Melle releases Before I Lose It

The Dutch singer-songwriter Melle returns with his second album Before I Lose It, set for release on January 30, 2026 via V2 Records. The album shows why Melle is considered one of the most sincere voices and distinctive multi-instrumentalists in the Dutch music scene. (He owns and plays over 80 instruments!).

Melle’s music feels intimate and familiar, as if he’s sitting right next to you. His voice is gentle, but his lyrics hit hard.

“I deliberately want to color outside the lines. It makes the process a hundred times more fun, because anything goes. Weird instruments, ‘ugly’ sounds, making mistakes—that’s what gives music life. The more I remove or polish away that madness and those imperfections, the less emotion remains,” Melle says. The album explores themes such as love, self-image, identity, and inequality, with songs like Easy to Love and DNA.

Melle channels the atmosphere of artists such as Phoebe Bridgers, Julia Jacklin, and The National, resulting in an indie pop album with sharp edges and a distinct signature. “I want to make music that people can cry to,” he emphasizes. His approach remains consciously unpolished, leaving room for small imperfections that heighten the emotional impact.

The album shows that Melle not only searches for authenticity musically, but also dares to share personal stories in his lyrics. From his long-term relationship to his search for identity and growing social awareness, he addresses topics such as inequality, discrimination, and the influence of capitalism on everyday life—without ever becoming cliché. This blend of intimate and socially conscious themes makes Before I Lose It feel both relatable and profound.

Following his debut album, Melle has performed on numerous stages, including a sold-out headline tour. He also toured with Douwe Bob, playing dozens of shows as a support act—among them performances at AFAS Live—bringing his music to an even wider audience.

The song Make Your Own Kind Of Music plays a special role in his work. Melle quotes the song on his album in the title track Before I Lose It. Its message—staying true to yourself, even if that means coloring outside the lines—lies at the heart of his own music and serves as a source of inspiration he wants to share with his audience, encouraging them to do the same.

Alongside music and playing a wide array of sometimes unfamiliar instruments, Melle is deeply engaged with analog photography and film. The visual aspect of the album, captured on Super 8 and 16mm film during a journey through Spain, is used for music videos, artwork, and live shows, reinforcing his handcrafted and authentic approach.

Before I Lose It is raw, personal, and direct. The album is a search for identity and authenticity in both sound and lyrics.

MELLE LIVE:

• 19 feb - TivoliVredenburg, Utrecht
• 20 feb - Oosterpoort, Groningen
• 21 feb - Rotown, Rotterdam
• 26 feb - Effenaar, Eindhoven
• 5 mrt - LuxorLive, Arnhem
• 19 mrt - Paradiso, Amsterdam