Rising Stars: Meet Mei

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mei. 

Hi Mei, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
As a child, I don’t remember there being a quiet moment in my home because my mom was always playing R&B music from sun up to sun down. I believe this is what sparked my love of music. I have been singing since about 3 years old, and I took my talents to choir throughout grade school. I learned a lot about technique and dynamics that I still use today. I had some people place doubt in myself, so I took the route of going to college and getting a degree. However, the passion in my heart never died. I auditioned for the Voice in July 2019 and felt empowered to keep pressing forward with my dream. Shortly after the pandemic began, and it made me realize that life is too short to not use my gifts and chase my dream. 

I recorded my first song at the start of the pandemic in a home studio and released my first single called “Only You” in September 2020. One spontaneous night on December 29, 2020, I decided to perform for the first time outside of a church setting. That night opened many doors to performing at different gigs throughout Nashville in 2021. And I have only just begun. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges as a child was naysayers. There were several pessimistic people who told me that musicians have a rough life and I should have a backup plan. 

Another challenge I think all creatives face, is getting in our own way and doubting our gift. I believe it boils down to fear. Fear of rejection, fear of things not working out, fear of not knowing… But we have to keep the faith. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a musician. My first instrument is my voice, and I began learning to play the guitar in the 10th grade. Lauryn Hill and India Arie are my biggest influences. I primarily sing R&B with a focus in neo soul. I believe what sets me apart from others is my background in singing classical music. I love to incorporate different techniques that I’ve learned in order to make the music move to move others. I believe you can feel what I’m singing in addition to hearing it. 

What are your plans for the future?
I plan to release a project in 2022 and continue to grow as a person, as an artist, and as a musician. My plan for the future overall is growth. 

Contact Info:

• Email: Musicxmei11@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/mei_always?utm_medium=copy_link
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/meikt11

Image Credits
Joseph Patrick