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Photo credit: Jeff Gerew
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In today’s music world, the ability to seamlessly combine two or more genres is a skill that sets true innovators apart from the crowd. Blending distinct musical styles is far more than a clever idea—it requires technical mastery, deep understanding of each genre’s roots, and a fearless creative vision. Artists who successfully merge styles are not just musicians; they are pioneers, pushing the boundaries of what audiences expect and reshaping the soundscape of modern music.
To effectively combine genres, a musician must first develop a profound technical foundation. Classical precision, jazz improvisation, blues phrasing, or rock energy—each style demands its own skill set. Mastery of these techniques allows the artist to honor each genre authentically while creating something entirely new. This technical fluency also ensures that the music remains cohesive, rather than sounding like two conflicting styles forced together.
Equally important is musical intuition and creativity. It takes a visionary mind to recognize where two seemingly different genres can intersect—whether it’s the emotional depth of blues meeting the rhythmic drive of rock, or flamenco guitar fused with jazz improvisation. The musician must understand the nuances of tone, phrasing, and dynamics to craft a sound that feels organic rather than contrived.
Leadership and confidence also play a crucial role. Artists who blend genres are often stepping into uncharted territory, meaning they must be willing to take risks, set trends rather than follow them, and assert their creative vision in an industry that can be slow to accept change. From studio recordings to live performances, leading a project that challenges genre conventions requires both charisma and strategic thinking, alongside musical skill.
History is full of examples of musicians who have mastered this art. Artists like Ana Popović combine blues, rock, and funk to create a signature sound that commands stages worldwide. Similarly, crossover guitarists like Maleny Mikels fuse classical, jazz, and contemporary influences to craft music that defies easy categorization. These artists demonstrate that true innovation comes from not only understanding each genre in depth but also having the courage to take the lead and make the music your own.
Ultimately, combining genres successfully is about more than technical ability—it’s about vision, authenticity, and leadership. Musicians who achieve this elevate the art form, inspiring audiences and fellow artists alike to embrace creativity without boundaries. In the modern music landscape, the talent to merge genres is no longer just an advantage—it’s a defining hallmark of those shaping the future of sound.
Our Opinion:
At Guitar Thrills Magazine, we believe that MELIA is one of the most electrifying forces in today’s indie rock scene. Her ability to fuse raw punk energy with emotive, introspective songwriting sets her apart from the crowd and demonstrates a rare combination of technical skill and artistic vision. Every performance she delivers is a lesson in how a guitarist can lead with both power and nuance, commanding attention while staying true to her unique voice.
MELIA’s music proves that breaking genre boundaries is not just about experimentation—it’s about authenticity. From her early Green Day-inspired beginnings to her acclaimed EPs Soundproof Walls and Skeletal Remains, she has continuously pushed herself to explore new sonic landscapes while maintaining a signature style that is instantly recognizable. Her guitar work—fierce, precise, and emotionally charged—anchors her songs, making her both a commanding performer and a role model for aspiring musicians, especially women, in a male-dominated industry.
In our opinion, MELIA exemplifies what it means to take the lead in music today. She’s not only mastering her craft but also reshaping expectations of what an indie rock guitarist can achieve. At Guitar Thrills, we see her as a trailblazer, and we can’t wait to see where her talent and vision take her
ABOUT MELIA
MELIA, born Melia Maccarone, is a rising force in the indie rock world, captivating audiences with her electrifying guitar work, powerhouse vocals, and introspective songwriting. Hailing from Rochester, New York, she picked up the guitar at 14 after being inspired by a Green Day concert, and she quickly developed a sound that blends punk and grunge influences with modern rock sensibilities. Over the years, MELIA has released two acclaimed EPs, Soundproof Walls and Skeletal Remains and shared stages with acts like The Offspring, Walk the Moon, and Twenty-One Pilots. Her talent has been recognized with multiple Indie Music Channel Awards, including “Best Female Rock Artist” and “Song of the Year,” cementing her reputation as a standout guitarist and performer. Endorsed by PRS Guitars, ENGL Amps, EarthQuaker Devices, Sinister Guitar Picks, and GHS Strings, MELIA continues to push the boundaries of her craft while inspiring the next generation of musicians through private lessons and her unmistakable stage presence. We look forward to hearing more about the success of her album “Feral”.
INTERVIEW WITH MELIA AND GUITAR THRILLS MAGAZINE
Guitar Thrills: You’ve cited a Green Day concert as your initial inspiration to pick up the guitar at 14. Can you tell us more about that moment and how it shaped your musical path?
Melia: It was at a very significant time in my life where I was struggling with being bullied and finding my own identity and artists like Green Day and My Chemical Romance really shaped who I am today. I saw my first Green Day concert with my mom, and I remember turning to her after he’d pulled someone onto the stage and said “I’m gonna be up there next time.” It was just this electrifying feeling inside me watching them live. I just had this subconscious feeling that it would be my destiny. I knew that’s exactly what I needed at that time in my life. I felt like I finally fit in somewhere and I felt totally reborn.
