Julio Mena aka Melody Monster is a native of Hartford, Ct. Raised in a heavily populated Latino and Black community he became enamored to many genres of music as a child.  By the age of 11 he became fascinated by the art of music when he witnessed his brother perform at a talent show contest. Fast forward to the early 90's and Julio found himself engaging in music production under the tutelage of Javi Ayala and Willie Valentine of Artistic Recordings.  He went on to perform as a member of a group named Facade, performing at the world famous Madison Square Garden, The Cutting Room and an appearance on MTV while receiving vocal training classes by legendary vocal coach Craig Derry, who's former students include Mya and D'Angelo.

Julio's first solo production(s) were released on DJ/Producer Todd Terry's In House imprint.  The tracks 'Runaway' and 'My Number One' fully exposed Mena's wide vocal range as a bonafide dance artist.  Soon after the opportunities came along with a chance to work with HipHop artist Mr. Cheeks as Julio produced, wrote and performed in the Grammy nominated artists track 'Love N War'. He worked with the likes of veteran rapper Cuban Link and his track titled 'Nobody Gotta Know' and formed a partnership with Mic Mac Records and Julio's Melody Monster Music imprint.

In 2018, Julio Mena signed an artist and production digital distribution deal with the venerable dance label Cutting Records.  The debut single titled 'Intoxicated'  is his first of many under this agreement. The Freestyle song has already garnered rave reviews from the diehard fanbase and continues to gain great momentum with its current video.

Julio's The Melody Monster EP out now!

The Melody Monster EP

Intoxicated Links

It Don't Matter Links

So In Love Links