Melo Maniac by the Lab

Last week I went to Melo Maniac’s 5th live music event hosted by @labtoryoffical, and while it was my first time attending, it definitely won’t be my last.

In the heart of Shoreditch, the event was a free opportunity for you to enjoy live music from underrated UK R&B and afroswing artists that are trying to expand their listenership. Some familiar faces, and some new ones trying to break out into the scene, the event was one to be enjoyed by everyone - regardless of who you are.

The place was full of creatives from all over the place, from artists to writers and content creators, it was a perfect opportunity to get to know others in your field, put yourselves onto each others’ work and see some familiar faces. The networking board was a subtle but effective touch because you now have access to a variety of people all over the industry - or trying to break in like me -  at your hands.

In that order, we saw @essymaliya who I didn’t know before, but when she performed her new single ‘Outside’, definitely has a new listener from me. Very FLO-esque and very song of the summer, driving with the top down with your girls.

@Osathegiant came after, and it was only when he starting performing ‘Diamonds n pearls’ that I realised the song was already in my playlist. He has a rich, deep voice - think Giveon - that seduces your ears and puts you in your feels.

Again I was unfamiliar with @officialvnessa until her set, but her stage presence forces you to stop and watch. The way she commands the stage is a talent in itself, and the performance with her dancers was such a show. Reminding me of early 2000’s music videos, from the outfits to the choreography, you can’t help but dance along and try and keep up with the music.

If you’re from East London and were in secondary school before 2018/19 there’s a high chance you were already familiar with @officialtmulla, with songs like ‘Dollar Pound Cake’ and ‘Droptop’ popular everywhere. He performed new single ‘Sexxy Red’ and gave us a sneak peak of his newly released song ‘Dirty Diana’.

Being surrounded by people that want to do well in similar industries is really inspiring and makes you just want to produce content; whatever that may look like. Going to events like these and other networking events always ignites a spark in me, and gives me that push to do that much better so that I can have something to show for myself.