London-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mike Melan has never been one to follow the crowd. Blending rock, soul, and indie influences with deeply personal lyricism, Mike’s music feels like pages torn from a weathered journal—raw, reflective, and unfiltered. His latest single “Those Were The Days,” released on June 21, 2025, is a nostalgic anthem that captures the wild pulse of youth and the bittersweet ache of growing up.
As he gears up to drop his much-anticipated album Lightning Strikes at Altitude this summer, we sat down with Mike to talk about his creative process, memories of Johannesburg, doing things his own way, and what listeners can expect next.
Interview with Mike Melan
Mike: “Those Were the Days” was the final song I wrote for this album—and honestly, it came from a place of necessity. I knew I still needed the single, something undeniably catchy. The melody came first, and everything else just flowed from there. The song took me back to my teenage years growing up in the South of Johannesburg. The line “a beat-up old Benz” was the spark—it was my best friend’s car, the wagon we’d cruise around in, always hunting for the next party. That nostalgia shaped the whole track. Even little details, like the line “They say in the south, you gotta fight for your blue eyes,” were pulled straight from our world—it’s something we used to say back then. It just fit perfectly, like the song was writing itself.
Mike: Absolutely. Even though I’ve lived in the UK for over twenty years, this album felt like a return to my roots—a deep connection to where I grew up. The title is a direct nod to Johannesburg, the city where I was born and came of age. Johannesburg sits in the highveld, at altitude, and if you’ve ever been there, you know those intense lightning storms—they’re breathtaking but also overwhelming, this incredible mix of beauty and raw power. To me, that duality mirrors the essence of the album: something striking, emotional, and deeply personal. I couldn’t think of a better way to capture the spirit of the music than with a title that holds so much meaning—for me, and hopefully for listeners too.
Mike: It has been both a blessing and a curse. My no-compromise attitude toward songwriting means I don’t fit neatly into any one musical genre—and that draws criticism from some. But I simply play from the heart, whether the result is rock, indie, country, or alternative. So be it. The reason I don’t play in a band is that I love crafting songs and arrangements without compromise. I’m open to collaboration, but songwriting, for me, is deeply personal. Not having a band to contribute does make things harder, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. This approach has pushed me to grow as a multi-instrumentalist, and in the end, the music is truer to my vision because of it.
Mike: That’s a very good question—and yes, absolutely. Writing this song was deeply cathartic. It brought back so many memories, both good and bad, but in a way, that’s the whole point. The song is a celebration of all of it—the joy, the sorrow, the highs and lows. There’s also a bittersweet reality in acknowledging that those days are gone forever. But “Those Were the Days” isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s a reminder that in some way, they still live on—in us, in the music, in the stories we tell. That’s what I hope will make it resonate.
Mike: What always surprises me is how much I learn with every new song—whether it’s uncovering fresh harmonies, experimenting with unexpected chord progressions, or discovering new recording techniques. There’s always something that sparks inspiration, and that endless discovery keeps me hooked. What really excites me, though, is that moment when I know I’m onto something special. When that happens, I’ll stay up all night chasing the idea—finishing the arrangement, recording a rough demo, whatever it takes to capture it before the magic fades. In my experience, the best songs arrive quickly. So when I feel that spark, I don’t stop. I just follow it.
Mike: The pivotal moment for me was during the COVID lockdown period. Up until then, I’d been a singer-songwriter for years but had never recorded any of my music—mostly due to a lack of time. The lockdown gave me the space and inspiration to finally finish and professionally record my first song, “Rather Die Standing”, which remains one of my most successful tracks. It’s a protest song about breaking free from constraints and refusing to live in fear. That experience was so cathartic that I invested in more instruments and gear, completed my first studio album, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
Mike: Living in London has been incredible for my growth as a musician. The city thrives on collaboration—I’ve been lucky to work with some amazing artists, like my old next-door neighbour, a session musician who’s played Glastonbury and recorded viola on my tracks. London’s music scene is unmatched: there’s a huge range of venues and festivals, giving artists at every level a chance to perform and connect. And with so many world-class studios and producers here, opportunities feel limitless. I still can’t believe I found someone like George MacFarlane—a multi-instrumentalist producer and sound engineer—just five miles from my home. His expertise has been transformative in refining my mixes and elevating my sound.
Plus, as a music fan, there’s no better place to be. You can catch legendary acts on tour any night of the week, and the thriving indie scene is a constant source of inspiration.
Mike: I wrote “Those Were the Days” to be a single, so it was important to me that it felt catchy and relatable. While the song is deeply personal and introspective, I think what sets it apart is how listeners connect with it emotionally. Musically, it’s a deliberate nod to the past—both in its lyrics and arrangement. The 25 second guitar solo intro and then another solo over the middle eight were intentional choices to give it that retro vibe. It’s been really rewarding to see the positive reception so far, though one music critic called it ‘outdated’—which, honestly, missed the point entirely! The song is a tribute to nostalgia, so that ‘throwback’ quality is exactly what I wanted. It’s already become one of my most successful tracks, and I think that speaks to how much people resonate with it.
Mike: “Lightning Strikes at Altitude” blends easy-listening rock with edgier alternative influences. It’s a journey through nostalgia and hope, anchored by strong melodies and rich instrumentation—from piano and Hammond organ to accordion, pedal steel guitar, and even ukulele. While the arrangements are more layered than my previous work, the focus remains on simplicity and catchiness. At its core, it’s a guitar-driven record, so if you love the sound of electric guitar, I think you’ll find something to connect with. The album features 10 original tracks and 2 covers, offering a little something for everyone. Give it a listen and consider adding it to your playlist.
Mike: My music is honest and straight from the heart, and “Those Were the Days” is no exception. It’s a song meant to be shared—something people can sing along to and make their own. At its core, it’s a story, one I hope listeners connect with and maybe even revisit a special time or place from their past. That’s the magic of music: when a personal moment becomes something universal.
With “Those Were The Days,” Mike Melan invites us to roll down the windows and take a drive through memory lane—full speed, no regrets. As his upcoming album Lightning Strikes at Altitude approaches, one thing’s clear: this artist isn’t just looking back—he’s forging ahead, electrified by the past but powered by vision. Stay tuned.
