About Maleena
Maleena is an accomplished musician who has been immersed in the world of music from a very young age. Raised in a musically rich environment by her father, she developed a natural inclination towards music, acquiring her first guitar at just six years old. Her early passion was further fueled by piano lessons, which laid the foundation for her musical education.
Demonstrating exceptional talent in elementary school, Maleena surpassed her peers in music classes and was recommended by her music teacher to audition for the prestigious Pittsburgh Youth Chorus ( formerly known as Children's Festival Chorus of Pittsburgh). Her successful audition led to six years of enriching experiences, including performances at renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York and the London and Canterbury Cathedrals.
Throughout her school years, Maleena participated in various orchestras and choirs, mastering multiple instruments, including the viola and bass guitar. Her dedication to music led her to join advanced programs such as the Junior Mendelssohn Choir and her high school's Honors Orchestra and Choirs. She also showcased their talents in musical theater productions like "The Wizard of Oz" and "Frozen Jr."
At age 15, Maleena began writing original songs, marking the start of their journey as a singer-songwriter. Her meticulous planning and hard work culminated in the release of her debut album, "Bruises to Prove It," which captures her experiences as a young artist.
In collaboration with her father, they formed the band "Chip and the Charge Ups," gaining significant recognition and opportunities, including opening for national acts like Nita Strauss, Dirty Honey, Dee Snider, and Liliac. In 2023, Chip and the Charge Ups released the critically acclaimed album "What Happened to The Boy Next Door," featuring the hit single "Paying Back the Devil," which received extensive radio play and a rare 10-out-of-10 star review by Power Play magazine.
Pursuing higher education in music technology at Duquesne University, Maleena expanded her knowledge in music and recording. However, she eventually decided to leave the program to focus on her artistic career. This decision led to the creation of her second album, "Diary of a Music School Drop Out," characterized by its edgy punk rock sound and introspective lyrics.
As a solo artist, Maleena has performed at numerous music festivals, including the Millvale Music Festival, and has headlined various shows.
In 2024, Maleena announced the release of her third album, "For the Love of Everything Beautiful," a full-length exploration of the power of music. With a rich history of musical achievements and a passion for creating and performing, Maleena continues to make waves in the music industry, captivating audiences with her unique sound and heartfelt storytelling.
In 2025, Maleena took on her largest project yet: Steel City Setlist. This project began as a class assignment to write an autoethnography, which combines qualitative research and the author's personal narrative. She decided to write the project about the Pittsburgh music scene, but quickly realized that a short assignment was not enough for her to say all that she felt needed to be said. She continued the project beyond the classroom and, in 2026, turned it into a 180-page book and a 48-minute film documentary. She interviewed over 30 participants from the Pittsburgh music scene and reflected on her personal experiences in it. She also draws conclusions about collective contributions in the community and how we can all support one another in the scene.
For her academic success, leadership skills, and community contributions with this project, Maleena was awarded the All-Pennsylvania Academic Team award, which waives the costs of her education in pursuing her bachelor's degree in marketing.
Both the book and the documentary are available here: Steel City Setlist
