Music

4/10/25 Update: I recently recorded a new original song! It’s called “Passenger.” This was originally written in 2020-2021, with a few tweaks over the years since then. It’s about feeling like you’re at the mercy of forces larger than yourself—from mental illness to financial hardship to societal upheaval—and the struggles that come with that. The pandemic provided the original inspiration, but I think it still resonates today. It’s recorded on my phone in my usual ‘acoustic cover’ style, but I do intend to give it a more formal recording treatment and release eventually. I hope you like it!

Melanie Stangl - Passenger

10/10/23 Update: It’s been a while, but I recently posted a new acoustic cover! This is my stripped-down take of the incredible track “Night Drives,” by one of my favorite synthpop artists (and former Pittsburgh resident) Ky Vöss. It was a fun challenge to figure out the chords and rhythms, and translate a decidedly not-acoustic song into this format. Ky’s lyrics are also beautifully heartbreaking.

I hope you enjoy it! Original songs are in the works as well…

Ky Vöss - Night Drives

1/9/22 Update: My original song, “Wrong Right,” as submitted to the 2021 91.3 WYEP Singer Songwriter Competition, is linked below!

Melanie Stangl - Wrong Right (2021 91.3 WYEP Singer Songwriter Competition)

More of my original songs are in the works, and I eventually plan to record and release higher-quality versions than what is currently posted here. Until then, here are some of my favorite acoustic covers (below), including a few of Pittsburgh artists. Any news about gigs will be shared here as well!

Duffy - Warwick Avenue

Paul Luc - Restless Mind

Arcade Fire - Neighborhood #4 (7 Kettles)

Bo Burnham - All Eyes on Me

Better Oblivion Community Center - Service Road

Bindley Hardware Company - Left Well Alone

Frank Ocean - Novacane

*warning - this song contains NSFW language.

Paul Luc - Stranger to Me

Phoebe Bridgers - Smoke Signals

Arctic Monkeys - Do I Wanna Know?