Behind the song with self-taught multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, meka.
“Tomato Song” is a beautifully melancholic track by meka - the musical guise of American multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Melissa Lingo. This song explores grief, hope and nature with such a soft, hazy and haunting soundscape.
Piano, gently brushed drums and intricate finger-plucked guitar mesh seamlessly with meka’s lyrical work, painting images of her mother in the garden while pondering life and loss. There is a timeless feel to the steady hum and intricate details, like it’s a beloved gem straight out of the '60s/'70s folk collection.
Despite its winter release, “Tomato Song” feels fit for the transition to spring, as the world brightens and defrosts and the promise of new beginnings is fresh in the air. This is the second release from meka’s upcoming album, The Rabbit, arriving in May.
For Fans Of:
Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, Adrianne Lenker, Lana Del Rey, Billie Marten & Samia
Q&A with meka:
Q: “What was the writing/recording process like? What was most challenging? What was the most rewarding?”
A: “My writing process is usually quick and isolated. I wrote the lyrics and arranged the music with little thought into what kind of song it would be or if it would make it onto the album I was recording with Daniel [Bengtson]. I brought it to Daniel and he suggested we speed it up and lighten up the vibe, I didn’t feel attached to the tempo or to much of it at all, and thus we ended up with the melancholic storytelling and melody true to me, and the more lighthearted classic folk feeling true to Daniel. The most challenging part is not hating whatever I make shortly after I make it, reminding myself that it’s all a practice in writing, knowing that I can grow out of it and still appreciate it.”
Q: “What do you hope listeners take away?”
A: “I don’t know, I think maybe the only thing a songwriter can hope for their songs is that people feel something. And best care scenario, the feeling-something leads to making more things or more togetherness and grief sharing.”
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