Meltway: Chasing Sound, Finding Space

Formed in 2018, Meltway quickly set themselves apart with their unique blend of shoegaze, indie rock, and dreamy atmospheres. Hailing from Denmark, the band initially consisted of Mathias (vocals/guitar), Mikkel (bass/vocals), Thomas (guitar), and Magnus (drums). Their debut EP, Everytime, hit in 2019, followed by a steady stream of successful festival performances and a sound that consistently pushed boundaries.

But it wasn’t until 2020, when the band brought Kristoffer in as a fifth member, that they expanded their sound in exciting new directions. With three guitars at their disposal, their latest record, Nothing Is Real, marked a significant shift—more expansive, more aggressive, and yet still inherently Meltway.

The album is a reflection of the band’s evolution, but more importantly, it’s a look at what happens when a group of musicians allows their instincts to guide them rather than relying solely on structure and rules. Meltway has built something real—and more than that, they’ve created something they can call their own.

How It All Starts: A Little Chaos, A Lot of Feeling

When I asked Mathias, lead singer and guitarist, about the songwriting process, I was expecting the usual answer about structure, organization, and maybe some well-practiced routine. But instead, he gave it to me straight: it’s chaotic at first. “I usually slip into a flow state, letting sensations guide me as I explore more guitar parts, bass lines, or vocals. It’s not about structure at first; it’s a bit messy, really,” Mathias says. “It’s all about getting lost in a feeling that’s worth following and exploring.”

That messiness, that sense of uncertainty at the beginning of their songs, is the foundation of what makes Meltway’s sound so compelling. It’s not about perfection—it’s about trusting the journey and letting the feeling guide the way. For Mathias, it’s less about a plan and more about the moment.

He goes on to explain why Nothing Is Real fits the music so perfectly: “it captures the album's duality - nihilistic yet liberating. That contrast mirrors what we’re doing musically: a synergy between the euphoric, noisy and blasting guitars and the more introspective, shy, and disillusioned lyrics - and vocal work. The in-your-face instrumentals outshine the darker lyrics, making the songs feel more embracing than bleak.”

This tension between light and dark, between heavy guitars and quiet moments, is what gives the album its emotional depth. Meltway isn’t just building noise—they’re creating space, and in that space, the music breathes. It’s this blend of chaos and clarity that defines their sound.

Mistakes, Accidents, and Evolving Sound

For Mikkel, the band’s bassist and backing vocalist, mistakes have often played a vital role in shaping their songs. The recording of “Dream Punk” is a prime example. “I somehow lost the time-grid a little bit, which caused some weird rhythmic “stutters”” Mikkel explains. “When I played the demo for the guys I told them that those were recording mistakes, however, they thought it sounded cool and we ended up using these stutters in the final arrangement of the song.”

This kind of creative serendipity is at the heart of Meltway’s approach. It’s about embracing imperfections, and that willingness to adapt is a key part of their sound. “I’ve kind of learned that when something feels satisfying, that’s usually a good place to stop,” Mathias says. “Having the whole band involved in the mixing process helped a lot too. I wasn’t stuck in my own head with every decision - there was a shared trust in each other’s ears, and that made all the difference.” That sense of fluidity in the creative process gives the band’s music its edge—it doesn’t feel overly calculated, just genuine.

From Studio to Stage: Finding Their Live Groove

After spending so much time crafting their sound in the studio, the real test came when it was time to bring that sound to life on stage. Meltway’s live shows have evolved significantly, and much of that change can be attributed to the addition of Kristoffer and the introduction of three guitars. It’s not just about having more sound—it’s about how they carry that sound live. They’ve learned to translate the energy from the studio into something bigger and more expansive when playing in front of an audience.

For a band like Meltway, known for their introspective and quiet moments on record, it can be a challenge to maintain that same depth in a live setting. “We’ve definitely fallen into the stereotypical “shy, introverted shoegaze performance” in the past, which we are now trying to break out from.” admits Mikkel.

Their stage presence has evolved into something much more dynamic and engaging. While their music is still drenched in atmospheric layers, they’ve learned how to interact with the crowd and bring them into the experience. Instead of standing back and letting the noise speak for itself, they’re now inviting the crowd to feel the energy and connection they’ve built from their rehearsals and live performances. It’s about balance, learning when to push forward and when to pull back, but always ensuring that their energy remains authentic and genuine.

Layering Guitars: Crafting Space Within the Noise

Three guitars in a band could be a recipe for disaster. But Meltway has made it an art form. Mikkel explains the secret: it’s all about balance and awareness in the arrangement. “being mindful of where in the overall register each guitar is playing. How each guitar is utilized is also a big consideration,” Mikkel says. “Also, another important factor is to not  be using all three guitars at all times. There’s a pattern of one guitar playing noisy-chords, another one playing an arpeggiated part and a third playing something melodic.”

This thoughtful arrangement creates a layered, textured sound that never feels overcrowded. “Sometimes an arrangement-idea works on the writing process, but doesn’t translate well to actually playing it,” Mikkel admits. “Then we find the solution together in rehearsal.” This constant problem-solving between band members is what makes Meltway’s sound feel so cohesive, even in the midst of all that noise.

They’ve learned to use each guitar to expand the space, not fill it, giving the music room to breathe while still sounding full. This is what keeps their sound from feeling like a wall of noise—it’s intentional, not haphazard.

Looking Ahead: Evolving and Exploring New Territory

Even with Nothing Is Real under their belt, Meltway is already thinking ahead. The band’s next project is an EP that’s inspired by the lessons they’ve learned from touring and performing live. Mikkel explains, “The sound is more aggressive and outgoing. We explore more playful arrangements and some darker atmospheres on occasion.”

What’s exciting about this new material is how actively they’re evolving as musicians. Their next release is being shaped by what they’ve learned about themselves on stage and how they connect with their audience. It’s about letting their sound breathe and shifting into something even more expansive and dynamic. They’re not repeating themselves—they’re always pushing forward.

Closing Thoughts

Meltway’s strength lies in their authenticity. Whether they’re embracing mistakes in the studio or letting go on stage, they’re not trying to manufacture a sound—they’re letting it come naturally. As Mathias puts it, “There’s something really powerful about feeling yourself evolve through expression. It’s part of what makes music so special.”

Their journey is just beginning, and as they continue to grow, experiment, and redefine their sound, Meltway is a band to keep an eye on. They’re just getting started—and we’re all in for the ride.