MacD on Music: Melting Pot

So, last week I was looking at some of the best upcoming gigs in our fine town. This week I’m taking a closer look at what is, undoubtedly, one of the best gigs on the list, Melter’s headlining slot on the 14th July in Sandino’s, with support from TRAMP, Dirty Faces and The Marra (seriously, this is one of the best line-ups you’re going to see. Be there!). I was talking to Melter’s Ruairi Coyle this week, ahead of the gig:

Tell me about the origins of Melter?

The band’s existence is sheerly down to unforeseen circumstances. I’d say our fabled (N.I based) readers won’t need any explanation to what/who a Melter is.

We’re based in Manchester, I met the other two fellas around the same time, maybe like a few years ago. Mickey (Guitar/Vocals) was a mutual friend of some of mine at university in Chester, I met him properly when he moved to the same area as me. I met Jake up the town in the northern quarter, he was working in a snazzy bar at the time. It was one of those instances where he heard my accent from a distance and we got talking.

We had one of those conversations that all Derry people have whenever we meet each other in the outside world, I’m sure our readers know what I mean there. Jake and I were at the Tech in Derry years before funnily enough, we weren’t in the same year, so I don’t think we recognised each other at first when we met in MCR.

After a while we spoke about playing music together and eventually we booked a room out just to see if we jelled. Jake was the first person I asked to jump in and thankfully he said aye.

Pre-Melter we were originally going to be playing Mickey’s solo material, but the band organically contorted into what it is now and I’m looking forward to where we go with it.

What have been some of your career highlights to date?

We’ve played a string of really enjoyable shows in the short time we’ve been doing this. We’ve had the pleasure of sharing the stage with some of the bands playing the upcoming Sandino’s show, which in itself should be a particular highlight. We’re also trying to start conversations and the response is so encouraging.

People believe in what we’re singing about and that’s what is important to us. Another highlight for us was the reaction to the debut single ‘English Speaking World’ with the Manc (Manchester’s largest independent news publisher) being kind enough to feature it in their ‘Top tracks of 2022’ and their official Spotify playlist. It was a great boost of confidence to say the least.

What do you think of the other bands on the bill?

When putting this line-up together, I was focusing on having the best line-up possible, and also having a nicely diverse crowd at the gig, which each band is more than capable of attracting. I was also conscious of the gig’s flow, and how all four groups would complement each other musically, lyrically, and aesthetically.

They’re all incredible to summarize! I used to play in bands with Lorcan and Josh when we were younger, so I’m all lured at how well Dirty Faces have been accepted and appreciated in the Irish music scene and beyond.

Melter have supported Tramp in Manchester before and, like when any great Irish band comes across the water the Irish crowd come out of the woodwork and the craic is always 90! I’m a big fan of The Marra, a young band in their early stages.

I’ve known Conall (Lead Guitarist) since we were young and Ryan (Lead singer) stayed with me a couple of times when he was over visiting friends in MCR. They’ve just released their debut single ‘That’s Just the Way’ which I thought was class.

Anyone else we should be keeping an eye on?

Deh-Yey, who have just recently supported Enola Gay (also a phenomenal band), are taking Manchester by storm and hopefully Derry soon! Have a watch of their debut music video for their single ‘How to Stop a Terrorist’, you may just see a familiar face *nudge nudge, wink wink*.

A few bands we would like to recommend to everyone back home are Pyncher, who are a fantastic live act also based in Manchester. They’ve got riffs for days, mental shows and above all, are a sound bunch! You should watch their video for ‘Steely Dan’, it’s rather beautiful!

Velma, another great act are very much in the same bracket. You can find both of these bands on social media, Spotify, etc. That brings us onto*SHAMELESS PROMOTION TIME!!*

Keep an eye and an ear out for Getner and Furrowed Brow to name but a few other groups.

With Derry being in the middle of another trademark high period for local music, it seems to be bands and artists galore, yous’ know who you all are! I’m hoping we can get a few over to Manchester in the coming months for a few gigs. I know the Selador boys well. It would be great to get a show or two with them.

Melter play Sandino’s on the 14th July, with support from TRAMP, Dirty Faces and the Marra. They can be found on Instagram at @meltertheband.