Melanie Martinez to perform on L.I.

Melanie Martinez, the 17-year-old Baldwin product who was one of the top five contestants on The Voice last year, is returning to Long Island on Nov. 23. The concert will be Martinez’s first in the area since her run on the NBC singing competition ended, and also features the show’s Bryan Keith — who comes from the Bronx. The concert will be an all-ages affair held at 89 North Music in Patchogue and advance tickets are available through ticketfly.com. The Herald caught up with Martinez last week and asked the young musician how her life has changed in the last year and also what spots she plans to visit when she returns to her hometown.

Herald: Give us a quick recap of life since your time on the show ended? What’s a typical day like for you now?
Melanie Martinez: I’m in the studio writing and recording or touring the USA. One of my upcoming tour stops is in Patchogue.

H: How did you deal with the disappointment of being eliminated from The Voice? Were you shocked? Sad? Or did you start looking towards the future right away? 
MM: I wasn’t disappointed. I knew I was going home and was totally ready to leave the show. I was ready to become my own artist and not continue to be an artist from “The Voice.” I was ready to move away from that and work on releasing my original music.

H: Yours was one of the most recognizable and unique styles on the show during your run. How have you refined your point of view as a singer since then? What changes might someone who hasn’t seen you in a year notice?
MM: I have grown a lot since The Voice as a person. My eyes have been opened to what it truly takes to become someone in this industry. When I was on the show they made it seem like if you didn’t win, you would never become successful as an artist. I find it to be the opposite. I’m more developed now as a singer/songwriter and I’m ready to share my music with the world.

H: How does it feel to return to your hometown? Is there any nervousness or are you more excited? 
MM: It’s wonderful. Though I do love the weather in LA., I’m moving to New York City soon, God willing. 

H: Are there any foods you particularly want to eat or places you want to visit in or around Baldwin when you return?
MM: I love Witches Brew in West Hempstead! I go there very often. Also Buffalo Wild Wings in Garden City.