We’ve featured London-based rock music project BlueMelt a few times over the years, and I always enjoy checking out their new stuff when it’s released. Their track, Running With The Fool, really caught my attention upon the first listen, containing some awesome guitar licks. I decided to sit down and have a chat with Vito to find out how things are going – read on to find out more!

By Jane Howkins

It’s been a while since we last caught up with you. How have things been over the past couple of years?

Oh yes, a couple of years at least since our last chat. It’s been kind of like a rollercoaster, but good in the end. I’ve been making music, releasing a couple of singles, and refining my production skills.

You recently released a new single titled Running With The Fool. What can you tell us about the track?

Running With The Fool started as a challenge I gave to myself. I wanted for once to write a slower-paced song, and limit the shredding in favour of a more melodic approach. With that in mind, I set my metronome to the unusual value of 87 BPM and started building a drum groove first, and then a simple but powerful rhythm guitar, so that I could experiment with the lead melody. The lead guitar part came out bit by bit by recording my improvisations on top of that base track. With maybe the exception of the final solo, the main guitar line can be easily sung as a normal vocal line.

How has the reception to Running With The Fool been so far, and where can it be purchased?

It seems like people like it, I can see it from both the streaming data and the feedback I receive from real people who listen and share the song. It can be purchased as a high-quality download from Bandcamp, along with all my other works. It can also be streamed on Spotify, Apple Music and all other platforms.

Do you have any more singles planned for release soon?

I started recording another single that I want to release before the end of the year, I’m aiming for the end of October.

Are there any plans to release a full-length album or an EP in the near future?

A full-length album is a big commitment, I’m not sure I’m ready for that now. I’m planning to release an EP as the main project for next year, but I have to write it first. That will be my winter project.

You’ve played in a few bands. Do you have any other side projects on the go at the moment?

I have loads, as usual for me. Within the music space alone, I’m exploring jazz, folk and electronic music. I think my next expensive hobby will be modular synths.

Running With The Fool is an instrumental piece, although you’e recently started writing vocal-based songs too. What prompted the change in sound?

I go with the flow and let the song tell me what it wants. For example, Fading, my single from last year, was born as an instrumental. At some point, words came out during a practice session with the acoustic guitar. It led to an acoustic version of the song as a b-side that I almost like more than the regular one. In general, I think it depends on what I’m listening to, or reading whilst writing the song.

Do you have anything else exciting coming up over the next few months?

The recording of the new single, which will probably be another change in sound, so buckle up!

Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?

I’ve played in London, Cambridge, Birmingham and Liverpool so far this year. I’m planning to go to Manchester, Sheffield and a few more dates in London before the end of the year but nothing is set in stone. You will have to subscribe to my newsletter to be updated.

Any last words for the fans?

Thank you very much for liking my music and for supporting me, you’re awesome.