MEIA was just a small child when she first discovered her love of music; spending her time singing, writing songs and playing instruments. As she got older and honed her craft, the songs she wrote slowly became more personal and powerful, and since she began sharing them with the world, she’s earned herself a growing fanbase who find themselves able to connect with her on a more personal, intimate kind of level. Having just dropped her latest single “Date Myself”, PopWrapped caught up with MEIA to talk about the message behind the track, the artists she’s most inspired by and her hopes and ambitions for the year.

You grew up listening to the likes of Avril Lavigne, Rihanna and Britney. Have your influences and favorite artists changed much since then, and how do the artists and bands you listen and look up to filter through to your own music?

I will always be inspired by those three artists. But I currently have Post Malone, Juice WRLD and of course Ariana Grande on repeat. I think the artists and bands I am drawn towards do a great job of writing music people can relate to. I love Ariana because I feel her and I write the same way – she takes shitty life experiences and turns it into a beautiful, creative song. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

You now reside in Nashville, home to some of the greatest artists and song-writers of our time and history. Why did you choose to move there of all places and does its musical history and iconic status perhaps impact and influence you in terms of your artistry?

I moved to Nashville because it felt like a genuine, creative place for me to make music and meet other musicians. Writing songs is a super vulnerable thing and feeling comfortable saying what you have to say is important. Being in Nashville, where the music history is so iconic, has created many opportunities for me to evolve as a musician. I simply feel connected to the city here.

Tell me about “Date Myself.” Is there a story or anecdote behind it you can share?

“Date Myself” is about loving yourself first, mentally and physically. It’s about experiencing the freedom and empowerment that comes with not needing anybody but yourself – allowing others to compliment your life, but not make or break it. I wrote “Date Myself” when I was feeling very independent and confident in that.

How does this song differ from your previous releases, and how might you say it showcases your growth both as an individual and an artist?

This song is HAPPY! It’s upbeat and makes you want to dance. I used to say I could only write sad songs. This song showcases my growth as both an individual and an artist because it shows I can now write about any topic. I am way more in tune with my emotions now than I once was and I have actually really enjoyed the happy, bad bitch version of myself over the sad one, lol.

What do you want fans to take from the song when they hear “Date Myself”?

I want fans to feel confident and sexy, like they don’t need to impress anyone because they love themselves first – mentally and physically.

Is there an EP or album in the works or are you just focusing on each single you release for the time being?

For the time being, I am focusing on my singles. But I’m hopeful a bigger project will be released towards the end of the year.

You’re very hands on when it comes to your music; directing and editing your own videos and working on graphic designs etc. How important to you is it that you have that personal control over your ‘brand’? Are you the same way when it comes to your social media, and how do you generally feel about the power the likes of Twitter and Facebook have in terms of reaching an audience?

Creative control is so important to me. First, because I love it. I think I have a great creative eye and my mind is constantly throwing out ideas. I am a very visual person. When I write a song, I see the vision for it. I will always be hands on and super involved with all of my content coming out because I’m passionate about it! I am the same way with social media to a certain extent. I like for my feed to be super on brand and consistent. I also feel like social media is my direct communication to fans so I would never want that relationship to be interrupted. I think Twitter and Facebook are great platforms for reaching an audience.

How have you found the last year to be, mentally and emotionally? How have you kept yourself busy and creative when not able to get out on the road etc.?

I think it’s fair to say this last year was emotional for so many people around the world. I took it as an opportunity to truly let myself feel, hear my thoughts and write about them. It was a great time to be innovative for musicians everywhere. I’ve spent my time making music, working on all of what’s to come this year.

2020 was a rough year for a lot of people, including artists such as yourself. Now with vaccines on the way/being given, there’s more optimism that things can get back to some semblance of normal. What are you most looking forward to getting back to doing, personally and professionally, and what do you hope to achieve this year?

I most look forward to performing and seeing fans. Standing outside of venues and having deep conversations with people that just drove 8+ hours to see me perform. Seeing people face to face, giving hugs and singing on stage is such a rewarding feeling and I hope that the world will be in a better place so I can do just that!

Check out the video for “Date Myself” below and for more information on MEIA, visit her website, give her page a like on Facebook or follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Header photo (artwork) credit: Alex Berger.