Melanie Martinez has been reborn.

With the release of her third studio album, PORTALS, the American alternative pop art singer didn't just offer new music but also a fresh perspective on who she has become—an ethereal four-eyed fairy with pink skin, who somehow lost her way between earth and the afterlife. Her new look is shocking; it might even make some people uncomfortable. But through her shell, she's able to overcome her fears and anxiety, challenging the norm and fighting self-doubt.

Melanie Martinez to bring ‘PORTALS Tour’ to Asia in 2024 – Singapore, Manila, and Tokyo confirmed

Ahead of her Asia tour this January, Bandwagon caught up with Melanie Martinez to talk about her PORTALS Tour, how she gets in and out of her costumes, and Asian artists she thinks you should listen to.

Hi, Melanie! We’re so excited that you’re taking PORTALS on tour to Asia this month. How’s tour been like so far?  

The PORTALS Tour has been transformative for me. I usually don’t enjoy touring, because I love being home and touring has always been exhausting for me, but this tour has shown me a really beautiful side of touring that has made me feel present and grateful every single day, even through the exhaustion. 

Speaking of PORTALS and this tour, your new look is totally out of this world! What is it like getting up on stage with all that make up, prosthetics, and outfits?  

It’s really fun, but definitely a challenge to perform in. I enjoy being in character to the fullest onstage though, it helps me overcome my anxiety and stage fright. 

How did you come up with the visual aspect for your concept album, PORTALS?  

I spent a lot of time reading and writing, brainstorming, drawing, painting, etc. Just creating until the puzzle pieces clicked in my mind. 

Tell us about your team behind the scenes and how they help you get into this version of yourself. 

My makeup artist Laurel spends hours carefully painting a piece of gorgeous art onto the silicone mask I wear every night. Laurel will then paint the bottom half of my face and neck pink to match. William will dedicate hours to meticulously colouring and cutting my wigs, as well as creating beautiful hair pieces that are sewn into the wigs so they don’t fall off onstage! Sometimes I’ll want to wear something very new and very sudden, and Leslie will sew things together for me at the speed of light, so it not only looks amazing, but it fits me just right each night. My glam team is amazing, and I am very grateful for them!! 

What can fans expect at your concerts in Asia?  

A whole lot of fun, magic, and togetherness.

Since the year just started, how do you think you’ll make 2024 your own?

By staying present and taking each feeling and task day by day. 

Are there any Asian acts you’ve been listening to these days? Anything you’d like to recommend our readers to listen to? 

Mitski, Yaeji, and beabadoobee.

Stream PORTALS below.

Melanie Martinez' PORTALS Tour - Singapore is happening on 25 January 2024 at the Singapore Expo.