Date Signed: February 2026
Label: Jealous Butcher Records
Type of Music: Ambient, Indie-Folk, Instrumental
Publicity: Charm School Media
A&R: Rob Jones
Web: melanieradford.com
Bassist and vocalist Melanie Radford built a reputation with bands like Built to Spill and Blood Lemon, but she recently released her debut album For the Sake of Stillness, while signing with Jealous Butcher Records. The “Hangin’ On” single offered a taste; haunting vocals and equally moody bass. This is Radford’s time to shine.
“I had always been in bands as a collaborator, but I tried some solo performances when I was 21 and I really enjoyed it,” she says. “It didn’t last very long though—life complications happened and I had to give that dream up for a while. I just wasn’t confident enough in myself. Then, about two to three years ago, I began writing the material for this album and it felt like I was finally finding myself.”
Radford describes her solo sound as calm, steady and warm. “I love a good, well-rounded bass tone and the heaviness that can be found in an ambient song, so I try to make my sound feel like it’s wrapping you in a weighted blanket,” she says.
The artist joins a Jealous Butcher roster that includes the likes of Johanna Samuels, Adam Schatz, and The Geraldine Fibbers.
“Rob Jones manages Team Dresch who Built to Spill toured with many years ago,” Radford says. “We hit it off and kept in touch over the years and when I was looking for someone to help me release this record, it was like the universe pushed us together—my friend Adam Schatz recommended working with him and we later got to meet up and chat at a crazy Modest Mouse cruise/festival thing where Califone (another JBR band) was also playing... we felt like the album would be a perfect fit for his roster.”
Radford says that For the Sake of Stillness is a “spiritual, conceptual art project.”
“It was created with the intent of inspiring contemplative moments and filling the listener with warmth (because I needed that for myself) so there is a home-made feeling to it,” she says. “I recorded it in multiple home studios in different locations around the world while I was touring and traveling with friends and my partner, Lê Almeida.”
Looking ahead, Radford has plenty planned for the second half of 2026. “A lot of touring with Built to Spill (again!) but I’m planning to squeeze in as many solo shows as I can,” she says. “I’m really excited about the album release show in Seattle because I’ll be performing it in a chapel with a full band and surprise visuals that will be tailored completely to the space. I haven’t been able to create a full performance experience in a long time, so to finally have this opportunity if very exciting.”
