The Songs Behind: Liam Mera Kai

On the 29th of May multi-talented artist Liam Mera Kai will be releasing his highly anticipated debut EP 'it's fine once you're in', a genre-blending journey that will be as introspective as it is empowering. Liam has already released two singles from the EP, starting with November's 'wishbone'. This track, hich was featured in my Songs of the Week, combined aspects of soul, garage and jazz to deliver a spellbinding listening experience. This was then followed by last month's emotional release 'I WANDER', which blended rap with alt-R&B to explore feelings of personal doubt. If these two singles are anything to go by, this could well be one of the EPs of the year. You can also pre-save 'it's fine once you're in' now, so it will be ready on your streaming platform of choice the moment it is released.

EP Pre-save HERE
 

However, if you can't wait until May 29th and want to hear the songs a day early, or want to hear how these songs are eleveated further live, Liam Mera Kai is putting on an EP Launch gig at London's Camden Club on the 28th of May.

EP Launch Gig ticket info HERE.
 

To celebrate the upcoming release of 'it's fine once you're in', I am joined by Liam Mera Kai to discover more about the recent single and pending EP, before discovering the songs that shaped him through my 'Songs Behind' feature.
 

So much of the music you have already already released sees you blend and shift throughout genres, a trend you have continued with new release 'I WANDER'. What is it about this diverse musical approach that is so appealing to you?

I’m a big believer that you should make what you want. To me, if music is an expression of yourself, then we shouldn’t necessarily be too confined to genres. Don’t get me wrong, I completely agree with “finding your sound”, but that still shouldn’t stop you trying something different. It is art at the end of the day. Look, some people aren’t going to like what you do next, but the people that do are the ones you should focus on.

Also, it allows you to use the constant inspiration we get from hearing new music. Sometimes I fall in love with a song and want to create a similar sort of feeling. That is what is so appealing about a diverse approach. It means you can constantly be inspired without worrying about drifting too far from what you’ve made before.
 

'I WANDER' is quite a poignant, introspective track. How does it feel when you put such personal lyricism in songs knowing that they can be heard by a whole new group of people who will take those words and relate them to their own lives?

There is definitely a vulnerable feeling, for sure. Talking about things that many experience but often struggle to talk about is a little daunting. It’s refreshing to keep the music as honest as possible. I think that’s why it tends to be so introspective. It feels like a way to talk without the pressure. About stuff that just doesn’t come up in conversation at the pub on a Friday. The fact that there might be people who can relate to some of the feelings is genuinely awesome. I just hope it gives them a touch of reassurance and encourages them to have those honest, reflective conversations every now and then.

'I WANDER' will be joining previously released single 'wishbone' in making up part of your upcoming EP tracklist. What can listeners expect from this full body of work?

This EP was kind of an exploration for me. I wanted to be able to explore sounds individually but still make sure that it felt coherent and aligned in its entirety. So, I really hope it feels that way to others. There’s this neo-soulful love song, some pretty expressive rap verses and also the most intimate song I’ve ever written. A whole lot of honesty, too! Singing was just as important to me as rapping on the record, so we really tried to give space to both. I joke that most of the tunes are about my relationships and to a certain extent they are…but each track feels unique in itself and that’s something that I’m very proud of.