By: Whitney Forslund
When four people whose blood runs thick with melodies and rhythm, their every pulse races with the compulsion to create. When this occurs, the definition of musicianship has been born. A Salt Lake City band has this type of blood circulating the depths of four musicians souls-making music a foundation of their lives. Melodramus, a band of four members, have seen much change, evolvement, and improvement in the last three years. Beginning in 2004, Melodramus consisted of a singer, drummer, keyboardist, guitarist, bassist, and even a different band name for the gathered musicians. Carnaby was the first name chosen that represented the five original band members that were together from August of 2004 to January of 2005. Carnaby also at this time had the help of two female managers, under the name “Fontaine Music”, whose residence is currently in Beverly Hills, California. Fontaine Music was a guiding force for Carnaby, until there was a sudden change in directions when the keyboardist left the band, and further down the road, the lead singer decided to take the reins on his own. All that remained now were the bassist, drummer, and guitar player. Although this changed the path for Carnaby, it wasn’t going to end there. With the three remaining members, Fontaine Music decided to stand still by the group and support them with their growing opportunities. It was also decided that a new band was going to form. A new singer would either have to be sought out, or another idea…a lead singer/guitarist. With this change in the line up, a new band name would soon take the place of the former. The name of the band still would not be thought of for sometime while the members brainstormed to come up one that sounded perfect. For those few months, the un-named band began writing new material, lining up gigs, and working even harder than before. The new line-up also began taking a different approach from Carnaby. The music took more of a deeper dive as more progression began to be incorporated into new songs, and the “soft” appeal of Carnaby slowly began to dissolve. Everything seemed to be going well, though the band felt they were missing a piece to the puzzle. Another instrument was missing from the other three instruments that were already there…the keys. Change was quickly on its way in the year 2005. During the month of May, The Rose Phantom and his key-driven fingers was asked to join the group. The line-up was quite similar to Carnaby’s, except this time, The Rose Phantom had a different way of expressing himself through his synthesizer and keyboard. Unlike the former keyboardist, The Rose Phantom had a way of adding deeper depth and an element that was missing before. The band’s driving force was all four members talent put together to make something fresh, exciting, and different. With this new outcome, it was also decided to give the band its name. A new name that would stand out and perhaps sound sophisticated to those outside the band. It was finally decided…Melodramus. Although this year brought in a new member and a new name, another member-the drummer- decided to call it quits for the band and was fired due to the lack of devotion. The line-up for Melodramus once again saw a deep hole. Without a drummer, the band knew immediately that auditions would need to take place for a new one. Auditions did begin in 2006, and finally after watching the second audition, a drummer was chosen. This time the line-up for Melodramus was complete. To this day, the four members that formed in early 2006 are still here in 2007. Zakkary Hale-lead singer/lead guitarist, Mikey Collard on bass, Andrew Hopkins on drums, and The Rose Phantom on keyboards/percussion. Together they have formed a pact as a band and each have devoted excessive amounts of talent, energy, and dedication into the music. Today, Melodramus has just emerged with their first full length, 14 song album, called “30 Silver Pieces”. Some songs featured on the album were written a few years back, and others began to grow from beneath the surface with years that followed. More than one genre of music can be found on the band’s new album such as, rock, metal, pop, and can also be heard between various age groups. The album was recorded between the months of January-May of 2007 and combines the effort of each band member inside the heart of each song. Melodramus is a band that has decided to take a different approach to their music unlike many other bands. A different feeling and emotion towards music is what is hoped to be brought back on the scene, and a greater impact of songs on listeners lives is what is to be expected. A drummer, bassist, keyboardist, and a singer/guitarist have compiled amounts of devotion into music that is progressive, challenging, and nonetheless-rock and roll. Most lyrics are written by Zakkary Hale, and all the music is written by each individual band member. Today Melodramus are still strongly supported by their management, Fontaine Music. They are also supported by local radio stations and have played to loving fans a number of times throughout clubs in Salt Lake Valley. The band has endeavored and set fourth on a journey that will hopefully one day lead them to their future. A future of acknowledgement and embracement from fans and listeners around the world.
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