MELAKU

Melaku is an independent artist, songwriter and producer from Santa Cruz, CA.  Inspired by the classics, he creates pop music with rock influences and a retro edge.  His music journey began early; picking up guitar at 5, the drums at 10, and recording himself at 13.  He soon began recording bands and artists in the area, and later co-founded a recording studio program in high shool. 

While attending Columbia University, Melaku continued recording songs in his dorm room and practice rooms on campus.  After interning at SONY Music (Jive Records), his original songs landed him a management deal that lead to writing songs with various major label producers.  After completing his BA, Melaku spent summers in Los Angeles in sessions and writing camps, while defining his own sound as an artist. 

Melaku's original music has received positive coverage from publications like Essentially Pop, Music News, Plastic Magazine, With Guitars Magazine, Tattoo Magazine, The Indie Source, The Big Takeover,  and Consequence Of Sound.  His songs have also charted on indie radio around the USA.  In 2026, Melaku is continuing to release music that nods to the classic sounds of the past, while remaining firmly rooted in the present.