MEI - The Hard Way Around The Sun (EP) + 10 Questions

Acknowledging the tempestuous times we've all had over the past year or so, London-based artist MEI reveals her new EP The Hard Way Around The Sun. After recovering from Covid-19, coming to terms with the breakdown of a relationship and also battling through racial injustices, MEI might have just had one of the rockiest years out of us all.

Working alongside fellow female musicians to create an all-female team across the EP, with three tracks co-produced by female duo A Good Friend, and largely producing it via Zoom, The Hard Way Around The Sun demands our resilience to be heard and navigates through MEI's personal and universal experiences of being a black woman in modern society. It's an EP that draws you in with its varying sonic textures and leaves you with the feeling that you're not only worthy, but you're deserving of greatness. And MEI is, quite clearly, deserving of greatness.

MEI sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

I would say it all began singing in choirs reluctantly as a kid because I was shy and then I actually grew to love it and found my voice. The love for music probably started from lots of music being played at home from Ghanaian highlife to gospel to Jazz. I also remember buying my first piece of music when I was 8 years old from a car boot sale! It was a tape recording of Off the Wall by Michael Jackson, just that track, and I listened to it over and over again until it stopped working. I think after that I was obsessed.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
The list is truly infinite but to name a few I’d say Kendrick Lamar, Lauryn Hill, Hiatus Kaiyote, Little Dragon, Laura Mvula, Solange, Little Simz and it would be a dream to work with them all!

3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?

I faced a lot problems during this time to be honest. I had a severe case of covid last March which turned the last 18 months upside down, because I then developed long covid in September and was on bed rest for 3 months. So, my new project was created during and between these times and the struggle was real, but the music documents this whole time. What was going on in my life personally and globally in relation to racial injustice and the pandemic. It was also weird to adjust to collaborating with co-producers A Good Friend and other collaborators via Zoom and getting over the hurdles of making our live recordings possible, but we did it!

4. How would you describe your sound?

I would describe my sound as honey for your ears, medicine for your fears!

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

My proudest moment so far was probably my first headline show at Queen of Hoxton, it was sold out and I just felt so loved and supported. My favourite thing is to connect with my supporters live so I’m excited to be able to do that again soon.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

I think my advice would be to try and focus and enjoy the creative process rather than worrying about how it will be received or how it will stream. The music should come first.

7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?

Definitely check Bad Honey, Sans Soucis, Toya Delazy, Meron T, Jaydonclover, so many great emerging women artists!

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

I’m living and breathing these at the moment Dave - We’re All Alone In This Together, Hiatus Kaiyote - Mood Valiant, Wesley Joseph - Ultramarine, Fred again.. - Actual Life

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

When I’m not making music, I love to cook and have a little kitchen rave, practising my Mandarin Chinese (very rusty), meet up with my girls for dinner and watch old David Attenborough documentaries!

10. Name three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Lemon and ginger tea, Naima (my bass guitar) and snacks!