New York, NY (PRWEB) July 8, 2010

Hailing from The Hudson Valley, this delightful trio of family-friendly singer/songwriters are making a name for themselves with some good old-fashioned talent and sweat equity. Their story began just two short years ago with Anthony Melillo beginning as an acoustic solo artist but within only a few short months was making enough of an impact that his brothers came on board. They have decided, only one year ago, to forego careers in order to chase their passion and dream. Anthony, the youngest of the three, has deferred his acceptance to the Berklee College of Music in Boston, while his brothers Nick and Joe have put their theatre and business careers on hold. Now known as The Melillo Brothers, it looks as though they have made a good decision. Recently, they broke through one of the most difficult places to break into, NYC. How did they do it? They will tell you themselves that they are doing it by taking their passion and fashioning it into a smart business plan. Combine that with a strong work ethic; a vision for the impossible and finish it with uncompromising faith; and you got yourself a winning combination.

Anthony, at 17 began making some serious strides and was gaining respect amongst audiences and peers for his deep lyrics, heartfelt melodies and sweet, stylized vocals. He released his self-produced debut album ?Just Gettin? Started? in August of 2008 in an effort to have a demo available for college applications and auditions. It won a few accolades in US and international songwriting contests, as well as getting him Artist Spotlights on local TV and radio stations. It wasn?t long before older brothers Nick (19) and Joe (21) came home from college wanting to help their younger brother go for his dream. Both brothers went to work lending their beautiful voices, songwriting skills and instruments to the mix. And as they say, the rest is history? in the making.

A little over a year ago, their mom and manager, Joanne Melillo, submitted the boys into the 2010 Emergenza International Music Festival battle of the band competition in Manhattan. http://www.emergenza.net They did not hear from the organization for several months. Then, last October they were contacted and chosen to perform in the First Round of the competition to be held at New York?s famed nightclub, Fontana?s. Learning the competition is largely based on audience voting and support, the enterprising family went about promoting the event as a means to break into the NYC music market. Excited with their new opportunity, they went about gathering family, friends and fans to spread the word about their unique chance to play at famous venues. It worked. Although it is difficult to get some of The Melillo Brothers? fan base into NYC venues because of the 21+ age requirements of many places, they still managed to make the top 3 of the night. They were on their way.

However, also making it through the First Round were many other, more established local and national bands. They were sure these other bands could topple them from any chance of making the Semi-Final Round unless they had a game plan. Before they could ever imagine getting to the Finals at the infamous Webster Hall, the brothers knew they had to step up their game. They focused on developing themselves into a marketable brand; honing in on each of their crafts; and developing stronger songs with even more compelling melodies and lyrics that would gain not only audience support but also the judges? attention.

Their first strategy was to play out and get as much local exposure as possible. In turn, they found their fan base growing weekly over the next several months. This resulted in their playing more than 250 shows over the last two years. That?s amazing when you realize they don?t have a professional booking agent, yet. Following them is like watching veterans re-write the book on how to make it happen in the music industry today. Because of the extensive live shows, they have secured over 1000 fans on their email list, as well as selling more than the 1000 original units of “Just Gettin’ Started” because of ongoing internet sales on iTunes and CD Baby. This acoustic, self-produced album has become so popular that it’s going into reprint.

They called every ?impossible? venue, sending their music and EPK out hoping to get hired; and they did. They played Open Mics anywhere they could find them and within no time, they were on the map. Because of the warm reception they received everywhere they went; their wide-range of musical style and amazing harmonies; their ability to engage an audience of all ages and, of course, their obvious growing fan base, they ultimately found themselves performing at many coveted music hotspots such as The Towne Crier in Putnam, The Bayou in Mt. Vernon, Pete?s Saloon in Elmsford, and even the infamous Bitter End in NYC. Just recently they were also secured to perform this Summer at the prestigious Pleasantville Music Festival and Six-Flags/The Great Escape in Lake George. http://www.pleasantvillemusicfestival.com

Believing in the power of giving, they’ve appeared in dozens of charity events from several Relays For Life, The Harlem Dowling Foundation, Alliance for Safe Kids, New York City Relief, The Justin Veatch Memorial Foundation and the Easter Seals Walk With Me?NYC event, two years in a row. They also performed at the Second Avenue Street Festival a few weeks ago, boasting a few hundred thousand visitors throughout the day. This also continues to create tremendous exposure and respect.

Ever industrious, these fellas have also gone out securing private and company sponsors to help with the increasing costs of upgrading their music and image. They even launched a fund-raising campaign to prepare for their very own do-it-yourself tour that may very well become the format for independent bands trying to get out on the road. This unique concept born only 3 months ago after appearing at the 2010 SS Cape May Festival, the “Home Sweet Home Acoustic Tour” has them and 3 other up-and-coming artists booked in 7 states, 16 cities and in 17 prestigious venues from Piano’s Lounge in NYC to the Hard Rock Caf