Meet Melissa Menegotto. She rips through guitar solos like a seasoned star—at the fresh age of fourteen.
Melissa, along with her band Phalme, have been burning through Brazil, pulling out heavy metal classics from the best; Black Sabbath, Maiden and more. They’re about to put together their first album, planned for release sometime by the end of this year. I was happy for an opportunity to catch up with her and ask about her music plans.
CG: You’re getting ready to record your first album with Phalm—who’s writing the songs? Are they all originals, or will you guys be recording any covers? Have you been working with anyone special?
Melissa: Yes, we are starting the process now. There will be no covers; only original songs. I’m also working on my own solo album and Kiko Loureiro has been helping me through that process.
CG: Your band, Phalme, has been performing live now for several years. How has that changed your life?
Melissa: Being part of a band has changed my whole life. It was while playing with Phalme that I realized I wanted to be a professional guitarist. From that moment on, I started meeting and connecting with other musicians, both face to face and virtually. It was through Instagram that I joined another project called Orquestra Tropical de Rock. There are twelve pro musicians in the group, and it has led me to deepen my knowledge in music.
CG: You guys sound really great. Your band, Phalme… where did you guys meet?
Melissa: Thank you very much! We met at a music school in Garopaba in 2018.
(Garopaba is a beautiful beach city in the south region of Brazil)
CG: A lot of people can start bands together, but most don’t generally go on to do much with it. What made you guys decide to get serious and push towards something bigger?
Melissa: It was during the pandemic; as a band, we all entered Kiko Loureiro’s mentorship program together, and we learned how to be a proper band. Since then, the others have left the program, but I still like being a part of it.
A very big thank you to Melissa for participating in Elevar Magazine this month. Definitely check out her inspiring energy (and amazing riff clips) by following her Instagram. You can see her band, Phalm, on their YouTube channel. Follow and don’t miss the new album release at the end of 2023!
Make sure you keep up with her so you’ll know when that album comes out!
