“Little band, big sound.” (-The Boston Globe, MA)

SIRSY is a rock, pop, and soul duo from Upstate NY. They write honest songs, full of sing along melodies, with lots of heart and just the right amount of sass. “It’s edgy-feel-good music that’s fun to watch”. (–The Houston Music Blog).

The Boston Globe call SIRSY “the little band with the big sound.” SXSW Music Blog says “SIRSY is NOT simply a two piece, the sound they make is a head scratching, WOW!” SIRSY is fronted by charismatic vocalist/ drummer Melanie Krahmer who has “one of the most powerful and flexible voices you’ll ever hear.” (–Times Union) At live shows, Mel also plays bass on a keyboard with her drumstick & throws in a few mean flute solos too. Guitarist, and Mel’s husband, Rich Libutti plays a road worn and well-loved Rickenbacker guitar through a pedal board full of vintage effects. Live, Rich also plays bass on a pedalboard with his feet. So, these multi-instrumentalists manage to sound like a full band, despite there being just two of them. And somehow, they do it all with big smiles on their faces. It’s clear they love what they do. And that love is contagious when you see them live. You can’t help smiling along with them. Their energetic show often includes stories from the road, laughter, dance parties, and even Rich’s nerdy Star Wars jokes.

“One of most powerful and flexible voices you’ll ever hear. Songs with more hooks than a tackle box.(-Times Union, NY)

Every show is a celebration for this couple who cheer each other on through all the ups and downs this life can throw at any of us. That celebratory, fighting spirit has been captured in their latest offering “Like a Drum” (produced by Grammy winner Paul Q. Kolderie). Mel and Rich wrote “Like a Drum” after Mel won her second battle with cancer. SIRSY’s fans took it upon themselves to start a crowd funding effort that helped the band pay their bills during Mel’s treatment and paid for the recording of the record. So, it’s a true labor of love.

SIRSY has toured for a living for 15 years– playing 250 shows each year all over the US and Canada. (They’ve played in every state, except Alaska!) They average about 60,000 miles per year on the road in their little white van “Axl”. They’ve shared stages with: Grace Potter, Maroon 5, Train, Cheap Trick, the Spindoctors, Collective Soul, Brandi Carlile, Shovels and Rope, Adam Ezra Group, & many more. Their song ‘Cannonball’ was featured in Showtime’s hit tv show “Shameless”. Sirsy’s songs have also been featured on PBS, HBO, and MTVu. Mel’s been featured in Modern Drummer & is endorsed by Paiste Cymbals and Vater Percussion.

Join Mel and Rich for a Sirsy show and celebrate life along with them!

“Edgy-feel-good” and fun to watch…”(-Houston Music Blog, TX)

“Both my ears and spirit were healed… one of the few times I’ve gotten chills at a show… This pair really knows how to make a connection with their audience.”
— Shutter 16 Magazine (Charlotte, NC) / Show at Evening Muse, 2019

“This is EXACTLY what the heart and spirit of SXSW has always been about… Pouring their souls out and rocking the shit outta the crowd, was SIRSY…phenomenal! SIRSY is NOT simply a two piece, they are a head scratching, WOW! The guitar player is flawless and raw. Clean enough to be enjoyed, and just edgy enough to make you grin. The lead singer/drummer/bass player was stunning. With a great voice and an even better smile, the drummer is the center of attention, as she should be. Singing and playing drums has always been an impressive task. Now throw in the bass tracks and work that AT THE SAME TIME…DAMN! This is the complete package in a fun sized, rock and roll, smiling laughing, have a good goddamn time with your friends, band!”
— William Tompkins, SXSW Music Blog (Austin TX)

“Clever, smart songs that have more hooks than a tackle box. Krahmer has one of the most powerful and flexible voices you’ll ever hear.”
— Times Union (Albany, NY)

“SIRSY is Melanie Krahmer on drums, bass pads, flute, and vocals – and Rich Libutti on guitar and pedal bass. Melanie hit every note perfectly as she sang. Rich’s skillful guitar playing created the full musical sound and didn’t leave any empty spots in the tunes from only having two players, like Jack White of the White Stripes sometimes did. All of that created the perfect frame for us to be amazed by what Melanie was doing. You kind of have to see it to understand it. It’s not a gimmick band. They’re seriously good, balanced and practiced. Highly talented, “edgy-feel-good” and fun to watch, you gotta go see them.”
— Wayne Brodd, Houston Music Blog (Houston, TX)

21 thoughts on “SIRSY Biography”

  1. HEY YOU TWO… It’s been a year or so since I’ve’ seen your show. I just moved to FL. from central NY (Clinton) …I am so excited to see you perform in Feb. In Dunedin and Lakeland I’ve been bragging about you to for years to my Daughters and hope to have them with me!! See you Soon!!

    Reply

  2. Sirsy, the only band that we saw in 3 different states. NC, CO, and WI. We live in NC and just happened to be out west traveling while Sirsy was on tour, it was the highlight of our trip. We love Mel and Rich; they are so genuine and real. We enjoy all of the live streams and in person shows. We always look forward to them visiting us in NC. Their music is awesome and music videos are a thing of beauty.

    Reply

  3. Fabulous show tonight at The Bitter End in Manhattan. Many thanks to my marvelously talented friends, the Brigantino sisters (and Tom), for turning me on to you two. I llok forward to being a Sirsy groupie!

    Reply

  4. We see you every time you’re playing at our great spots here in Sebastian. Really got goosebumps at the talent you both have. Hope to catch you in Mine in the summer of 2022. Any chance of that?

    Reply

  6. Started following you after hearing Cannonball while binge watching Shameless on Netflix.
    Can’t believe I hadn’t heard of you rockin’ road warriors earlier.
    Looking forward to seeing you live at Gibson Music Hall in June!

    Reply

  7. Sebastian Inlet show. Mel’s infectious smile and energy. Great music. Besides the music, they know how to entertain. Passionate vocals, excellent guitar work, nice beat-grove. Come to KC

    Reply

  9. We saw Sirsy for the first time at Pig n Whistle. Met super fans Jack and Chris and had one hell of a time. We will see them again. Bravo!

    Reply

      1. I’m here at the Scotia show. Front and center. And Mickey and I will be at the show on Saturday.
        I need to apologize to Chad. Sorry about getting your name wrong. Mickey corrected me when we got home. Forgive me.

        Reply

  10. Yesterday I got to see this wildly fun band for the third time at the Ballston Spa NY Concerts in the Park Series. Where do I start?

    First, WHEN is Sirsy going to play at my favorite music festivals (StrangeCreek and Wormtown in Greenfield Mass)?
    Second, you want to talk about a hometown band? Mel’s mother is running the Merchendise Tent.
    Third, “holy $H!T” is what’s running through my mind as Mel is laughing while somehow singing and drumming. I’ve often explained to friends, “I am waiting for the lead singer/drummers brain to split in two; how is she able to keep time on the drums while singing?!?!”

    Thanks again for getting me to drive out to B Spa.

    Reply

  12. I have never seen balls on a buffalo. But I would say that is apt for you guys 🙂
    Love wearing my red shirt that says so. So many people comment!! <3

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *