M.E.L.T. (formerly Melt) is a Pittsburgh-based fuzz rock trio formed by Joey Troupe (guitar/vocals), James May (bass/vocals), and J.J. Young (drums/vocals) — three veterans of the Steel City’s music scene. Troupe made his mark with Paddy the Wanderer; May brings experience from Aberrant Kingdom and Spare Arrows; and Young’s output includes over 10 projects, his solo venture BITE, and co-founding the music media collective Steel City Death Club.

Since releasing their self-titled debut in 2021, the band has built a reputation for blistering, riff-heavy compositions and explosive live performances with an extraterrestrial-inspired aesthetic. Their second LP, Replica of Man (2023), received critical acclaim, propelling their reach beyond the Pittsburgh region and kicking off their debut American tour.

In early 2025, the band rebranded as M.E.L.T. due to trademark conflicts and is set to release their highly-anticipated third album under the new name in October 2025 — ushering in a new era, while staying true to their raw, genre-pushing sound.

M.E.L.T. looks forward to promoting their new record with an active show schedule and touring, being booked as headliners, support for national acts (including Silver Synthetic, Lightning Bolt, and more), and at festivals. Melt has been named the WYEP Artists of the Week twice, and has been covered in several print features.

Director Troupe

Neurochemical Expedition Officer

Joey Troupe (guitar/vocals) has played in several Pittsburgh-based bands since 2007, including Blackbird Pie, The Electric Pear, Jags on the Mon, and Paddy the Wanderer — which released an EP and several LPs, performed regionally, and had a song featured on a Netflix series. He also founded the Oakland Pop Festival.

Admiral May

Propulsion Engineer

James May (bass/vocals) formed Aberrant Kingdom in 2008 and has also performed with Spare Arrows.

Captain Young

Payload Commander

J.J. young (Drums/vocals) has played in or appeared with over 10 different musical projects, including Fortune Teller, Daisy Chain, Nate Cross Band, and his own solo project, BITE. He is also a co-founder of Steel City Death Club, a Pittsburgh music multimedia collective active from 2018-2022.