Liam Mera Kai releases his debut EP ‘it’s fine once you’re in’ today via HeadFirst Records. Born in Johannesburg and raised in South London, Liam Mera Kai has been quietly crafting his distinctive and introspective sound that melds elements of alternative music, r&b and hip hop out of South London. The young artist is now ready to unveil his six-track collection, which serves as both a musical mission statement and an intimate self-portrait. This debut EP centres on addressing self-doubt and concluding that although the first leap is often the hardest, things usually fall into place.
Mera Kai commented: “I’ve always found that writing is when I’m at my most vulnerable but also my most expressive and this EP felt like a way to speak without pressure. It’s wild to think that the project is finally here. I wrote it over the last 18 months with just one thing in mind – it had to be honest. It really feels like my most explorative work both lyrically and sonically. Sometimes painful and reflective, but a real pleasure to make.”
At the heart of the project lies ‘wishbone’, a first single reflecting on the art of overthinking, with deftly drawn elements alt hip-hop and neo-soul underpinned by jazzy beats and introspective rhymes – it’s a tantalising taster for the EP.
“The sound of this EP is a cocktail of dream-like soundscapes, vocals and rapping that isn’t solely rap, R&B or alternative. Maybe people haven’t heard much of those elements colliding, that’s why I was so heavy on doing it.”
To celebrate the EP release, Mera Kai has compiled a ten track playlist of influences for us.
Midnight Mischief (Tom Misch Remix) – Jordan Rakei, Tom Misch
For, me it’s the destination of this. Both lyrically, and sonically the track feels like a journey. Like you’re going somewhere. Written with so much depth and introspection and remixed to really feel like that, this is one of my favourite collaborations from two of my favourite musicians.
I Need A Forest Fire – James Blake, Bon Iver
This is so beautiful crafted. From the atmosphere created by the electronic textures to the hauntingly drastic yet perfectly relatable nature of the subject and lyrics, I instantly knew it was a piece I would take plenty of inspiration from.
4EVER – Clairo
You know the kind of song that reminds you of a specific time in your life and the feelings that are attached? This is that song for me. It really lets me reminisce on some memories I’ll never forget. It showed me some of the power of writing about uncomfortable feelings, particularly in relationships, and inspired me to explore them.
Cold War – Cautious Clay
Driven by that delicate yet distinct percussion, it feels like the track is breathing. That kind of life and space was impossible to not take inspiration from.
Florence – Loyle Carner, Kwes
Earnest, honest and crazily sensitive, within seconds of hearing this I was hooked. The amount of truth that you hear in Loyle’s voice is unmatched in my opinion.
All In – Bakar
I’m a big fan of the alternative/indie world that Bakar creates in his music as he blends through genres quite effortlessly. The rawness in his voice makes him instantly recognisable and I love how unapologetically British he sounds.
Bros – Wolf Alice
I was 15 when I found this album. It was possibly the first band I became completely obsessed with. I owe them most of the credit for inspiring the alternative rock elements that I try to let exist in my music, particularly when playing live.
Cats and Dogs – Frankie Stew and Harvey Gunn, Kojey Radical
I couldn’t speak more highly of these guys. I fell in love with the unconventional delivery. It’s like a narration of thoughts. The nod to UK garage in this track combined with deeply personal words has definitely inspired me to explore how UK rap can feel conversational and reflective, yet still energetic.
Heartbeats – Jose Gonzalez
I don’t think music could sound much more human than this. Whenever this comes on, I can’t help but pause and just allow myself to really feel. It’s this exact vulnerability and honesty that I hope to emulate in my music.
Why Why Why Why Why – SAULT
The project as a whole is just wicked. The buttery vocals and meditative nature of this track is madly addictive. Simply, it sounds like it was a whole lot of fun to make and if that’s not inspiring, then I don’t know what is.
Tour dates:
15th July The Gibson Garage, London
