Meiko
By Alex Teitz
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There are those few special times when you find an artist who you know has the talent, longevity, and spirit that you will be talking about them ten, twenty years from now. It is more of a treat when you can meet them at the infancy of their career. Meiko is that rare gem, who, if I was a gambler, would put all my chips in for. Why? Meiko is a familiar name already. She’s had songs on television in everything from Grey’s Anatomy, Kyle XY, One Tree Hill, to name a small portion. Her song, “Boys With Girlfriends” has been plastered across iTunes. She has toured nationally with the Hotel Café Tour, and she is beginning to tour internationally. She has been featured by Perez Hilton, and is signed to MySpace Records. Even her family has a bit of fame to it. Her sister is fashion designer Kelly Nishimoto. Her self-titled album has been done twice: The first self-released by Meiko herself. The second after her signing with MySpace Records. The second time includes “Boys with Girlfriends” and some other tweaks in the studio with Greg Collins. Still haven’t heard of her? Why not? Why would I bet the farm on her? Meiko is human. She is not the untouchable diva looking down her nose at the audience. She is not the flavor of the month. Her songs are the train wrecks of relationships sung with the battered heart and soul of someone who has lived them. Her voice is not a growl, screech, or attempt to strangle notes out of the air. She has a bruised tenderness that spills off the stage in gentle waves. She has a warrior’s heart wrapped in the girl next door. Every song is personal and a gift to the audience. Few artists can truly make the audience believe. My only criticism is she needs to open her eyes more when performing. A personal note. This interview was conducted via e-mail after technical difficulties with a phone interview. |
FEMMUSIC: Can you describe your songwriting technique?
M: I write whenever something comes up in my head. Sometimes that’s once a day, sometimes it’s once every couple of weeks. It usually starts off as a melody, and I sit down with a guitar and find chords and words that match it.
FEMMUSIC: Why did you sign with Myspace Records? Did you have any fears or apprehension?
M: I signed with them because they were the most hands-on in the “courting” process. They showed genuine interest in my music, and they were the only ones who didn’t want me to change anything.
FEMMUSIC: How was it working with Greg Collins on the Myspace album?
M: It was great! He’s an amazing producer who actually listened to my ideas and didn’t discount them. We mesh very well both inside and outside of the studio.
FEMMUSIC: What was the biggest challenge of making the album?
M: Well, when I first started making the record, as an unsigned artist, the biggest challenge was money. I was waiting tables and trying to pay rent and studio time. There were a lot of favors asked from my musician friends.
FEMMUSIC: Were there any songs that were not chosen for the album you would have liked?
M: I have a lot of songs – I think all the songs on this record make sense together. Any other ones that I was partial to while recording will more than likely be on the next record.
FEMMUSIC: Did any one experience stick out when doing the tracks with Greg?
M: Ha! Of course …While recording “Boys With Girlfriends”, I was in a very big dramatic situation with a “friend” and his crazy girlfriend. It was a great time to record that particular track.
FEMMUSIC: Your sister achieved a certain degree of notoriety at an early age. Was there any pressure from the family to achieve success as a result?
M: Never. Knowing that some families put pressure on each other to succeed is weird to me. I have a super close, supportive family. They would be rooting for me even if I decided to strip for a living. Well…maybe.
FEMMUSIC: You come from Georgia originally. What motivated your move to LA?
M: My sister …I’m very close to her, and decided that I was just gonna tag along wherever she decided to go. Plus – I love being near the beach.
FEMMUSIC: If you could collaborate with anyone, or share a billing with another artist; who would that be?
M: I’d like to open up for Tracy Chapman someday – I think she’s the real deal and we’d make a nice fit.
FEMMUSIC: What are your plans for the next 5 years?
M: Writing, recording, touring …same old thing! I love it. It’s my bag.