Q&A: m.e.h. Lets Instinct Lead the Way on “trust fall”
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
☆ BY KIMBERLY KAPELA ☆
M.E.H. TAKES A LEAP OF FAITH — For m.e.h., self-trust means learning to move forward even when doubt, uncertainty,and the challenges of ADHD make that leap feel impossible. On her new single, “trust fall,” rather than hiding from the parts of herself that have made navigating the world difficult, m.e.h. confronts them head-on, recognizing that growth begins when she stops treating those experiences as shortcomings and starts embracing them as part of who she is.
Blending neo-soul, R&B, and jazz with commanding vocals and emotionally rich songwriting, m.e.h. uses “trust fall” to examine what happens when the instinct to question yourself begins competing with the need to trust your own potential.
“It's talking a lot about the executive dysfunction that does come with ADHD, and it’s something that I have been trying to relinquish shame about and embracing that side of me,” m.e.h. tells Luna. “Because at the end of the day, this is something that I have and moving through the world is really difficult.”
Through imagery of jesters and clowns — figures expected to perform happiness while carrying their own sadness — she captures the pressure to show up for others, even when you're struggling internally.
“Using the imagery of jesters and clowns, they are historically the saddest people, and they're forced to be this person that's always happy all the time and always showing up,” m.e.h. says.
Looking ahead, m.e.h. hints that “trust fall” marks the beginning of a new era that boosts confidence, creative freedom and an intuitive leap to follow her instincts wherever they lead. As she continues embracing experimentation and allowing herself to have fun with the process, the single offers a glimpse of an artist stepping more fully into her own voice.
“It shows that I'm not afraid to try new things and really just follow my heart and the music that I would like to create,” m.e.h. says. “I think that experimentation is what it's all about and having fun with the music. You can expect me to be having a lot of fun experimenting.”
LUNA: Thank you for talking to Luna. Our readers would love to get to know you and your music more.
For any readers who aren’t familiar with you yet, what inspires your artistic style and sound?
M.E.H.: I'm inspired by my experiences. Living life and learning more things about myself, particularly just with ADHD and autoimmune illnesses, just the ebbs and flows of life in general really do inspire everything that I do, honestly.
LUNA: What kind of atmosphere or emotional space do you aim to create for your listeners?
M.E.H.: It feels ethereal in the spaces that I'm trying to build in terms of sounds and experimenting with different instruments and genres. I really try to create something that you'll remember.
LUNA: You just released your newest single “trust fall.” What inspired the single and what messages or emotions did you want to explore?
M.E.H.: It's talking a lot about the executive dysfunction that does come with ADHD, and it’s something that I have been trying to relinquish shame about and embracing that side of me. Because at the end of the day, this is something that I have and moving through the world is really difficult. I think that it's an inspirational song in the way you can do this. I know it's so hard sometimes, but we are the person that's going to be in our way. Also using the imagery of jesters and clowns, they are historically the saddest people, and they're forced to be this person that's always happy all the time and always showing up. I think that is something to know about being an artist in general. Even through your darkest times, you're showing up everywhere with a smile on your face, ready to go. I wanted to really show that through all parts of the song.
LUNA: Can you talk me through what the creative process for “trust fall” looked like?
M.E.H.: It was my first time getting back to the studio after releasing my album last year because I was so emotional putting music into the world. I'm always writing, but getting back into recording and getting things ready to be released was intimidating. I finally came back and was ready to get out of my own way and just really embrace this person that I feel like I'm constantly evolving into. I heard the beat and it was a lot of vocal production that we did. I think there's 40 vocal stacks on the intro and outro. I just love doing that and building worlds with vocals. I was just so inspired by the subject matter that I wanted to be a clown. I feel like this feels right for the song.
LUNA: Does “trust fall” set the tone for the rest of your upcoming music, and if so, what can listeners expect from this new era of music?
M.E.H.: Honestly, yes. I think it shows that I'm not afraid to try new things and really just follow my heart and the music that I would like to create. I think finally, fully not being afraid of trying new things. I think that experimentation is what it's all about and having fun with the music. You can expect me to be having a lot of fun experimenting.
LUNA: What is the ideal environment to experience your music? Is there a particular setting, mood, or time of day that enhances the listening experience?
M.E.H.: I think that the thing about my music is showing up the way that you want to show up, and I think that however you would like to listen to my music, and whatever makes you most comfortable is what I would like.
LUNA: What is fueling your fire right now that’s pushing you into this new chapter in your career?
M.E.H.: I think trying lots of new things and tapping into my community. I've really been embracing my friends and my family and different things that really inspire me. I think that I'm just really inspired by my environment right now.
LUNA: How are you feeling in this current era of your career and what does the rest of the year look like that you would like to share with Luna?
M.E.H.: I am excited. I've been making a bunch of music. I have a residency in Chicago at Dorian's through the end of the year. The last Saturday of every month, my band and I are there. We play for two hours, and it's really fun. We get to play with lots of different sounds. My music falls in neo soul and jazz alternative. I plan to go to LA this fall. I'm going to New York this fall as well. So just planning to get out there and just keep making more music.
