Dave Melillo

Born on June 12, 1988, singer-songwriter Dave Melillo—pronounced Mah-lil-loh—absorbed music throughout his childhood in a New Jersey household until his family relocated to Celebration, Florida. Local stage productions had already occupied his early attention, yet the move to the Sunshine State prompted a far more focused approach to original songwriting. Parental encouragement shaped his listening habits around Billy Joel, Meat Loaf, and Bruce Springsteen, while later exposure to the Drive-Thru Records roster, especially the Starting Line, opened an entirely new style that transformed his appreciation of the form and demonstrated that meaningful success remained attainable during adolescence.

He soon performed at regional venues and posted early demos online for friends. Drive-Thru co-owner Richard Reines encountered the material and extended an offer after an unplanned set at the label’s office in late 2004. Several major imprints also pursued him once a track appeared on a compilation, yet Melillo ultimately signed with Drive-Thru. His debut EP, Talk Is Cheap, was produced by Jamie Wisner—whose prior credits include Dashboard Confessional and A New Found Glory—and finished in August 2005. Touring commitments followed, including dates with Hellogoodbye and a showcase at South by Southwest in 2006. Originally offered as a free April download, the EP reached stores in June 2006 with one added track. Melillo supplied vocals, guitar, and piano, backed by bassist Matt Mendes, guitarist Clark Spurlock, and drummer Nate Mullins, the first two of whom had played with him in earlier groups. Additional summer shows took place nationwide.