South London rapper and singer-songwriter Liam Mera Kai has released his debut EP ‘it’s fine once you’re in’.
The new EP blends alternative hip-hop, neo-soul, and alternative R&B with subtle influences from UK dance and garage.
Speaking of his EP, Liam said: “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.
“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 his EP release, Liam Mera Kai shared with us 5 tracks that influenced ‘it’s fine once you’re in’.
Loyle Carner – The Isle of Arran
All of this man’s discography has had a massive impact on the music I’ve made and want to make. Although his sound often sits in a pretty mellow, kicked-back space, it’s the soulful nature of ‘The Isle of Arran’ that I really mess with. He is madly expressive yet still so careful and particular with the words he chooses. I’m a big advocate for the power of words and the weight they hold, and his work has reinforced my thoughts on that. It has shown me that there is strength in softness, reflection and healing. Characteristics that aren’t necessarily that native to UK rap. Now that fascinates me. The honesty and confessional lyricism are things I tried to echo through both the songwriting process and delivery of the EP.
SAULT – Why Why Why Why Why
Anyone close to me will know just how much I love this project as a whole. Effortlessly cool and madly addictive, this particular track is powerfully reflective and particularly relatable. The way it explores relationship anxiety and the nature of what sounds like a toxic relationship, opened my eyes to how we could discuss such sensitive, delicate topics through songwriting. Topics that we aren’t necessarily confident enough to talk about all the time. This proves the power of allowing yourself to find your own avenue to speak while still maintaining this nonchalant groove. The fact that music can be that avenue is awesome and something I’m very thankful for.
Joesef – The Sun Is Up Forever
The warmth! The feeling and atmosphere that Joesef has created sonically couldn’t match the theme of the song more perfectly. You feel the warmth. You feel the sun. You feel that enduring optimism. It moves so gently, too. Those dreamy guitars and the soul in his voice is something I’ve raved about for a long time now. To me, when things are a little tough, not many songs heal and uplift quite like this one. Put yourself in it and you start to see the horizon as you’re metaphorically reassured that the sun is up forever. Everything is gonna be sweet!
Mk.gee – You got it
Sometimes less is more and this track is a perfect example of that. Trusting in the vulnerability, space and texture that he has created here is seriously impressive. The entire record encourages this realness. Encourages less overthinking and more feeling throughout the creative process. Strip away the self-doubt that comes with how you ‘think’ it should sound and focus on how you want it to ‘feel’. All of that made me realise that sometimes the most important and powerful thing when creating music is just to be real. “skin”, the song that sits at the end of this EP, was particularly inspired by that idea that we have to keep trusting our sounds and instincts.
Jordan Rakei, Tom Misch – Midnight Mischief (Tom Misch Remix)
This, because of its destination. Lyrically, there is a secrecy running throughout the song. I’ve taken a lot of inspiration from Jordan’s songwriting. To be able to write in a way that hooks a listener but also leaves you with more questions throughout a song is beautiful. From the panning of the synths to the subtle strings, paired with this driven yet sparse percussion, the remix in particular reminds you that music is art. It’s everything. We start somewhere and are taken somewhere else both sonically and thematically. A journey to a destination. Two of my favourite musicians and one of my favourite collaborations, for sure.
You can stream Liam Mera Kai ‘it’s fine once you’re in’ EP below:
Listen to Liam’s music influences: