Singer-songwriter Meïa Santiago has won over the hearts of her listeners over the years with songs surrounding themes based on love, dreams and social issues in both an introspective and an electric performance. In our interview, we discuss the release of “Angels In New York City,” her EP Mülzien 25, amongst many other things. Thank you for reading!
Thank you for speaking with us. Please introduce yourself to our readers!
Hi! I’m Meïa, an artist from Barcelona relocated to NYC. I’ve just released my new song “Angels in NYC” produced by Kelsey Warren.
What inspired you to pursue music?
I learned music when I was a teenager. I started at an early age with ballet classes. At home my parents collected vinyls and we were always listening to music. Also my brother is a guitarist.
“Angels In New York City” is your upcoming single. What can you tell us about it?
I wrote the song some time ago after I moved on my own and searched for spiritual guidance. I addressed these questions to NYC because I had just arrived and in some way, I felt that the love I have for this city and the NYC’s music scene could be the answers.
How do you hope your listeners feel while listening to “Angels In New York City”?
To instil hope in the listener is the main message. Also it’s a homage to NYC and its music, so I hope the listener can feel the love that’s within it.
A combination of Spanish and English verses flow in your songs detailing a unique poetic flavor that can’t be found anywhere else. How did you first discover your musical style?
It’s just a process of trial and error. I think no one can have a total certainty of what’s the next step in an artistic career. I just follow my intuition. I make what I would like to listen to. I change from one style to another but my artistic voice remains the same. I think that our personal conflicts ( and struggles), our wounds, passions and obsessions don’t change that much. And about the use of both Spanish and English, it’s just a reflection of my everyday life.
Why did you decide to relocate from Barcelona to NYC?
I just needed to expand my horizons. I needed a new stimulus. And NYC has always been a reference in my artistic life.
With a flow of singles exploring love, dreams and social issues, what’s your songwriting process like? Do you have a specific ritual when it comes to songwriting?
I don’t have any ritual. It’s always different. Sometimes, the music comes then the lyrics, and vice versa. What is quite constant in my songwriting is a first idea on the theme idea that I want to develop.
Your last EP “Mülzien 25” features four captivating singles. What inspired the creation of this wonderful EP?
I wanted to explore some folk and pop sounds. The lyrics are mainly inspired by love and loss. Romantic love, and my love for the art.
Do you have any plans of releasing a new album anytime soon? What can we expect?
I’m working on it. I already have more songs, and some of them already recorded. I’m working with an awesome producer and singer-songwriter, Kelsey Warren. I hope we will release it in the future.
Which song is your favorite to perform or share with new listeners?
My favorite song is “Sueños,” a homage to the dreamers and the art.
How do you know when you’ve discovered the right beat for your song?
Sometimes you have to try different approaches to a song until you find it. But when you find it, there’s no doubt.
What do you hope to accomplish in 2020?
To perform again on stage. I think that right now all the musicians, actors, dancers, and any other creators need to share the same hope.
