Up-and-coming emo pop/rap artist Coda Meraki sat down with us to discuss the release of his latest single “Spotless Mind.”  Inspired by the indie classic Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet, the track grapples with the notion of a clean slate and the possibility of ridding oneself of painful memories. Coda Meraki has already become one of the most exciting faces in the emo rap world. His debut album When The World Is Upside Down was a pandemic smash hit, garnering over 300,000 streams in the first three months of its release and quickly established him as one of the most promising faces in the industry. Inspired by grunge’s influence on pop, rap, and rock music, Coda Meraki gravitates towards the heavy-hitting emotions of artists like Kurt Cobain, Frank Sinatra, and Gerard Way.

Play Too Much: Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us Coda! For those unfamiliar with your work, how would you describe yourself as an artist?

Coda Meraki: Absolutely! Glad to be able to sit down with PTM and chat. For those that aren’t familiar with me. Hi! Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and my art. I would describe myself as a Emo Pop Rockstar. I love to mix elements of Rap, Rock, Alt Emo, and Pop into my music and gravitate towards writing about my own thoughts, fears, and emotions.

PTM: Your latest single, “Spotless Mind” was inspired from the movie ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ [Love that movie by the way!] Was there any one particular moment in the film that inspired this track or was it a collective of moments? Can you tell us about the writing process?

CM: I am so glad you also love the film. ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ is definitely my favorite film. I love the way it sets a stage for dry but digestible moments of self discovery in past memories and moments. There isn’t a specific moment that spurred the track the entire movie is a masterpiece. I couldn’t break it into just one scene.

My writing process can feel scattered at times. Since I am writing about emotions and moments of struggle or pain. At times I tend to put myself into a similar headspace while writing lyrically. I also am grateful to be able to write with one of my best friends and producer TYZN. He continues to push me to be better or work harder with each project we work on together. I wouldn’t be anywhere without him helping to engineer my sound. For “Spotless Mind” he had reached out to a friend and guitarist named Tron who came back with the beautiful guitar line in the track. The rest was history.

PTM: Your music is full of raw emotions — when did you know that you needed/wanted to be so vulnerable in your music? What do you hope listeners will gain from not only seeing this side of you but your work in general?

CM: Vulnerability can be scary, but is the only true way to work through emotion, and build trust. I know from the start that music was going to be an outlet of raw emotion and a cathartic experience for me. I feel that I owe real and unfiltered vulnerability to my fans and those who choose to take time to listen to my music or walk with me on the wild journey. It is the only way we can truly build trust and connect as a community.

PTM: Obviously 2020 was a trying year for the music industry, but it’s also when you released your debut album. How did the pandemic affect that process? Is there anything you wish you could have done had safety not been an issue?

CM: 2020 felt like a movie that became reality. And, none of us audition to be in it. The magnitude of loss we as a culture experience was unimaginable. Even though everything around us felt as if it was falling apart this felt like the right moment to release my debut When the World Is Upside Down. While we all were quarantined I got to work on finalizing the album. I’m so glad to have been able to release it and have it have such a positive response. As everything has been shut down and venues have been closed it was hard knowing that I wouldn’t be able to play shows, tour, or be in person with those that love the record. I love the ability to play shows and perform and I cannot wait to be back on stage in new cities performing.

PTM: Did you feel like you had a chance to dive head first into your work due to the new world that the pandemic had created?

CM: I did, because we had been locked down in Denver I was able to spend a lot of time writing and creating. I spend days and weeks working through material that I had been collecting for years.

PTM: “Spotless Mind” is your second release of 2021 already. How do you stay motivated?

CM: Staying motivated is easy when you are doing something you truly love. I love the ability to write and record, and cannot wait to have the green light to perform and be back with others who are like minded. It was great to be able to put out Nighttime, a collaborative EP with TYZN on the first day of the year to starting a new year with the right intentions. “Spotless Mind” is the first single of the year with more on the way. I’m excited to get some new music out and into the hands of the fans.

PTM: As the world starts to open up again, what can we expect from you going forward this year? Are live shows something you’re considering doing this year?

CM: Yes, yes, yes! I am so glad to have thing starting to move back towards normalcy. Not only for the positive effect on all of those experienced the negative impacts of businesses being closed but also to be able to be apart of live shows as a performer and as an attendee. My last concert I attended was Post Malone in Denver. INCREDIBLE performer. However I was devastated that one of my favorite artists My Chemical Romance had a date in Denver last year but was unable to come through. I’m excited to see the show this year.

PTM: Live shows are of course the best way to interact with fans but the pandemic did encourage artists to get creative in reaching their fanbase. What have you been doing to stay connected?

CM: This year I have been focusing on connecting to fans through social media. Responding to messages, DMs, and comments from individuals who were impacted by the music I’ve put out in 2020 and early 2021. The support and engagement from fans has been a hugely impactful motivator for me. I can’t wait to see you at a show in your city in this year. (Fingers crossed for good  luck).

PTM: If this year goes smoother than last year [fingers crossed] do you have any set goals in mind you’d like to accomplish by the end of the year?

CM: I’m with you, I hope this year is much smoother than last year for all of us. I am currently working on a few projects investing tons of time and passion. I am looking to release another record this year and cannot wait for you to hear it!

PTM: Thank you again for taking the time to speak with us! Is there anything you’d like to add before we go?

CM: I appreciate you having me! Yeah, before we go I want to say thank you. Thank you to the fans and followers who make my dream of writing, releasing, and soon performing music real. Those who reach out to tell me how they have been effected  by my music… you mean the world. I am glad to be in the company of those who feel my message and allow me to lay out my thoughts and emotions in front of them. If you like what hear or you want to connect with me and the music I create, you can find me on all social and streaming platforms @CodaMeraki.

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