MELAKU PRESS KIT
BIOGRAPHY
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 school.
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 has since 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 original 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.
“His fresh sound and thoughtful lyricism, infused with the iconic sounds of Motown, Top Forty AM Gold, and classic rock, pull inspiration from his spiritual, romantic, and observational life experiences, creating a sound that is deeply relatable and nostalgic—destined to captivate the ears of today’s most savvy music lovers”
“A mixture of fellow musicians such as Bruno Mars and Sam Smith with the lyrical foresight of Talib Kweli.”
“A breath of fresh life into sounds of the past with his uplifting and spiritual music.”
Photos
