About

Mel Johnston is an accomplished vocalist, songwriter, lyricist, and teaching artist based in Bushwick, Brooklyn.

An alumna of New York University, Mel began to develop her career as a performer and session singer during her college years. After a brief post-grad stint as an arts and culture journalist, Mel returned again to a life as a full-time music maker. Whether it's blues, soul, rock, jazz, or American folk music, Mel is at home as a writer and singer. Along with Kim Foxen, Mel leads the soul-blues band, The Foxy Johnstons. The group released their debut in 2018, and have played countless shows in New York City (Rough Trade, C’Mon Everybody, Rockwood Music Hall, Littlefield). Her latest project is a garage rock band - Mel & The Tall Boys. The group - a collaboration with prolific performer and songwriter Kyle Lacy - just independently released their first single "Part With Your Mind" in May 2021.

In addition to her work as a band leader and songwriter, Mel has also performed extensively, all over the country, as a background vocalist. When not performing or writing new work, Mel teaches and provides songwriting mentorship to a select roster of students. She is also on the faculty of Cobble Hill Playschool. In addition to her experience as a singer, Mel also plays guitar, piano, and ukulele.