Melanie Martinez: A Synopsis

Personal Background

• Full Name: Melanie Adele Martinez
• Birth: April 28, 1995, in Astoria, Queens, New York City
• Heritage: Dominican and Puerto Rican descent
• Residence: Moved to Baldwin, New York at age four

Early Life

• Childhood marked by shyness and emotional sensitivity
• Attended Plaza Elementary School, encouraged to sing by a teacher
• Interests included poetry, photography, and painting
• Described as "cry baby" due to emotional nature
• Family initially unaccepting of her bisexuality, but later embraced it

Musical Career

Initial Breakthrough (2012–2014)

• The Voice: Gained recognition from Season 3
  • Notable performances included songs like "Toxic" and "Seven Nation Army"
  • Chose Adam Levine as coach, reached the top 6
• Post-Show: Released debut single "Dollhouse" (2014)
  • Signed with Atlantic Records
  • Released "Dollhouse EP"

Debut Album: Cry Baby (2015)

• Released singles "Pity Party," "Soap," "Sippy Cup"
• Certified Platinum by RIAA
• Accompanied by the Cry Baby Tour (2015-2017)

Subsequent Works (2015–2022)

• K-12 Album: Released in 2019 with an accompanying film
  • Peaked at number 3 on Billboard 200
  • Promoted through the K-12 Tour, shortened due to COVID-19
• After School EP: Released in 2020
  • Included singles "Copy Cat" and "Fire Drill"
  • "Play Date" gained popularity on TikTok

Recent Projects (2023-Present)

• Portals Album: Released in March 2023
  • Singles "Death" and "Void" charted on Billboard Hot 100
  • Supported by the Portals Tour (2023)

Artistry

Musical Style

• Genres include pop, alternative pop, electropop, art pop, and art rock
• Describes music as "dark and honest" with hip-hop/trap influences

Influences

• Inspired by artists like The Beatles, Christina Aguilera, and Lana Del Rey
• Visual influences include Tim Burton and Mark Ryden

Public Image

• Known for distinct two-toned hair and "baby doll" aesthetic
• Image described as hyperreal, combining nursery rhyme elements with life stories

Controversies

• Sexual Assault Allegation: Accused by former friend Timothy Heller in 2017
  • Martinez denied allegations, claiming encounters were consensual
• Song Response: Released "Piggyback" believed to address the accusations

Discography Highlights

• Studio Albums:
  • Cry Baby (2015)
  • K-12 (2019)
  • Portals (2023)

Tours

• Headlining Tours: Dollhouse Tour, Cry Baby Tour, K-12 Tour, Portals Tour

Awards and Recognitions

• Notable for unique visual effects in music videos
• Featured on Forbes' Under 30 list in 2021

Additional Contributions

• Narrated several audiobooks
• Collaborated with Lime Crime for makeup products
• Released Cry Baby Perfume Milk fragrance