Singer-songwriter MEARA is taking us down a futuristic avenue with her latest single “Blackbird.” This song is the first in a string of releases coming this year ahead of the artist unveiling her debut LP. “Blackbird” narrates the reconnection and awakening of oneself and taking on the darkness of life with familiarity. It’s also highly cinematic and takes on both her folk and baroque-pop influences to create a whirlwind of emotion and a complex soundscape.
“Blackbird” is also a strong showcase of MEARA’s stunning, soaring vocals, which rise above the goosebump-inducing strings and heart-pounding drums. Although brimming with energy, it takes slower moments to create a haunting, affecting atmosphere. Here, MEARA talks to PopWrapped about the story to and behind the song and teases her upcoming album.
“Blackbird” speaks of awakening, reconnection and embracing the dark like a long-lost friend; can you share a little more about the inspiration behind the song?
“Blackbird” is about reconnecting with your fierce, unapologetic self. Trusting your inner voice and your inner power. When the video comes out, you’ll see that Blackbird is a terrifyingly gorgeous creature, part human part animal. She symbolises the original, free, instinctual self that we are all born with. Life slowly starts to disconnect us from that self, and cage us in. Blackbird is about reclaiming your whole, powerful self and trusting it to lead you in the right direction. It’s also about trusting the creative self and the creative process. Sometimes during that process, or in life, we confront our faults and dark places. It’s about facing and accepting them, and sometimes making art out of them. Letting them lead you into the light of a fuller self. I believe that when we face the shadows within ourselves and integrate them into our everyday existence, they can become our biggest strengths.
I love that songs can have different meanings for different people, it’s fascinating. I want to connect and understand what the song means for others. I have a place on my website where you can send me a message about what the song means to you, and what frees you to reconnect with your fierce, unapologetic self! On a bigger level music is all about human connection, to help us feel less alone.
The song is oozing with a cinematic feel, what was your thought process behind the production?
I’ve always been drawn to cinematic production, and dark cinematic sounds. My partners and I wanted to create a current, but timeless sound. I have a classical background and knew that I wanted to incorporate live strings. I also wanted to bring in digital aspects of edginess. When you put the two together it creates a sense of deep mystery and beauty, I call it “spooky beautiful.” My producer, Max Mostly has done absolutely brilliant production on this track.
“Blackbird” is the first in a string of singles to come in the lead up to your album. What can we expect from the collection and is “Blackbird” reflective of the theme of the album?
I cannot wait to release the album! It’s an 8-part story, with Blackbird being chapter 1, the awakening. All of the tracks have that deep cinematic feel, but each one is very distinct and enthralling. Each song is part of the journey to reconnect to various facets oneself. All of the songs come from a place of awakening, reconnection and empowerment. I also have synaesthesia, which means that I see colours when I hear music. So, each song’s artwork has very symbolic, distinctive colours.
Who are some of your biggest inspirations in regards to your song-writing and your vocals?
My vocals are partly inspired by Aurora, Lana Del Rey, Florence and the Machine and London Grammar. Beyond that my musical inspirations are very eclectic. From Prince to Mozart and everything in between. My biggest inspirations for song-writing are people who I feel a genuine connection to through their music. Artists who take what they experience as individuals and make it so distinct and personal that it becomes universal. It taps into our shared humanity. Artists like FKA twigs, Bjork, Arlo Parks, Hozier, Bon Iver and classics like Kate Bush, Nina Simone, Jeff Buckley and The Beatles.
Who inspired you most during your writing process of “Blackbird”?
I’m inspired by all of my musical influences; they make me know what greatness sounds like. I aspire to that when I create music. I’m always reaching for the goal of my music to transcend and take you to a special place. I’m so blessed to have amazing partners Norma Jean Martine – viral hits “Head Shoulders Knees and Toes” & “When We Were Young” – and Max Mostley – Jones, Tomine Harket, Norma Jean Martine, and many more. When we sit down to write it’s an atmosphere of complete trust. It’s a safe place. You can be vulnerable and explore whatever you want to express. Whatever is going on under the surface can be brought out musically.
If you could host a dinner party with four other guests, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
Michelle Obama – she’s so wise, uplifting, and makes me feel like it’s all going to be ok, despite the struggles and challenges the world is facing. Einstein – he’s a scientific genius. I’d love to talk with him about the universe, his take on the meaning of life, what he’s found in the afterlife. I love his quote: “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” Prince – he is one of the true greats, I was devastated when I heard about his passing. I’d love to talk to him about his musical process, his view on life, and hear him sing live again. And finally, my grandma Charlotte – I miss her. Also, David Lynch – his creative mind is amazing and Dave Chappelle who makes me laugh until I cry. I know it’s more than 4 but it’s a really hard question!
Give “Blackbird” a listen below and for more information on MEARA, give her page a like on Facebook, or follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
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