MELAKU

Melaku is an artist, songwriter and producer from Santa Cruz, CA.  Inspired by the classics, he creates spiritually infused pop music with a message.  His music journey began early; writing and singing before the age of 5, picked up the drums at 10, and started recording himself at 13.  He co-founded a recording program in High School, while recording bands and artists in the area. 

Melaku attended to Columbia University, where he continued recording songs in his dorm on campus.  After interning at SONY Music, Jive Records, his original songs landed him a management deal that lead to writing songs with producers for artists like Ke$ha, Flo Rida, B.o.B, Jacob Lattimore, and Collie Buddz, as well as various major and independent labels like Universal Motown, Atlantic Records, Tulsa Records, Easy Star Records, and G Note.  After completing his BA, Melaku spent many summers in LA in writing sessions, while defining his own sound as an artist. 

Melaku began releasing his original music on major streaming services in 2018, and has since received positive coverage from publications like BuzzMusic, AnR Factory, With Guitars Magazine, Tattoo Magazine, The Indie Source, The Big Takeover, For Folk's Sake, and Consequence Of Sound.  His songs have also charted on indie radio around the USA.  In 2024, Melaku is continuing to release music that nods to the classic sounds of the past, while remaining firmly rooted in the present.