The Melismatics

Passion. Irony. Weirdness. Melody. These are the core elements that have defined The Melismatics’ sound over the years. With a catalog spanning eight albums and a reputation for electrifying live performances, the band has carved out a unique space in the post-punk and indie-rock landscape.

At the heart of The Melismatics are the dynamic duo Ryan Smith and Pony, whose dual lead vocals and relentless energy drive the band’s signature sound. Ryan, also known for his work with Soul Asylum and punk supergroup Ultrabomb, is the band’s primary songwriter and a multi-instrumentalist with a knack for crafting infectious hooks. Pony brings a bold, theatrical presence to the stage, shaped in part by growing up with deaf parents—an experience that fueled her expressive, high-energy performance style.

On bass, Mark Wade adds his post-punk signature sound, bringing angular bass lines that are both driving and melodic, anchoring The Melismatics' sound with undeniable energy. His distinctive playing style has been a defining force in the band’s evolution. Ron Caron is quite literally the heartbeat of the group with his creative drumming that make it nearly impossible to not “get up and shake it.”

The Melismatics’ music has been produced by legendary figures such as Jon Auer (The Posies, Big Star) and John Fields (Jimmy Eat World, Har Mar Superstar), with Ryan Smith also taking the helm on various tracks. Their sound—a fusion of raw post-punk energy, indie-rock melodies, and a dash of new-wave urgency—has landed them placements on major TV networks, including MTV, NBC, and TeenNick, as well as festival stages like Lollapalooza, Summerfest, and CMJ.

After years of relentless touring and studio evolution, The Melismatics continue to push boundaries, bringing their infectious energy to audiences worldwide. Keep an eye out—you might just hear them on a screen near you, or better yet, catch them crashing on a couch in your town.

Upcoming Shows

Jan

Turf Club

Jan

Turf Club

A Tribute to the Replacements ft. The Melismatics performing 'Sorry Ma, Forgot to Take out the Trash' and other hits

with special guest vocalists Al Church • Alex Hanson (Products Band) • Alli KB (Mary Jam) • Annie Kuchenmeister (Loki’s Folly) • Arzu Gokcen (Selby Tigers, Pink Mink) • Ashley Ackerson (The Mood Swings) • Ava Levy • Brian Vanderwerf (Eleganza!) • Christy Costello • Cindy Lawson • Claire Luger (The Silent Treatment) • Curtiss A • Dan Hoffstrom (MURF) • Dan Israel • Faith Boblett • Gini Dodds • jeremy messersmith • Jo Kellen (Products Band) • Mary Cutrufello • Nikii Post (In Lieu) • Scott MacDonald (Arcwelder) • Tommy Ratz (Toilet Rats)

Performing in the Clown Lounge: Anna Devine • Sophie Hiroko

★ Local Show ★

with Pullstring

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Past Shows

Nov

2025

First Avenue

Nov

2025

First Avenue

The Melismatics

Upcoming Shows

with Pullstring

Past Shows

with The Melismatics and The Belfast Cowboys

with The Melismatics, Cindy Lawson and Mary Strand & The Garage

★ Local Show ★

with The Melismatics and Zander

with Mad Ripple Trib-Hoot for Slim

with Pullstring and Mad Ripple Trib-Hoot for Slim

with Annie and the Bang Bang, Mad Ripple Trib-Hoot for Slim, Al Church and more!

with The Bad Man, D8MCHILD, FURY THINGS and more!

with Eleganza!, Early Eyes, The Bad Man and more!

with The Melismatics, Ruby Isle, Gaelynn Lea and more!

with The Melismatics, Eleganza!, TABAH and more!

with The Melismatics, Catsax and Lunch Duchess

with The Melismatics, Al Church, Nato Coles & the Blue Diamond Band and more!

with The Melismatics, The Stress of Her Regard, Stereo Confession and more!

with Two Harbors and Stereo Confession

with The Melismatics

with The Melismatics, Two Harbors, BNLX and more!

with The Melismatics, Ol' Yeller, The Blackberry Brandy Boys and more!

with The Fattenin’ Frogs, Red Daughters, Blue Ruin and more!

with The Melismatics, Pink Mink, John Swardson and more!

with The Alarmists, DAVE PIRNER (Soul Asylum), The Magnolias and more!

More Shows

American Scarecrows

with Sister Species and The Teddy Holidays

RaveQuest ⏤ A Medieval Winter Ball

Sean Anonymous 20th Annual Birthday Show ft. Sean Anonymous with Live Band

with P.O.S

Gabriel Douglas

with ELOUR and Zach Thomas

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