Melissa Li’s music, a catchy blend of folk-rock and pop, has been heralded for its honest lyrics and bold sound. A seasoned songwriter, Li’s voice and style are distinct, carrying both the urgency of Ani DiFranco and the charm of Alana Davis. Melissa started her career performing in Boston at the tender age of 16, teaching herself the guitar, developing her own songwriting style, and performing in high school talent shows, small coffeehouses, community groups, and even in underground subway stations. Since then, she’s carved a name for herself as one of the most talented and popular Asian-American performers in Boston. She has performed at the Brattle Theater, Somerville Theater, and Boston Pride main stage to an audience of hundreds. She has also performed in most colleges and universities across New England.
Most recently, she won the prestigious Jonathan Larson Performing Arts Foundation award for her first musical Surviving the Nian, produced by The Theater Offensive in the Spring of 2007. Surviving the Nian is the story of a young woman who returns home to Hong Kong for Chinese New Year with her African-American lover. The unfolding of the family drama that ensues directly confronts stereotypes facing queers and Asians in mainstream society today. In 2008, Surviving the Nian won the Independent Reviewers of New England Award for Best New Play.
Listen to samples of her work here. Her highly-anticipated debut album, “2 Seconds Away” released in 2008 to enthusiastic reviews. Purchase the album here.
