MEET THE BAND
What do you get when you take dark alterna pop and then throw in: psychedelia, prog, gothpunk, tango, gypsy jazz, world beats, eastern European rhythms, soundtrack music, and twisted takes on covers? As the name implies, these seasoned local musicians take a variety of sounds and MELT them together... well no country or death metal (yet).
The idea came to bassist Paul Pipitone who had played in a few local Boston bands previously. During these years, he noticed some local bands concentrated on developing a sound. He wanted varying styles, tempos and dynamics in the individual songs.
He found a like-minded drummer in John Kokas, who at the time was playing in the very popular local Lizzie Borden Band. They shared several bills together in the past. John also shared Paul’s love of Queen II, in particular, which got them talking.
Lead guitarist Bill Hekking was recently found via networking with other musicians. He was highly recommended as someone who might be “just right”. He was. He fit right in away personally and musically and had the style/chops to master everything quickly.
The most exciting thing that has happened is the recent additional of two charismatic and powerhouse vocalists, both respected members of the Boston scene in their own right who joined on September 1, 2026. Kat Hastings (vocals, keyboards) and Keren Athena (vocals, guitar). The additional harmonies and instruments will only push the boundaries of their sounds out even further and the band can't wait to see what happens next.
VOCALS, GUITAR
Keren Athena
Keren Athena (vocals, guitar) hails from Louisiana, where she grew up playing classical guitar, writing, and singing in choirs, bands, musicals, and on her own. She's spent years writing and performing across those different worlds, and is currently putting the finishing touches on an EP of original songs, out this fall.
Her vocal influences include Amy Lee, Kate Bush, Eva Cassidy, and Sarah McLachlan, to name just a few.
VOCALS, KEYBOARDS
Kat Hastings
Kat came from the midwest, where she got her start making music with her brothers. She later received a degree in vocal music performance, where she trained in both classical and musical theatre. Over the next decade, she branched into others genres, fronting pop-punk and acoustic cover groups.
Her vocal influcences vary from Grace Potter to Lacey Mosely, ZZ Ward to Hayley Williams to Gerard Way.
LEAD GUITAR
Bill Hekking
Bill recently joined the band. Inspired by Jimi Hendrix, he picked up electric guitar for the first time in high school and never looked back.
A Cape Cod native who’s since lived in New York City, Barcelona, Warsaw, and Salzburg, Bill has a background in rock guitar with an affinity for punk, indie, and shoegaze styles. His influences include Dinosaur Jr, Fugazi, and Sonic Youth, among others — bringing a raw, textural energy to MELT’s sound.
BASS, BKG VOCALS
Paul Pipitone
Paul started playing woodwinds in grade school but then the rock bug bit. He has been performing professionally on the Boston local scene for 20 years. He creates dynamic lines that are edgy, yet melodic, and most importantly, fun! He doubles on upright bass and alto sax (infrequently).
His influences draw from punk, art rock, global, goth, and funk. Steven Severin, Chris Squire, John Entwistle and Paul Chambers as his favorite bassists.
DRUMS
John Kokas
From the moment John first picked up his drumsticks, he knew he had found his true calling. Known for his versatility and adaptability, John navigates through different musical genres, effortlessly blending his drumming style to suit each unique sound. Whether it's progressive rock, blues, or funk, Johh's skillful drumming elevates every performance he is a part of.
Some of his influences include Billy Cobham and Neil Peart.