" I chose to reflect the times and situations in which I find myself. That to me is my duty." -Nina Simone

Young singer-guitarist Melody Angel cites artists as diverse as Prince, Slash, Michael Jackson, and Jimi Hendrix as role models, but her style is already distinctively personal—unlike her flashy predecessors, she conveys powerful emotion through subtlety and nuance rather than pyrotechnics. Her love songs gird vulnerability with a steely resolve, and when she tackles social themes her quiet, focused urgency adds deeper resonance, whether it’s to standards like Tupac’s “Dear Mama,” classics like Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come,” or originals like the spellbinding “In This America,” which is dedicated to “all the mothers that have lost their beautiful black sons unjustly.”

“In This America” may actually be her masterwork to date: backed by tender guitar accompaniment, her voice builds from brooding melancholy to rage-choked anguish as she delivers the song’s primary verse, “How do I know it’s safe to have a son in this America?” The line is repeated over and over, and as the intensity builds with every iteration, the lyrics become part prayer, part mantra, and part call to arms. A former contestant on the P. Diddy-produced MTV talent show Starmaker, the local Angel has yet to record a full-fledged album or CD (her Facebook page says she’s currently working on her first blues album), but enough of her music is available online to reveal her as an artist of unlimited potential, with the chops and the vision to succeed in virtually any genre. 

Melody Angel is from the south side of Chicago. Rock N Roll took over her life at age 7. Melody blames the following artist's for her obsession: Prince, Jimi Hendrix, and Chuck Berry. Melody's mom got her a Fender Stratocaster guitar from a pawnshop at age 15, and Melody never stopped playing, in fact she plays the same guitar to this day. With a microphone at her lips and a Fender Strat in her hand Melody Angel has played all over the world. Currently touring to promote her 2nd full length album, Angels & Melodies, featuring her single, Wild Child.

Another guitarist who shredded themselves into oblivion was punter favourite, Melody Angel. If I had a dollar for every time I heard a person bragging about this guitar slingin’ goddess from the US this week, I’d be one seriously rich woman! With class, athleticism, and an abundance of soul, Melody is equals part Prince and Hendrix, one insanely talented vocalist and player. Her set was packed full of energy and left the crowd reeling after each of her performances.

Melody Angel, a true find at this festival, was joined by her Mom on vocals and Angel praised her skills as a single mom keeping her safe and out of the hands of the police. Angel was a virtuoso on guitar taking us from Hendrix to Chuck Berry blended in with her own fine compositions. She stated at one point this was the ‘best day of her life’ playing to such a large audience after only playing clubs in the Chicago area, and you knew she meant it.