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Remembering Dave Melillo 'Talk Is Cheap'


Its funny how the past still influences the future, and in that vein its safe to say it's funny how my past musical loves can influence me still today.
Anyone who knows me will attest that I have been a pop punk fan since they first met me, be it a year ago or 20 years ago.
Back in the summer of 2006 I discovered an EP entitled 'Talk is Cheap', it was released through Drive Thru Records (a label that housed some of my favourite bands) and was by a singer songwriter called Dave Melillo.

The EP was an enriched blend of acoustic guitar and piano laden melodies, all drenching a mix of forlorn and optimistic lyrics.
The reason the EP stuck with me was simply because the songs are so accessable, especially as lyrically its easy to relate to everything Dave sang. Comparisons will be made to the likes of Dashboard Confessional or The Rocket Summer, and whilst the acoustic singer songwriter aspect is the same, Dave very much has his own voice and take on the genre.
One lasting regret I have is that I never got to see Dave perform live, however one day perhaps that will occur. *crosses fingers*

For years here in the UK it felt like having the best kept secret in my ears, I was fully aware people here had heard and enjoyed the EP but for a while, just a little while, it was mine alone.
Strangely after 12 years, the second a Dave Melillo song hits my ears I still feel that way, its amazing really that an artist can do that to you. Hence the desire to write this piece.

After the initial EP of 'Talk Is Cheap' in 2006, Dave took some time to work on other projects including playing bass for and writing with Cute Is What We Aim For, formed the band Nocturnal Me and enjoyed many writing and production credits with various artists. In 2011 he then followed up his solo career with an EP 'Future Focused' and then 'Thinking Of You'.
With each effort showcasing a huge growth in sound, style and song writing, Dave continues to produce and create excellent music.

Recently I had the great fortune of being able to talk with Dave and was so pleased to discover what a humble and friendly guy he truly is. Its always difficult to express admiration for someone's work without sounding over the top, but being able to tell him how much 'Talk is Cheap' influenced me, and how much joy it still brings to me was incredible.
I have no doubt that he will continue to do great things musicially, but for this one guy who sat alone at home with headphones on, in 2006 first hearing 'Knights Of The Island Counter', 'Sam's Song' and 'For The Sake Of Remembering', Dave Melillo and 'Talk Is Cheap' will stay frozen in a single moment in time, just simple, but perfect and fitting.
The EP may not change your life, but you'll find choruses to sing, songs to relate to and if anything like me, new inspiration. Please go check out the EP, tell a friend and keep music alive and spreading by telling people about the songs you love, just like I am.
In the words of the man himself 'So keep things quiet until the rest of the street falls asleep, Then we'll break out and show everyone just what were made of..'
Thank you to Dave Melillo.
Thank you all for reading.

Check out 'Knights Of The Island Counter' here:
 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=f8uD1sryQj4

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