Music, Mentorship, and Magic: Guiding Young Artists at KING
By KING Mentor & Volunteer, Mélat
I'm Mélat, a singer and songwriter from Austin, Texas. Music has been my safe space for as long as I can remember. Before I ever had a mic in my hand or a stage to stand on, I had a notebook. That was where I first started songwriting, writing journal entries about all the things I felt I couldn’t say out loud. It was my way to breathe, to release, to make sense of the world around me. Songwriting became my therapy, my mirror, and eventually, my calling. Over time, I realized that what I once used to heal myself could also help others find their voice and feel seen in their own experiences.
As a full-time recording artist, I’ve learned how powerful it can be to turn your feelings into something you can hear and hold. So when Dorian, Ally, and I came up with the idea of hosting a songwriting workshop for the kids in KING, it immediately felt right. Giving them a space to put their thoughts and emotions into words and melodies without pressure or expectation was more transformative than I could have imagined.
Some of the kids play instruments, some don't. Some came with songs already written, and others had never tried songwriting before. But that didn't matter - even professional musicians approach songwriting in different ways. What mattered most was that they showed up with open hearts and curiosity. Watching them go from quiet and hesitant to bold and expressive was one of the most beautiful transformations I've ever witnessed.
After just a few hours of working one on one with mentors, each of the kids had created something meaningful. Every song carried a piece of their story, a feeling given shape through art. For many, it was healing. For all, it was joy. What really struck me was how much it also moved the mentors. The beauty of these workshops is that while we show up to teach and guide, the kids end up teaching us too. They remind us of the power of being vulnerable, the magic of saying what’s real, and how brave it is to turn your truth into a song. Their courage and creativity remind me why I fell in love with music in the first place. It’s not about perfection. It’s about connection.
From the first time I sang at the KING Christmas fundraiser, to our first songwriting workshop, the second, and now the most recent Fall recital, I’ve felt nothing but gratitude. Working with these kids has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my journey. Their stories inspire me, and their love for music reignites my own. I’m so thankful to be part of something that helps them discover their voices and see the beauty in their own stories. Every event, every session, every shared lyric deepens the sense of community that KING continues to build. It’s a family connected by rhythm, resilience, and hope.
For any artist looking for a way to make an impact, there are so many ways to get involved with KING. Whether it’s becoming a weekly mentor, volunteering at our songwriting workshops, performing at our recitals, supporting our annual Holiday Hope concert, or even participating in our ongoing singer-songwriter contest, there’s a place for you. Each opportunity is a chance to give back, to grow, and to be inspired. This program has truly changed my life, and I know it can change yours too.
KING Sings For A Dream is open to submissions from local songwriters. Compete for a grand prize including $2,000 cash, an 8-hour recording session at King Electric Recording Studios, $250 gift card to Strait Music, and the opportunity to perform at the legendary Antone’s Nightclub alongside me at the Holiday Hope Concert. A wonderful way to support music through mentorship, all while spreading the word. Learn more and enter your original song by Nov. 3rd.