Meet Melia | Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist

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

Hi Melia, what do you attribute your success to?
I think the most important factor behind my success thus far is just consistency. The music business is a very tough business and as a woman in rock music and lead guitar playing, I can tell you it has its own unique challenges. Be prepared for challenges and lows. It’s about consistency and keeping your mind on your goal or purpose.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a singer/songwriter/guitarist. I play alt/rock music. I think what sets me a part from others is my songwriting and unique lyrics. I also think my lead guitar playing.

I am proud to have been recognized with three awards at the Indie Music Channel Awards: “Best Female Rock Artist” (2012, 2013, 2016), “Best Rock Song” (“Just A Bride” in 2012, “Charge Like A Bull” in 2016), and “Song of the Year” (“Just A Bride”).
Also, I am proud to have worked with grammy award winning producer, Kevin Killen, known for his work with David Bowie and Peter Gabriel among many other big names. He produced my second EP “Skeletal Remains,”and my first full length album “Feral” released in August 2024.

I’m honored to have played at the Whisky a Go Go, Viper Room, The Rainbow Room, and House of Blues in LA. I am also honored to have performed alongside Lita Ford, Halestorm, The Offspring, Steve Vai, Twenty One Pilots, Fuel, Sick Puppies, Asia, Chevelle, Lacuna Coil, The Misfits, Buckcherry, Nita Strauss among others.

I got to where I am professionally by hard work, dedication and consistency. It was not easy but I think if you’re going into music as a profession, you expect challenges. It’s a labor of love. The music business is very tough, especially in a male dominated genre. You have to stay consistent, hard working, and above all you must have passion for what you’re doing. I think that’s how I’ve overcome challenges. I’ve learned to have thick skin along the way. I think you have to in order to be in this business. Many of us are sensitive, especially if you’re starting at a young age and it’s just something that you learn to adapt to with time and experience. Experiences are everything and you learn from the good and bad.

I’d like to share with the world first and foremost, where my music can be found.

Website: Meliarocks.com (Downloads and Physical CDS available) I am also on Spotify, Applemusic, iTunes, Amazon Music, and Soundcloud under my solo name “MELIA” Please support me by streaming my music and sharing it.

Also, please follow me on
Instagram: @Meliarocks
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@meliarocks
Facebook.com/Meliarocks
X: @meliamaccarone
TikTok: @meliarocks

You can also support me on my website by donating or purchasing merch. I also teach virtual guitar lessons to help support my music journey! As an independent artist, I have a lot of costs to cover for touring, new music, hiring my live band etc. Any sort of support helps even just sharing my music helps!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am from Rochester, Ny. If a friend was visiting, I would be sure to take them to

– House of Guitars (Such a great, legendary place for all musicians!)
– Kelly’s Farm & Market (Fall) My favorite go to for Apple Cider among other sweet treats.
-Pittsford Dairy Icecream (Year Round)
– A walk on on the Erie Canal
– We have some GREAT food. First, I would need to treat them to Sunday Sauce with my family. There’s also some great Italian food at places like my personal favorites Papa Joes and Cristo’s. I’d also take them to Tree Town Cafe for an amazing breakfast sandwich! Savastanos for some pizza, Etna’s Bakery, Refresh Smoothie Bar for some of the tastiest smoothie bowls/protein shakes that are on the healthier side, Dinosaur BBQ and since we aren’t far from Buffalo, we could also make a little trip to go get some wings at Anchor Bar or visit Niagara Falls which is also close by.
-Besides that, I would maybe go see some local shows or go to some parks especially if its fall! The fall foliage is beautiful here.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to first, shout out my parents and grandparents. They have been supportive of my career from day one and always have believed in me.

My grandfather (who has sadly passed) was also a musician and we had a special bond. Later, there will be a photo of him and I, where he’s hearing my song “Deep Waters” acoustically for the first time and reading the lyrics. He read my lyrics when I first started writing and was so encouraging even then. He always encouraged my songwriting. He even stood in a moshpit while I was opening for Halestorm once (with his cane) cause he wanted to be close to the stage! (yeah!) Luckily people around him shielded him!

The House of Guitars (local music shop in Rochester, Ny) They have always supported me and many local artists for many years. I feel very fortunate to have had their support & encouragement from day 1. It’s also where I bought my first guitar!

Lastly, I’d like to shout out my endorsers:

PRS Guitars, ENGL Amplification, GHS Strings, Earthquaker Devices, EMG Pickups, Spectraflex Cables, Peterson Tuners, Voodoo Lab, and Morley Pedals

Website: https://meliarocks.com

Instagram: @meliarocks

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meliarocks

Twitter: @meliamaccarone

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/meliarocks

Facebook: https://Facebook.com/meliarocks

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@meliarocks

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0nK95aotFXuSAgfDSPbi4i

Image Credits
Main Photo – must credit: Jack Lue Photography

Uploads after:

1st photo must be credited to: Jeff Gerew – C7Photo.com

2nd photo (Feral Album Cover) – Credit would go as follows:
Photography: Jeff Gerew – C7Photo.com
Artwork: Paul Maccarone

5th Photo (jumping on stage) must credit Andrew Taylor