Willa Drew: Hi there. What should I call you? Do you prefer a nickname?
Melodie "El" Rockerby: Well, my parents named me Melodie. But I prefer the world knows me as El. 
 
WD: Welcome and thanks for agreeing to talk to us today. 
E: (Smiles) Thank you for not involving my parents. Doing an interview without them is a wish come true.
 
WD: Can I get you something to drink? Water? Soda? Coffee? Wine? Whiskey?
E: Can I get a sparkling water with watermelon juice?
 
WD: Don't have that here, but I’ll ask the kitchen. In the meantime, tell me a little about yourself.
E: Haven't you read my previous interviews?
 
WD: I've done my prep work, yes.
E: What do they say about me?
 
WD: Your mother is the world famous opera singer Sophia Vella, your father—
E: Papa, I called him Papa, it's a Maltese thing.
 
WD: Okay, your papa was an opera singer as well.
E: The best in the world.
 
WD: Definitely. The world of opera grieved his death alongside you and your mother.
E: No comment.
 
WD: Right. I understand. And of course, we all know your stepdad and famous rock star Bill Rockerby, or Rocker to the world.
E: You see, you know it all already. Nothing to add.
 
WD: But that was about your parents, not you.
E: What else would you like to know?
 
WD: You live in Malibu. Are you a native Californian?

E: Born here, but I grew up travelling with my Mama and Papa touring around the world. But our home base has always been in LA.
 
WD: Now that you're eighteen, what are your dreams? Are you going to college? Or do you have the singing bug too? 
E: What you’re really asking is can I sing? With famous parents who possess such talent, did the apple fall far from the tree? Yes, I sing. I also play the piano, guitar, and can bang out a rhythm on the drums.
 
WD: What are some of your likes?
E: I like running, cappuccinos, butter tarts, and the truth. Honesty. When you grow up in a world like mine, it's hard to tell if people are your...friend because they like you or because they want something from you. 

WD: Hmm. That would suck. How about dislikes?
E: I don’t like people who make assumptions about me. I’ve lived my whole life in the spotlight but that doesn’t mean you know me. 

WD: I’d like to get to know the real you. What’s a day in your life like?
E: Well, I recently started working at Rocker Inc with my dad. No, I’m not cutting an album. I’m in the back office learning the ropes. After work I usually go for a long run or see…friends.
 
WD: Let's dig deeper. What is your greatest fear?
E: (Reaches her hand up and curls a strand of hair around her finger.) I guess disappointing the ones I love.
 
WD: Tell us about someone important to you?
E: My parents, you know them. My cousins Zoe and Bailey. My bodyguard Sven. Is that weird? Scratch that last one. People will think I’m lonely or something.
 
WD: If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?
E: (Laughs nervously) I’d like to go to a keg party like a normal teen. Being famous by proxy has the paparazzi following me, but it’s like I’m paying the price for my parents’ lifestyle and can’t do what I want. Granted I'm also rich by proxy, but is that really worth it?
 
WD: I can't imagine what it's like to constantly be in the spotlight. I guess your distinct ...hairstyle makes you pretty identifiable.
E: (Plays with the white strand in her hair again.) Yup. I stand out. 

WD: If you could have done one thing differently, what would it be?
E: Not hurt my hand in England. (Holds up a hand wrapped in a splint.) Does that count? You have no idea what a pain in the butt it is. The guitarist I had to hire, Wil, is so full of himself, but he has talent. And we sound great together. Silver lining, and all that. You still coming to Devil's Martini on Saturday to hear us?
 
WD: 8 pm. On my calendar. Wouldn't miss it. Are you happy we know your story?
E: What makes you think you know my story? You know a story. One that’s been carefully crafted by my parents and their publicists. Perhaps one day you’ll know the real me.
 
WD: I'd love that. Is there anything you want to say to your fans?
E: (Looks directly into the camera) Thank you. You inspire me to keep going, keep trying, to follow my passion. 

WD: Looks like our time is up. How was it to have your first solo interview?

E: Something I can get used to.
 
If you’d like to read El’s story and find out more about who's playing guitar for her while her hand heals, check out cool pics etc. on Instagram or join our Facebook group.