Artist Profile

Me Ca Melody

My name is Michelle Johnson, also known as Me Ca Melody. I was born and raised in Croydon, London. My musical journey began in the Pentecostal church, where I sang in the choir and became one of its lead vocalists by the age of 14. At 16, I joined a group called Reefer Madness with a college friend, Joel Reefer, who continues to produce music today.

We were discovered by Frederick Hook, drummer for The Pretenders, who invited us to his studio in Streatham. It was a humble setup, a four-track studio in a van, but it is where we learned to compose using a basic keyboard, 808 drum machine, and that four-track recorder. This hands-on experience taught me how to craft original songs, develop harmonies, and refine my unique vocal style.

One of our tracks made it onto the soundtrack of a Japanese film called The 90 Days. I was later offered a contract by Island Records, but I turned it down, feeling I was not yet ready to go solo, a decision that became a valuable lesson in timing and opportunity.

Over the years, I have entered various talent shows including Hackney Empire's 291 Club, Tony Lee Singers Promotions, Singers Paradise, and Bionic Rona's Talent Search in Battersea. That is where I met Bionic Rona, who became a mentor and introduced me to Papa Levi. He invited me to collaborate on a track called Physical. I wrote and recorded vocals he was happy to use.

I have also performed in several groups: a girl band called Infinity, a jazz group named Soda, and worked with Merlin, nephew of Smiley Culture. After taking time out to raise my son, I returned to music and joined the Mystical Roots Warrior label. I was introduced to Marky Roots by his brother, and we have since recorded an album awaiting release. I have also recently contributed backing vocals to two tracks on Ricky Ranking's upcoming album.