Pittsburgh local music spotlight: cello

Pittsburgh musician cello is hoping people will have an open mind about his new album, “Singing to Serpents.”

“We’ve been calling what I’m doing alternative R&B, ” he said. “And it feels like breaking my own ground or carving my own space or niche in the musical space.”

Marcello Valletta, who performs as cello (yes, the lowercase is correct), is also an actor and poet.

“I think all writing is poetry. I think of my songwriting as poetry,” he said. “The way that we stream together words phrases and sounds are very important. This is why I respect so much the artistry of hip-hop artists and rappers, because they’re able to use vocals in new and interesting ways, and incorporate themes and motifs that are rather consistent across their catalogs.”

The latest single from the album is “Cravings” — “in part, it is about my experience wanting to be loved in a state of sickness,” he said.

He will hold an album release show on March 12 at Spirit Lodge in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood.

“My two favorite things are being able to establish an energy that the audience can feel and going into a flow state so that I don’t get nervous,” he added.

Besides Spirit, he’s also a fan of Moondog’s Pub in Blawnox.

“It is an iconic music venue and being able to work with (Ron) ‘Moondog’ Esser and perform there is a honor,” he said.

Musician: Marcello Valletta aka cello

Band members: I’m a vocalist who writes my own songs and works with various producers to create original music.

Founding story: I started writing music during the covid lockdown — during a tough time in my life. I began using music to express myself and work through my thoughts. It was incredibly cathartic and allowed me to share the uniqueness of my personal experience with those around me.

Origin of band’s name: It’s my nickname.

Influences: My list of influences is almost too varied to list, but some of my biggest ones include David Bowie, Nat King Cole and the artist Future.

Releases: “Midas” EP, 2023; “Singing to Serpents” album, 2026

Next shows: March 12 at Spirit Lodge, Lawrenceville

How to find him: He can be found on his website, Facebook and Instagram.

Four other Pittsburgh area bands to check out: Some of my favorite Pittsburgh-raised artists and people I’ve learned from on a personal level include Lyn Starr, Dave O’Brien aka DOB, John Vento and the Nieds Hotel Band, and Soulful Femme (Cheryl Rinovato and Stevee Wellons).

Favorite pizza shop: Mineo’s.

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