Pamela Machala

Singer-songwriter Pamela Machala (“MOCK-uh-luh”) creates a delicious style of piano pop, influenced by her love of jazz and R&B. Surrounded by a family of musicians (her grandfather was Louis Teicher of piano duo Ferrante & Teicher), music sank into Pamela’s veins from an early age. After school, she’d play and sing her heart out to Disney songbooks, often writing her own lyrical parodies à la Weird Al Yankovic. In college, she became serious about developing her knack for songwriting. From open mics and solo shows to a full band featuring a three-piece horn section, Pamela’s live show has evolved and flourished.

Her eclectic fusion delights many first-time listeners, and her buttery, smoky voice and impressive piano chops create sounds influenced by Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, and Norah Jones. Her debut album, Golden Delicious, was recorded at Mark Rubel's Pogo Studio (Alison Krauss, Rascal Flatts) in her hometown of Champaign-Urbana, IL. Released independently in June 2012, the album marries catchy hooks, harmonic complexity, and compelling lyrics. Pamela now resides in the bustling music scene of Minneapolis, where she has built an avid following. In addition to performing regularly around the Twin Cities with her trio (Chad Mathis on bass and Lamont Sandifer on percussion), she tours nationally as a solo artist and continues work on material for her next album, due out spring 2015.