Read the Melee Beats Press Kit here. (PDF)

Melee Beats is the alias for American multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and producer Nic Bertino (born October 3rd, 1985).

Bertino grew up in Sacramento, California. His first interaction with music came when his half-brother introduced him to FL Studio in 1998. Bertino was intrigued by music and began producing simple melodies and drum patterns. With the help of the internet, Bertino would discover electronic music shortly after. He was exposed to many different genres of music in his youth, but he became increasingly interested in disco, funk, and house music.

Infatuated with disco house, Bertino would produce his first full-length house song in 2001 at the age of 15. He often neglected homework in favor of music, and he eventually signed his first vinyl single to a local record label at the age of 17.

His production catalog garnered much attention in clubs and through DJs. Bertino would pursue production on a full time basis at the age of 18, producing over 30 songs in six months. But in 2005, Bertino made a drastic change in his sound. He grew tired of 8:00 songs that had little to no variation. The long-playing songs had very little success with listeners outside of the clubs, so Bertino began work on a concept album titled "STAR."

"STAR" captured many different facets of house, disco, and eighties music. It was praised for its ingenuity, but its instrumental format made it difficult for a lot of listeners. Bertino took the advice of his critics and began adding lyrics to his songs. Shortly after releasing "STAR," Bertino would create "Wondering" - the first single off of his second full length album, "Bel Esteem."

"Bel Esteem (2006)," Bertino's second full length work in two years, marked the maturation of Melee Beats into a commercially-capable producer. Vocal hooks weaved masterfully in and out of expertly-produced beats and rhythms; synthesizers and e-pianos flirted with disco samples and biting guitar lines as Bertino demonstrated his ability not only as a producer, but also as a singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist.

After completing "Bel Esteem," Bertino was working on his next project titled "Triumph." While simultaneously working on "Triumph," Bertino also released his first commercial CD titled "The Limited." It was a compilation of the best works from the four Melee Beats albums, and ranged from French House to R&B.

Bertino is currently completing "Triumph" (11/18/2008) while promoting "The Limited." (6/10/2008).