We had the good fortune of connecting with Chris Melee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?

At a certain point in life I just knew music was the right choice for me. I grew up playing basketball and somewhere around high school realized I’d have a pretty tough time guarding Shaq in the NBA.

I had been playing drums since 7th grade and music just slowly took over my life around 10th grade. When it came time to decide on college, my dad and I came to an understanding that if I got my degree – I could choose my path. I’ve always valued and respected his opinion.

Shortly after I graduated college I scored an unpaid internship at a big time recording studio in NYC. That’s where everything changed and my purpose felt validated. It opened my whole world. Trust your gut! And eat a lot pizza!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

  • Currently – I refer to myself as a record producer, but it took a while to get there. My journey started with drums. My first drum lesson was September 12, 2001 – I was 12 years old. I remember leaving the lesson that day feeling shocked that I was able to focus on something besides the tragic events from the day before. Something really took my brain away from all those terrifying feelings (growing up in NJ 9/11 was very close to home).
  • As strange of an introduction as that was to an instrument, it really stuck with me.. how drums created this brief mental escape. Almost immediately after college I’d landed an internship at KMA Studios in NYC … I’d squeak my way into recording sessions (in between mopping floors and getting coffee) to play drums in front of anybody that would listen. I’d play my beats at the front desk every time somebody important walked in (that almost got me fired lol). I’d sleep at the studio just so I could be the first guy there in the morning – SO many little things I did out of pure hunger. And eventually it paid off, I was offered an opportunity to join Moosh & Twist (a rap group from Philadelphia) on a US tour playing drums in 2013. These tours went on for years and I was able to see the world through my instrument and gain some lifelong buds. All the while I’d be using the down time on tour (which is a ton) to make beats and learn production. This helped me start producing and writing for the group and that was my first taste of professional production and songwriting. I’d found my calling.
  •  Fast forward to 2021 and I’m now comfortable in my role as a producer and songwriter. This past year I’ve executive produced multiple full projects and it feels like all the hard work is finally adding up. For any young people reading this always remember – the journey is the dream!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ll just treat this question as if Covid doesn’t exist… Whenever friends or family come visit LA – I always take them sight seeing like a full on tourist. You gotta do the Hollywood sign and Venice skatepark and just take in all the vibes. If you’ve never been to LA, just walking down a street full of palm trees is cool enough. I live in Culver City and there’s this great sports bar called Rocco’s with an epic DAILY 2 for 1 happy hour. That’s right – every. single. day. Also some of the best wings in LA. Shout out Rocco’s! LA is a great city for live music so I always like to check who is playing in town while friends are visiting. Maybe catch Drizzy at Staples center?? There’s almost too many music venues in LA. Music is tight. And donuts!!!!!! We’d eat all the donuts!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This is an easy one. WITHOUT QUESTION – my shoutout goes to my wife Meggie Smalls. We’ve been together since high school and she has supported me every step of the way. Support isn’t even the word – she’s met my boundless curiosity with nothing but excitement and interest for almost 15 years. From AWFUL bands to unpaid internships to international tours, she’s seen every nook and cranny of my journey. Nobody understands me better than her. There’s no doubt that I wouldn’t be where I am without her support and advice. Love ya Megligence.

Instagram: instagram.com/chrismelee

Twitter: twitter.com/chrismelee

Other: I am part of a production duo called WAVECUTTERS – catch us on IG @theWAVECUTTERS

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.