Meresha – Violet Night (Z mix)

By starrymag | May 24, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) My genre is Alien Pop – sort of like Pop, but different. I compose on a keyboard, so my sound is usually electronic based, sometimes with a dance beat.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I have a bunch, from Jimi Hendrix and Parliament Funkadelic to Björk as well as British electronic artists.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Violet Night (Z mix).”

 

A) The original version is part of my EP Enter the Dreamland, which AllMusic named one of the Top 20 albums of 2017 (Pop).

 

I was curious what a remix would sound like, so ran a remix contest on Wavo.  There were dozens of entries and this version stuck out the most for me.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) This version is much more a straight-on dance track. The beat comes to the front here in a major way. Fits well for those who want to experience a “Violet Night.”

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) For this track, should to make a simple video so that people could focus on the music.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) It depends. Sometimes I start with music and sometimes with lyrics. I keep a notebook of ideas.  Some songs develop over a long period of time, even years.

 

Q) What was it like working with producer Tomasz Zieba on “Violet Night (Z mix)?”

 

A) The original work together was indirect as he submitting a remix based on my music stems in the remix contest. Have since been in touch with him to make sure the music gets out in the right way.

 

I was born in Poland.  By chance, that is where he is based.  A nice coincidence.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live Meresha performance?

 

A) During my recent gig, I performed with a band of seven. Live, I focus on vocals, even if most of my music is composed and performed by me for albums.

 

Live the music is woke including some music virtuosos on guitar/bass/drums/keys and backing vocals.

 

Q) Will there be a full EP or album coming in the near future?

 

A) I am working on some songs now that might come together as an EP, even if I release one or two of them first as singles. Stayed tuned as it feels there is some good stuff brewing.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) I’ve been blessed to play well known-venues like the House of Blues, B.B. Kings and Hard Rock.

 

Probably most fun, though, is playing outside for festivals.  Last year, I played SunFest live for about 40,000 people.  That was amazing.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Probably Aphex Twin. He’s an amazing UK-based electronic artist.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

 

A) I’m around music all the time. My listening tastes are pretty esoteric. You can get a taste from my Spotify playliste “Meet: Meresha” and “listening to.”  The latest songs I’ve added include tunes from Esperanza Spalding and Little Simz.  From the better-known names, you can find Lauryn Hill, Depeche Mode, Queen, Coldplay, Aphex Twin, Sia and Radiohead on the playlists.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) Yeah, I’m active on social media almost every day. Often in ways that are not public (e.g., personal messages). I’ve connected with literally of 100,000s of people in this way that I haven’t seen live yet.  Social media have allowed me to build a fan base around the world.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) Mainly – Thanks. I really appreciate all the love fans have shown me. Every time they stream or buy my tunes or post on social media about me, it helps my music get out there further.  I do hope to meet as many as possible live at some of my concerts.