Victoria, B.C. — If you ask Holly Melvile, this is the most wonderful time of the year. “Definitely spooky season,” Holly says, smiling. “Love Halloween.” Although Holly’s into horror all year round. “I’ve got a few horror movie tattoos,” says Holly, pointing to where she got her first one, a permanent portrait of Pinhead from Hellraiser inked on her thighs. There’s also a tribute to Texas Chainsaw Massacre on her arm, a vampire bat on her foot, and the initials S.D. for Scooby-Doo. “Scooby-Doo was my favourite cartoon growing up,” Holly says. “I liked when they’d unmasked the villain at the end.” While Holly is no villain, she did teach herself how to cover-up her identity with creative make up. “I’ve had such a great time making myself look like a totally different person,” Holly says before showing photos of her looking like a jack-o’-lantern and scary clown. So, what better time to—like Scooby-Doo—reveal the person behind Holly’s scary surface. “I sing opera,” Holly smiles, before showing videos of her showcasing her dynamic voice on stage. “I’m not super vocal about it. But when it comes up in conversation people are pretty surprised.” While some can’t comprehend how she can possibly be both a creepy connoisseur and a classically trained singer. Holly says there are similarities. “The anticipation is both is pretty similar,” Holly says. “Waiting for something scary to happen in a movie and waiting for my moment on stage, it’s quite a similar feeling.” Also, both kinds of stories can be cathartic. Horror lets us face our fears in a safe way, while opera lets us express feelings so big they must be sung. “It’s very moving listening to someone really expressing their passion (in opera),” Holly says. Plus, that rush following a jump scare or scream, is not unlike the thrill of hitting that high note and inspiring applause. “It’s like a runners’ high,” Holly says. “It’s just like the best feeling.” But if Holly had to choose between the two? “High note,” Holly says, smiling. “High note, every day.” Because, although horror makes Holly’s heart race, it’s opera that makes her spirit soar.
