first to integrate plant variations into pop songs, and the only one exploring this unique intersection of art, science, and sustainability.
In alignment with ECO’POP®, I also created the Mus’Eco System, a concept for eco-friendly concerts that combine immersive performances with sustainable production, allowing audiences to experience music in harmony with the environment.
I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with top producers like Neff-U (Michael Jackson) and Gemini Muziq (Justin Bieber), and my work has grown from experimental projects to full-scale performances and immersive events, including support from Sony, who sponsored my ECO’POP® event and helped amplify the experience for creators and audiences alike.
What I’m most proud of is not just creating a new musical genre, but also building a platform that inspires innovation, sustainability, and creativity. What sets me apart is my vision of music as a living, evolving ecosystem, a sound that’s not only heard, but felt, experienced, and connected to the world around us.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Absolutely, I would say trust your vision and stay resilient. When you’re starting out, it’s easy to compare yourself to others or get discouraged by people who don’t believe in you. I know I experienced that firsthand.
From being told I’d never sing because of my vocal cord condition to facing bullies in high school who said I’d never make it to the United States, I learned that obstacles are not roadblocks, they’re fuel.
I also wish I had known earlier the importance of surrounding yourself with mentors and professionals who understand your unique potential. Working with the right people whether it’s teachers, producers, or peers they can completely transform your growth and open doors you didn’t even know existed.
Most importantly, I’d say don’t be afraid to create something that has never been done before. Innovation comes from courage and curiosity, and sometimes that means being the first, or even the only one, doing something. If you stay committed to your vision, work hard, and embrace challenges as part of your journey, you’ll not only grow as an artist but also leave a mark that’s truly yours.

Pricing:

• live performance in restaurants 300$
• songwriting 500$
• vocal coaching 40$/h

Contact Info:

• Website: https://melanytoujas.wixsite.com/melany-toujas
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanytoujas_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melanytoujas
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melanytoujas