Melo Griffith
The Bluesfest locals series will introduce you to the talented music makers from the Ottawa area performing at this year’s RBC Bluesfest. Come on out early to Bluesfest and discover some great new local music!
Melo Griffith
Friday, July 7
6:30 pm
River Stage
Bio
Melo Griffith is an Alternative-Rap Artist using Rnb melodies with hypnotic voicing and colourful lyricism to bend the lines of standard hip-hop creativity. Raised in the GTA and molded in Ottawa, Melo carries smooth blues and jazz influences mixed with raw appreciation for the inner city. His ability to use beautiful dream tones and heartfelt expression to build world-like soundscapes is where we truly find a Vivid Imagination Being Evolved by Melo – it’s all a VIBE.
The Talent
Melo Griffith – Artist
Alex Thompson – DJ
Ben Kissner – Guitar
Jacob Clarke – Bass
Jacquev Colaire – Drums
Q&A
Who was the first person you told you were performing at Bluesfest this year?
The first person I CALLED was my DJ, Engineer, and bestfriend, Alex “AT” Thompson but he was sleeping so he didn’t answer lol. I then called my main Producer Travis Thickle and his exact words were, “Dope, I’m excited for you but I’m not surprised. You’ve been working for this”
Please describe your sound.
Alternative Hip Hop and Indie Rnb, with contemporary Rap influences
How did you get started on your musical journey?
My first time in a studio was in Scarborough, ON. I was working as a line cook and I overheard one of the other cooks talking about going so I asked to tag along. I remember seeing vinyls covering the entire ceiling and I loved the vibe. What triggered the hunger and competitive spirit was a talent show I didn’t get to do in highschool lol. I then joined school musicals, plays, and started my highchool’s glee club.
What’s your connection to Ottawa and the local music scene?
Ottawa gave me a place to grow, learn and become a well rounded artist. Though I love being born and raised in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area), Ottawa moulded my artistry into something bigger than I could have ever imagined. My band lives here (half of them anyway), My main producer is out there. My brother, my longest vocal coach (practically my second mom at this moment), and some of my friends still live out there. I went to Carleton U for Music Performance so during my time there I made it a mission to go out and perform at all the venues, club and open mics. I remember when this club (at the time called PPL Nightclub) used to have these Eclectic nights and I knew this was the spot to be so I started by surrounding myself with the people there and talking to the artist. I ended up performing thanks to my homie Knox who gave me a shot and it’s been pressure ever since.
Will you be playing any new music at Bluesfest and/or releasing/released new music ahead of your performance?
So I wanted this show to feel different to the audience by having a mix of Newer releases, the fan favourites and some unreleased songs that my band and I have been sitting on for a while. If the people are receptive to it then we may see a band project sooner than later but one thing at a time! I still gotta make it through some other long awaited sequels…
What artists are you hoping to catch during this year’s Bluesfest?
I need to take a 2010-style photo with Thundercat. I feel like he would appreciate that and so would I. I mean the more modern cool guy photos can be taken too but like c’mon. Billy Talent also got me through some times in my youth so definitely wouldn’t mind that.
Any performances people could catch ahead of Bluesfest?
The last big stage was Canadian Music Week early June! We have become a bit more selective in shows and showcases (especially within the same city) simply because I want to give people an experience verses over-doing my showmanship. That’s what a tour is for! With that being said our team is looking to hit the road very soon!