Melodramas

Melodramas are an Australian group formed in the summer of 2008. The band begins as an unsigned act and gains attention early by entering the “Showcase” competition before it has played live. It wins the heats and semi-final and is named best new band of 2008 in front of a 600-capacity crowd at only its third show.

Early releases and recording approach

An early demo recorded during the competition sells out immediately. The band then makes a DIY video for Pretty Little Pictures with a budget of £10.50. When indie label Jelly Maid Music offers a deal, Melodramas insist on hand-making the cases for its debut release and on recording the tracks live; the label agrees. The resulting EP, EPone, sells out. The group also issues a mini album titled Melodramas online.

Style, members and live work

Commentary in the text presents the band as energetic, with a sound described as upbeat and “sunshine music.” It is also characterised as a smarter, more polished alternative to bands such as Babyshambles and Larrikin Love. The line-up is listed as Matt Melodrama on voice and 6-strings, Rob Melodrama on voice and 6-strings, Greg Melodrama on 4-strings, and Sam Melodrama on “no strings”.

Festival appearances and touring

Melodramas play shows with major-label acts including Flamboyant Bella and The Strange Death of Liberal England. They are then invited to perform on three continents in under a month, appearing at SouthseaFest in the UK, KuwaitStock in Kuwait City, and One Movement Festival in Perth, Australia. The Perth appearance also includes an exclusive set for “Sound of the C” for Rolling Stone. The band is also selected as a Sonicbids featured artist of the week and requested by the New York Dolls as support on their UK tour.

Discography

The group’s recorded output in the text includes EPone on Jelly Maid Music and the online mini album Melodramas.