Photos by Caitie Corkal – Melanie Martinez is an American singer-songwriter, director, and visual artist who has carved out a distinctively dark, whimsical niche within the alternative pop landscape. Born in Queens, New York, she first captured public attention in 2012 as a standout contestant on NBC’s The Voice. Following the show, Martinez signed with Atlantic Records and pioneered an immersive musical universe with her double-platinum 2015 debut album, Cry Baby, which introduced her highly stylized titular alter ego. She expanded this conceptual storytelling through her platinum-certified sophomore album and accompanying musical film K-12 (2019), followed by the chart-topping Portals (2023), which saw her shed the Cry Baby persona in favor of an ethereal, creature-like form.
Stepping into a brand new creative era in 2026, Martinez has once again transformed her artistic identity with the release of Hades, a critically and commercially successful project that debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200. Alongside the announcement of an upcoming sister album, Elysium, this new era introduces her latest character, “Circle,” moving her lore into a bold, mythological dimension. To support the release, Martinez has embarked on a massive global arena run titled Hades: The Sacrifice tour, filling venues worldwide throughout 2026 as she continues to push the boundaries of narrative-driven pop.
HAUTE & FREDDY
Haute & Freddy is an American alternative pop duo based in Los Angeles, celebrated for their theatrical fusion of 1980s-inspired synth-pop and an eccentric “18th-century runaway carnie” aesthetic. The project is the brainchild of vocalist Michelle Buzz (“Haute”) and percussionist/drummer Lance Shipp (“Freddy”), both of whom initially established successful careers in L.A. as pop songwriters for heavyweights like Katy Perry, Britney Spears, and Calvin Harris. Seeking a creative escape from mainstream pop formulas, the duo began experimenting together, making a splash in late 2024 with breakout singles like “Scantily Clad” and “Anti-Superstar”. Their rapidly growing fanbase, dubbed the “Royal Court,” quickly became drawn to their immersive live performances, which feature Baroque and Renaissance-inspired costuming, stilt-walkers, and circus acts.
The duo reached new heights in 2026, kicking off the year by signing with Atlantic Records and releasing the high-energy single “Dance the Pain Away”. This set the stage for the March 2026 release of their highly anticipated debut studio album, Big Disgrace, a vibrant record blending cabaret, underground club culture, and razor-sharp pop sensibilities. Propelled by the critical success of the album, Haute & Freddy spent the summer of 2026 bringing their flamboyant, theatrical universe to major festival stages, including a standout performance at the Festival d’été de Québec, cementing their status as one of the most innovative and visually spectacular acts in modern electropop.
