Pershing Profile: Melat
Four Pershing Questions
1. What first brought you to Pershing and how does being part of the Pershing community influence your creativity or your music?
I first came to Pershing to perform in the hall, and I still remember the excitement of finally getting to see and perform in a space I’d heard so many great things about. There’s something in the air at Pershing that invites your senses to slow down while simultaneously waking them up. Becoming a member has made it that much more of a treasured space. It feels like an oasis amid the chaos of downtown Austin, like walking into a soundproof room where I can actually relax. Every room has its own distinct vibe that draws out a different side of me, whether I need a dark, quiet corner to reflect, a bright space to gather with people and laugh over amazing drinks, or an outdoor seat to knock out some work or write a new song. That’s the everyday magic of it. Beyond that, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of building entire shows around specific themes and vibes, and everyone at Pershing has been incredibly open, accommodating, and collaborative in helping bring those visions to life.
2. For people who haven’t heard your music yet, how would you describe your sound, what inspires it, and who are some of your musical influences?
My music is rooted in R&B and shaped by the wide range of music I grew up on: jazz, pop, Ethiopian, soul, and honestly whatever was playing on the radio. My songwriting is inspired not only by my own personal experiences but also by the complexity and, oftentimes, the beautiful simplicity of life. Some people have compared me to Sade, others say I’m the lovechild of Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston, and some put me at the intersection of Adele and Alicia Keys. I’ll take all of those glorious comparisons! But if I had to sum it up myself, I’d say my music is vocally forward and soulfully impactful.
3. What makes performing at Pershing Hall special for you compared to other venues?
Any time I was asked to perform at Pershing, it was always such a treat. The atmosphere, the lighting, the sound, all of it is top notch. Over the last couple of years, I’ve been lucky enough to call it a performance home for so many special moments: celebrating my Ethiopian heritage, marking the holidays, and truly transforming the space into immersive, memorable experiences that bring the world I create in my mind into a physical space to share with others, with some incredible help from an amazing set designer. The care I’ve received from the staff and the attendees’ reception of the space has been genuinely one-of-a-kind.
4. If someone is thinking about becoming a member of Pershing, what would you tell them about the community here?
Pershing straddles the line between exclusivity and inclusion in a way that only Austin could pull off. Whether you want an intimate, cozy hang or a big event filled with great music and tons of new faces, you can find both here. The microsociety network is something special. Whatever your niche interest is, or even if you’re just discovering it, you can find like-minded individuals to geek out with. Everyone who works here feels more like a friend than an employee, and you never once feel unwelcome. I also love being part of a place that is rooted in the best of what’s local, people and experiences alike, while still being globally connected through the people, events, and obviously the Pershing Reciprocal Club Network. It’s truly the third space we’re all searching for in such a chaotic world.
Learn more about Mélot at beholdmelat.com
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