Tell us about your career, including your history, where you are from and how you started?
I’m originally from Thunder Bay but moved to Windsor at a young age. I started playing with a hand-me-down guitar at 12 years old and right away began writing songs and forming a jam band with my brother Tony and some of the neighborhood kids. We drove the neighbors nuts; they would always call the cops on us. We would perform in School Talent Shows and Battle of the Bands. It was the best feeling. Also growing up in a loving, large, and loud Italian family. Many of my family members are very musical, always ending up in an Italian jam session, which was my first experience. Lots of wine, singing, and dancing were not uncommon at our family get-togethers.
As a teenager growing up in the Windsor/Detroit area, I was consumed by the Detroit blend of techno, punk, and everything else in between. I played in various original and cover bands throughout the years with my brother Tony Rivolta, performing in the Windsor/Detroit area. The diverse Detroit music scene helped shape my creative mind.
How did you come up with your artist name?
MELØ is the artist name I go by. Basically, a variation of my name. (Stylistically pronounced ME-LO)
Do you have any recorded music available for fans?
Yes, I released two songs so far; you can find all music on all digital streaming platforms and Bandcamp. My debut single, Mysteria, was released in October 2021. My second song, Black Leather Fantasy, was released in February 2022.
Both songs come with stylistic videos that perfectly complement the MELØ vibe.
My friend Daniel Victor, who directed both videos, assisted me a great deal with the process of making videos and behind-the-scenes guidance.
Amy Pelow, videographer for both videos, is a true pro, capturing all the juicy vibes and imagery. Deanna Papineau, who was featured in the Mysteria video, helped bring both of these videos to life. I am forever grateful.
How would you describe your music?
It’s a hybrid infusion of retro vibes and a modern, enhanced sound. All the songs from my upcoming debut album, “Songs from the Spirit Box,” flirt with the lush, emotive sound of the '80s, dabbling with vaporwave and dreamwave, and bringing it into the 2020s. Inducing memories through your speakers, these songs play like fantasies, evoking memories of late summer night drives, lost loves, and estranged friends. It will take the listeners on a musical vacation through their past, present, and future.
What makes your band or music stand out from the others?
Well, the current musical landscape continues to overflow with new bedroom artists, offering many choices for listeners. Personally, I really love to bring listeners on a musical journey, twisting them from one side of the map to the other, from sound to sight, allowing them to lose themselves for a short moment before heading back to reality. For me, I throw myself into these songs, visualizing and painting the picture for the listeners. And hopefully, my music and vision connect with all my Melodramatics out there.
What do you like to do outside of music that contributes to your music?
Well, the last two years have been hard with many difficulties, but I took this time to flip my mindset and focus on what’s important in my life. This isolation time forced me to slow life down. I enjoyed walking daily to clear my head, and it was then that my creative self opened up like a floodgate. I began focusing on songwriting, storytelling, poetry, lyric writing, and recording. It was during this time I experienced a confidence in my musical growth that helped create the stories of my life.
Name your two biggest musical influences, and why?
There are many musical influences on this list to name, and I’m going way back. Friends that know me know that I am a huge Depeche Mode fan; they have so many great albums and songs. They forever changed me, emotionally and spiritually. My heart still pounds when I turn their music up while I’m driving.
My other influence would be the ever-changing musical genius of David Bowie, who had a great influence on me. Many styles and the faces of Bowie kept you captivated with every album. I loved how he changed from album to album, making his listeners guess what was next. I could only wish and strive to be a storyteller like Bowie.
I know you said two influences, but it’s hard to keep Prince off my list. I’m a forever fan; he was the ultimate performer and songwriter. He touched so many, and I continually listen to his music.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs?
I’ve written all the songs for the upcoming album, but I couldn’t have done this without my dear friend Domenico Ambrosio, who has been by my side every step from the very beginning, trying to make sense of my crazy stories and songs. He has taught me so much; he produced and mixed the album.
Every song from “Songs from the Spirit Box” explores themes related to the supernatural, dreams, nightmares, mysteries, deep secrets, and intimate revelations. They’re all buried deep inside the Spirit Box.
What has been your biggest challenge? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
For the last few years, it started out as a studio project, writing and recording ideas. But after receiving many emails from my audience and calls from friends, listeners want to see this in a live setting. I’m contemplating putting together a band to perform these songs live and have some fun with it. Let’s see what’s in store.
What current projects are you working on at the moment?
It’s been MELØ 24/7, constantly working on potential song ideas and crafting lyrics. Always working on my songwriting—that’s been my focus for the last two years.
YouTube: MELØ
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