Creative, unbound, vintage-loving and entirely her own, folk singer-songwriter Meels is forging a new journey. In a press conference with 1824, the rising artist opened up about the deeply personal journey behind her debut album, her new EP Across the Raccoon Strait, and the emotions that shape her music.
Meels’ sound is raw and reflective and it is just continuing to evolve; catching my attention on first listen. Her debut album Tales from a Bird’s Room is an incredibly introspective body of work that invites listeners into her world. Her process often uncovers her feelings and emotions she didn’t realize she was holding in; revealing to us she struggles with OCD. Proving to her audience that sometimes you don’t know how you feel until you say it out loud — or sing it.
One of the album’s most striking moments comes though on “The Wizard,” where Meels addresses her mental health struggles. The track forms a deeply personal route with her friendly and gentle delivery softens the blow.
“All my best songs feel like they’re ripping through me, they’re out in 30 minutes,” said Meels. “I don’t even fully understand what I’m saying until I’ve lived with them for a while.”
As an attendee at the 1824 press conference, Crave was able to hear a sneak peak of the unreleased track “Out West.” When the song started playing, I immediately knew I was a fan of a track, especially with the context of Meels’ confidence about her recent work. While her chipper voice rang through my speakers, it truly felt as if we were on her journey with her, with the unique sound effects and ambiance really telling the story.
Meels’ new EP, Across the Raccoon Strait, is ultra-unique; one of a kind, just like herself. Two of the tracks, “The Wizard” and “Willow Song,” were released in November, leaving five new tracks for listeners to sink their teeth into. What truly makes Meels is her aesthetic; it gripped me from the beginning. Her visuals coincide directly with the sound and her sweet southern twang.
While at times vulnerable, the newest EP has fun at times, too. “Vultures” has already made its way into my “on repeat” playlist. It’s simple, but catchy, while its lyrics are complex and self-aware. Its dichotomy of happy and sad shows real growth and control in her songwriting and storytelling skills.
With Across the Raccoon Strait leading the way, the master world-builder Meels is at the start of a beautiful journey.
