What We Do
Melophobix is a Cage-Free Funk band based out of Grand Rapids, MI
The group was officially founded in November of 2015. Its members came together through various Open-Mic night performances and collaborations within Grand Rapids’ flourishing music scene. Shortly thereafter, Melophobix recorded and launched their debut self-titled EP in the summer of 2016. Comprised of the first three originals the band rehearsed together, Melophobix EP was a general representation of the band’s eclectic roots. In early spring of 2017, the band went back into the studio to release two additional singles with accompanying live videos.
The members of Melophobix are no strangers to the stage. Within the group, they have accumulated decades’ worth of experience playing and performing across many different cities, states, and even countries. The band is comprised of six unique individuals whose influences stem from a plethora of genres and artists. This contributes to the band’s multifarious portfolio of original music. Their goal is to remain stylistically cage-free and continue to record genre-bending songs that simultaneously dip into the sauces of several scenes in today’s music world. Considered primarily an original band, most of their repertoire has been written and composed by the group's collective efforts. That being said, the group has also gained a reputation for re-imagined covers, which honor some of their favorite musicians. With well-crafted performances, combining dynamic and high-energy tunes with exciting stage presence and radiant personalities, Melophobix is guaranteed to win over audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Melophobix released their first full-length album late in 2018. “Cage-Free” was recorded at Third Coast Recording Company in Grand Haven, MI with the help of head engineer Joe Hettinga and industry titan Bill Chrysler (Barry Manilow, Paul McCartney, Bon Jovi, John Mayer, Maroon 5, Mariah Carey, Pink, Christina Aguilera). The tracks were mixed by Jake Birch, and the mastering was done by Howie Weinberg Mastering in Los Angeles, CA. The record’s title (‘Cage-Free”) signifies not only the band’s broad and border-free approach to the funk genre, but also speaks to the group’s ideology. The track list showcases MELO’s diverse taste and genre-bending songwriting. Fueled with the depth of instrumentation and vocal capabilities, and backed by energetic and dynamic live performances, the album is poised to take the band to greater heights in the music scene.
In addition to the album’s harmonious melodies deriving from the roots of reggae, rock, jam-band, jazz and soul genres, the lyrical content spans across several relatable themes. Tracks like “Get Over It, Honeybee, Hazelnut, and Whenever You Want” deal with topics of love and lust, both in positive and negative lights, while other tracks like “Seatbelts, Schwartz Rot Gold, Waves, and Insufficient Funds” are based around topics of everyday life – dealing with the internal conflicts of desire versus necessity, financial struggles, and the pursuit of happiness and satisfaction in life. Other tracks like “Victorious” and “A Lot to Learn” reflect the climate of today’s social turmoil and injustice while displaying a degree of discontent in political and social atmospheres. Regardless of one’s background or upbringing, these themes provide a very real and relatable lyrical landscape that have resonated with listeners of all ages.
Melophobix has also attracted a significant amount of buzz in their short lifespan. Their EP was nominated in 2016 for ‘Best Album by a New Artist’ and the EP’s track “Tortuga” was nominated for “Best Song” by regional radio stations. Melophobix was also awarded “Best Band of 2017” by Walk the Beat (walkthebeat.org), as well as Runner-Up for the festival’s Best Song Contest, with their 2017 single “Ship- Trap Hounds.” They have supported and shared stages with such national acts as: Sublime with Rome, Gogol Bordello, Lucky Chops, Dirty Heads, Here Come the Mummies, BadFish – A Sublime Tribute, Rusted Root, Less Than Jake, The Wailers, Electric Six, The Toasters, Tropidelic, John Brown’s Body, and more. The band invites and encourages fans to share their love of music and join them for a live experience. Melophobix remains a true testament that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
Geoff Hansen
Trumpet / Vocals
Adam Parada
All Things Keys / Backing Vocals
Nate Hansen
Saxophones / Tech Support
Ben Steer
Bass Man
Scotty King
Drum Kit
Stefan Schwartz
Vocals / Guitar
Endorsements: Reverend Guitars