Dr. Curtis Melton is an accomplished composer, conductor, and music educator. By day, the award-winning musician works as the Director of Bands at Legacy High School in North Las Vegas, Nevada. When not fostering the development of talent for a new generation, he composes original cinematic instrumentals. Regular readers of The Static Dive will remember his 2021 album Skywaves, and last year’s “Restless Twilight“.
His work has been recognized and awarded by numerous prestigious regional and international music organizations, from Vegas to Milan. As an educator, he was honored twice as one of the “50 Directors That Makes A Difference” by SBO Magazine. He was also twice named finalist in the Heart of Education Awards in the Clark County School District in 2017 and 2020.
“Firefly Lullaby” is the latest single from Curtis Melton, released worldwide via all major streaming services on May 1, 2023. A classic DX7 electric piano takes the lead on this dreamy instrumental ballad. Angelic chimes and pristine keys paint the periphery of Dr. Melton’s ethereal tapestry. As the track progresses ambient analog synths stretch across the soundscape.
Check out “Firefly Lullaby” below. You can also hear the song on the Deep Indie Jazz & Classical playlist, or listen on your favorite streaming service. We had the chance to chat with Curtis about the tune. Check out his answers to our 8 questions below. And follow the links at the end of this article to connect with the artist.
8 Questions with Dr. Curtis Melton
Where are you from?
I am from Las Vegas, NV and still currently reside in Las Vegas! Born and raised here.
How long have you been making music?
I have been making music for a LONG time….composing since I was in 6th grade and of course playing in school bands in middle school and high school and college….and I have been a high school band director for the last 18 years. Each year I compose an original marching band show for my students to perform during the football/marching season, and a concert band work I dedicate to them every year to end the year.
Who are the musicians involved in your project?
I am the composer of the music, as well as the producer/performer on this recording. My students performed the marching band version of “Firefly Lullaby” back in August-October of 2022 for their marching band season.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
I’d have to say bands like Genesis, Fleetwood Mac, Phil Collins, Restless Heart, Yanni, John Tesh – and movie soundtrack composers like Alan Silvestri, John Williams, James Horner….as well as any 80s/90s ballad….lol. I find great satisfaction in beautiful chord progressions and harmonies that go beyond traditional triads and dominant seventh chords as there are so many different chord colors that can be found in denser, thicker chords.
What is your greatest non-musical influence?
My family and my students that I teach every year.
What inspired you to create this project?
This song was our “ballad” from our 8-minute marching band show “Bioluminescence” this past fall (2022). It is my favorite ballad I have ever written and the students performed it so briliantly. I wanted to make a studio recording of “Firefly Lullaby” to share with the world. During this part of the performance the students pulled out their cellphones, turned on the flashlights, and emulated fireflies flying around. Looked INCREDIBLE at night.
What are your plans for the future (musically)?
Continue teaching and conducting, and of course writing and composing new music. This fall’s marching band show I have called “Fear, Incorporated” which is a horror-themed show. And then of course maybe making some more recordings along the way.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
I just really want to get my music somehow out to a MUCH WIDER AUDIENCE. I feel like many people would enjoy these kinds of instrumentals as they are different, and how many of these tracks have so much meaning behind them.
