Mel and The Tall Boys

Mel and The Tall Boys Live at Groove

“Johnston sings, “It’s the beginning / Things are in bloom,” and they’ve set their hook to take us on a fun four-song romp. They channel the punk-rock sensibilities and energy of The Blackhearts, The White Stripes and Jet, but incorporate a charming focus on vocal melody, harmony and overall arrangement. It’s not just three chords, distorted and slammed out fast. They’ve incorporated well-thought-out passages and breaks, and they’re not afraid to leave space and let the songs breathe.”

— JJ THAYER - PITCH PERFECT

Mel and the Tall Boys are comprised of Mel Johnston, Kyle Lacy, Andy Bell, and JC Myska. Johnston is a singer-songwriter from New York City. She started her first band with singer & best friend Kim Foxen, the Foxy Johnstons. They released a soul and blues EP in 2018.

Mel and the Tall Boys formed in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, after Mel produced some sonically and lyrically expansive material during a virtual songwriting group on zoom which she founded during the spring of 2020. 

Their music is inspired by the likes of the Raconteurs, Alabama Shakes, and rockabilly artists like Wanda Jackson, finding an apt balance between alt-rock swagger and Americana steadiness

They released an eponymous debut EP in Summer of 2021, including 3 original songs by Mel and one cover - an upbeat punk version of the Everly Brothers “All I Have to Do is Dream.” Their latest release “Territories” was written by Lacy and arranged by Johnston, Lacy, and Bell. The song contains sounds inspired by 80’s pop, Blondie, and the Police.

Host or Publisher Groove