Twenty year-old singer-songwriter Alexa Melo held a major label deal from the age of 14, but refused to settle for any direction they tried to put her on. Finally parting ways last year, she’s teamed with producer Christian James Hand, best known for his work with rambling pop squad The Mowglis. Melo’s debut single, “Still Right Here,” represents the partnership well: she’s got a dark pop vibe, but more dusty southwestern guitars than trendy cold electronica. Her organic sound is only polished by Hand’s familiarity with making catchy sense out of a rollicking band’s madness, and he succeeds at balancing Melo’s passion with a controlled edginess. Think original Charli XCX goes cowgirl, or Florence and the Machine with a twang. The whole situation lends a lot of potential to Melo’s forthcoming self-titled LP, out on June 2nd.
Stream “Still Right Here” below and check her out at downtown venue The Smell on 5/8. – Brian J.K. Regan