Following 2016’s debut Live To Love You’ll Love To Live, Birmingham singer/multi-instrumentalist Maria Rodriguez – aka MeMe Detroit – returns with her new EP Life In The Now, out on November 23rd (2018) via SoulRock Central Records.
Recorded along with band members Paris Moon Fennell (bass) and Barney Such (drums), Life In The Now covers themes of everyday life, whilst also giving a subtle nod to one of MeMe’s favourite books ‘The Power of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle. A collection of five tracks, each an uplifting blast of real, infectious rock ‘n’ roll with shades of the likes of legends Foo Fighters, the EP showcases MeMe Detroit’s ability to fuse together an eclectic range of sounds to create something entirely her own.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with MeMe Detroit about the latest project, motivations, challenges and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into you, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
I grew up heavily influenced by guitar driven bands, such as Radiohead, Smashing Pumpkins, Foo Fighters to name a few. It’s always really excited me, given me that real buzz. The second I learnt that first Em chord on the guitar, I knew that’s what I wanted to do.
What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?
My grandma was always encouraging me to sing and perform since before I can even remember, ha! My Mum then took me for piano lessons at age 6, which I classically trained in. I took on violin as well a few years later eventually deciding to swap out the 4 strings for 6 as a teen. Music is my life line. It’s a part of me and always will be. I always had this dream of being able to move people with my music the same way other’s music has moved me. I still kinda live by that.
Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?
My one true love will always be Radiohead. However, I am into all kinds of genres. If something moves me, then I like it and in turn I guess inspires me. I’m also inspired by occurrences in my life and stories/goings on I hear and see around me. I’ve always had a massive eclectic taste in music so I wouldn’t say it’s changed over time but is definitely varied.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
I have a very positive outlook on life and enjoy writing songs with a positive spin or message on them. Sound-wise I feel the new material has grown compared to past releases with a much punchier and bigger sound. It wasn’t particularly purposeful but that’s just the way it went. The title of the upcoming EP( Life In The Now) is also a nod to my pma (Positive mental attitude) beliefs, via one of my favourite books by Eckhart Tolle – The Power of Now.
What was the last song you listened to?
I have music on constantly so happen to have music playing in my ears on a train whilst I write this ha, this is dependent on how quickly I finish typing this sentence, the last song I listened to is Maxïmo Park – ‘Apply Some Pressure’!
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Vinyl! Definitely, I have a box of vinyl that has been passed down through generations, each adding new music to it. Nothing beats that warm, full vinyl sound.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I’d say Bandcamp as it’s a better way for artists to make money direct. Then again, streaming is a way for artists to keep earning off singular fans. Once they have your record, that’s it. You’ve earned the price of that record, but with streaming the same person could keep playing your track over and over and you’ll earn every time they do. So I guess I’m slightly torn on that one!
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what is the biggest challenge you face when trying to connect with or find new fans?
I guess the biggest challenge is keeping up with demand. Everything’s so easily accessible online now, you have to keep up with throwing out regular and catchy content to keep fans engaged. Nowadays, you can’t just be a musician (speaking from a d.i.y root) and that be it, you’ve gotta be a marketing guru, videographer, content creator, networker… the list goes on! As long as you enjoy it all though, then it’s a pretty ace job to have.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?
The website http://memedetroit.com
And i also have a YouTube channel with regular content behind the scenes, performances and regular vlogs at MeMe D TV: Http://smarturl.it/memedtv