Guitar Thrills: Your music blends punk, grunge, and indie rock. How do you balance these influences while keeping your sound unique?
Melia: I always accept how the songs present themselves to me. I usually hear them all at once in my head. I just trust the process. I think my influences all just sit in my subconscious and make their way out in their own unique way. I listen to many genres and was trained in different styles previously. There are times I don’t feel it’s “me” stylistically and almost hear other artists singing it. In that case, I suppose I could shop them around or co-write with those ideas.
Guitar Thrills: What was the creative process like behind you’re the album “Feral”?
Melia: In a general sense, my creative process is to always write whenever it comes to me in my head. Every song is different in terms of order of melody, lyrics, riffs etc. Most of them, as previously mentioned, come to me all at once in my head. Each release is a bit different from one another in the sense that I had written most of them at different periods of my life.
Guitar Thrills: You’ve shared the stage with major acts like The Offspring, Walk the Moon, and Twenty-One Pilots. What lessons did you take from these experiences?
Melia: I felt totally honored to open for them. I learned how to really interact with crowds and get them pumped up for the headlining acts. I felt truly like that was my job and I wanted to deliver my best.
Guitar Thrills: As a female guitarist in a male-dominated industry, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
Melia: I’ve faced a lot of the same misogyny that comes with any job in a male dominated industry. I think it's important to state there are many amazing men who do support women in this industry too. I had a hard time when I was younger even understanding what was happening. I just saw myself already as a serious artist and equal to fellow male guitarists, musicians, writers etc. I guess the hardest part was realizing how I wasn’t viewed the same by most and being vulnerable to manipulation & control, being pre-judged, hyper criticized in comparison etc. I think I overcame that part with age and experience. I realized if anyone is rude or treating me differently it’s because I was a threat to them in some way and/or reflects their own insecurities. I also deal with it by writing songs such as Charge Like a Bull or Horse You Rode in On ... etc.
Guitar Thrills: How do you approach songwriting? Do you start with lyrics, melody, or guitar riffs?
Melia: I have always approached songwriting in whichever way that song presents itself to me. I usually have a ton of notes of lyrics or song theme ideas that come to me. I sometimes write the melody off those, or I have the melody first. I write songs (ex. Horse You Rode in On, Sleaze Parade) with the riff first. Often, it will come together all at once.
Guitar Thrills: Your guitar work is often described as both powerful and emotive. How do you achieve that balance in your playing?
Melia: For me, personally, my influences are very emotive and powerful too. I have always related to music in a deeply emotional and therapeutic way. I never like to sacrifice that for too many notes (although totally cool and respected) because I think it’s a universal thing that connects us all. If you feel it, people will feel it. I also just love certain licks, styles, note combinations. I hear a lot of solos in my head prior to playing them too.
Guitar Thrills: Touring and performing live can be intense. How do you prepare mentally and physically for shows?
Melia: I prepare by practicing as much as I can. I take care of my voice. I eat well and hydrate for my voice. Sometimes, I even practice stage presence. Lately, I’ve been trying to walk on the treadmill and sing. I do everything I can so that once I hit the stage I can let loose without issues like dehydration, being out of breath, stress (even though I still stress just less lol) etc .
Guitar Thrills: Which artists, past or present, have most influenced you’re playing style and musical direction?
Melia: Lead Guitar Playing: Jennifer Batten, Randy Rhoads, Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, Ray Toro and I’m sure others I’m forgetting but those are the main ones.
Songwriting/Riffs - Nirvana, My Chemical Romance, Smashing Pumpkins, Green Day, Led Zeppelin, Radiohead among others.
Guitar Thrills: Beyond music, are there other creative outlets or inspirations that inform your artistry?
Melia: I think anything I take in like TV for instance. I watch a lot of crime documentaries, and it totally influenced songs like Bodybags. I also just love comparing beautiful and ugly/dark things. I love the contrast. I love halloween and the fall. I think the creativity of storytelling like in movies, or certain characters will also inspire me. Ex) VIP writing from someone else's twisted perspective.
Guitar Thrills: Looking ahead, what projects, collaborations, or directions excite you most for the next stage of your career?
Melia: I’m already excited to start writing again and I’m excited to get back into playing a lot of live shows as well. I look forward to music videos being released and sharing my art with the world.
Find all my music including my latest full length release “Feral” on Applemusic, Spotify, iTunes, or download directly from my website Meliarocks.com. Physical copies are also available for purchase!
Conclusion:
MELIA’s journey from a 14-year-old inspired by a Green Day concert to an award-winning indie rock guitarist is a testament to talent, perseverance, and fearless creativity. Her ability to blend punk, grunge, and indie influences into a signature sound sets her apart as both a musician and a leader in her field. With powerful guitar work, emotive songwriting, and commanding stage presence, MELIA continues to push the boundaries of what an indie rock artist can achieve. As she forges ahead, she not only inspires the next generation of musicians—especially women in rock—but also proves that authenticity, vision, and dedication are the true keys to leaving a lasting mark on the music world.
