Ricardo Meléndez is a Modern Drummer Magazine featured drummer, instructor, producer and songwriter from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
New single, BIG BLUE MOON, is available now.
Ricardo Meléndez is a driving beat beast behind the drum kit…
Ricardo started developing his acclaimed drumming skills over 36 years ago as a child in his homeland of Puerto Rico. While still living on the island, Ricardo started and headed two successful bands. Of the two, Fallen Wisdom, was signed to hardcore monsters Century Media. Releasing only two cds: Pleasure Turns to Pain and Immortal, the band toured extensively for 3 years. Creating a small, but solid fan base.
In 2006, Ricardo hooked up with Dearestazazel (DA) front man, Peter Armstrong, in Atlanta, GA, after Peter’s unsuccessful audition of 49 other drummers. The connection was obvious and music developed and progressed quickly; so quickly in fact that in 2006, the band caught the eye of Orlando based indie label, One Eleven Records (home to Rookie of the Year and The Spill Canvas). DA was signed to 111 in 2007. Their debut album, Be Mine, hit stores on July 3rd, 2008. Simultaneously with the release of Be Mine, Ricardo was featured in the honorable and reputable Modern Drummer Magazine.
On February 14th, 2023, Dearestazazel launched their new single: Big Blue Moon -which in it’s first day had over 18,000 streams!
As Fallen Wisdom, DA also toured non-stop. Putting out 2 cds prior to getting signed: Come Closer and Touch Me. Right after the release of Be Mine, DA got the opening spot on a National US Tour with Mindless Self Indulgence's IF Tour, playing in front of thousands of crazy but loyal MSI fans.
As of 2022 Dearestazazel’s music catalog was re-released through Música del Alma Records and it is now available in all major online platforms!
Ricardo is a private drum teacher, session drummer, songwriter, producer and a business owner.
He is currently a Freelance Drummer in the Orlando, FL area, and has played in cover bands such as: The Rundown Band, Sound Theory, Paradoxxx, among many others.
He is the main drummer for the very popular, and on demand, band: The Morones (Tribute to the Ramones).
He is currently endorsed by:
New Single Out Now
After a long hiatus, Dearestazazel’s new single: Big Blue Moon, shows that the band never missed a beat… The single was released on February 14th, 2023.
Dearestazazel’s Discography
Come Closer (2006)
Includes the singles The Disappearance, Take Escape & Pretty Little Heart.
Touch Me EP (2007)
Includes the singles Lovely, Lovely, Legion and the Thieves & Dracula Twins.
Be Mine (2008)
Includes the singles Lovely, Lovely, Darkness.Eternal.You.Are.There & All My Friends are in Love with Satan.