If you haven’t already listened to Image And Ego, the new album from The Meeck, stop what you’re doing and go listen to it now. The record is a sprawling slice of indie-rock that explores myriad themes with captivating charm.
So fresh off the album’s release, we caught up with the artist himself to chat all about it, his writing process, and what the future holds.
Hot off the release of his incredible new album Image And Ego, we caught up with Perth-based artist The Meeck for a chat.
HAPPY: Hey, how’s it going? What are you up to at the moment?
THE MEECK: Hey HAPPY!! I’m going good! At the moment I’m getting ready to head off to Fremantle to do a radio interview about this album and the launch that happened last week. Two interviews in one day! I haven’t had this much attention since I dressed up as Batman for Book Week in Grade 7!!
HAPPY: We’re loving the new album! How does it feel having it out there in the world?
THE MEECK: Oh Thanks!! I’m glad your enjoying the album!! I’m feeling really excited that it’s now out in the world. There’s such a long amount of time where you’re keeping these songs to yourself, so it’s great to finally share them with other people’s ears!!
HAPPY: How did you approach the writing/recording of this new album differently to past releases? If at all..
THE MEECK: I think the difference in the writing/recording approach with this album, was that it was more minimalist than before, I wanted to make sure each musical piece I was adding to the songs was needed and not drowning the other parts out. There was definitely a clearer sound/direction I wanted for each of these songs, which also helped in the recording process.
HAPPY: The album seems very driven by story. Did you have a particular mission statement when you started writing the album? Any particular thing you wanted to achieve lyrically?
THE MEECK: Yeah definitely!! With this album I wanted to talk about the way our words and actions towards one another can have a positive or negative impact on the journey to us finding inner strength, as well as the struggle of sometimes being our own worst enemy. Lyrically, I wanted to achieve a balance of feeling free to be metaphorical with my words, while trying to keep a clear direction of what I was wanting to say with the songs.
HAPPY: Do you have a favourite track off the album?
THE MEECK: Ooh that’s a tough one! I’d probably have to say Long Road, but when playing live it would defiantly be Morning Blue and Image and Egos, I get to be a bit more hyper!! Sorry I couldn’t pick just one haha!!
HAPPY: How does a Meeck song generally come together? Is there a common process, or does it change from song to song?
THE MEECK: With this album the process was highly unpredictable. It ranged from sitting down with an acoustic guitar, playing around on the piano or synthesiser, starting with just a drum beat or even singing in the shower. It most definitely changed from song to song!! Haha!!
HAPPY: Are there any other artists you’re really loving at the moment?
THE MEECK: Yeah! Actually over here in WA there’s so much talent I can’t get enough of, Kings and Queens, Robert Hinton, Stacey Ann, Savannah and the Strays, Simone Spittle, Andy Phillips, Grace Armstrong, Joan and the Giants, haha there’s so many!! I’m loving Angie McMahon’s debut album, The National, Maggie Rogers, Of Monsters and Men, City and Colour, the list could go on!
HAPPY: What’s next for The Meeck? Any other exciting plans in the works?
THE MEECK: At the moment I’m planning some shows for early next year and as well getting ready for the gigs I have left for 2019. I’m also currently working on the music video for the next single off the Image and Egos album, which I can’t wait to share very soon!!
HAPPY: Cheers for the chat!
THE MEECK: Thanks for allowing me to talk a bit about the behind the curtains workings of the Meeck!!
Image And Ego is available now. Listen above.
