Following the release of our ‘Ones To Watch’ list for 2021, ‘In The Spotlight’ offers the chance to get to know our picks more intimately and find out why we fell in love with them.

You’ve heard about the artists that we’re most excited for this year. Now, get ready to hear from the artists themselves as we shine a spotlight on their personality, the year just past, and their most anticipated musical artists. This week, we catch up with mehro, the LA-based newcomer who has warmed our hearts with his viscerally poetic and achingly relatable debut EP, SKY ON FIRE.

Marrying the bittersweet nostalgia of the moments past with the infinite possibilities of the future, mehro’s music is sure to resonate with every nerve in your body and every corner of your soul. This young artist won us over the moment we heard his debut single, perfume, in February 2020. Drawing inspiration from the world that surrounds him (lightning) and the dark thoughts that reside within (hideous), mehro offers a great dose of harmony and emotional depth within his work. With a knack for poignant storytelling, he balances out somber lyricism with his ethereal guitar work and captivating, soft vocals, creating an aura of pure bliss and sonic refinement. Underscored with real heart, chance with you is a confessional and hauntingly beautiful cut that channels a yearning for the lost love, whilst not alone feels like an ember, the beginning of a blaze. With a touch of melancholy sweetness to his sound, SKY ON FIRE offers a glimpse of mehro’s illustrious artistry, and a hushed promise of the all-consuming love born from a live lived. Reminiscent of greats like Jeff Buckley and Neil Young, mehro truly is an exceptional and fascinating new talent who commands the sort of tonal palette that touches on so many levels. Having just released his debut project, what better time than now to catch up with him?

What’s integral to the work of an artist?

Love, dedication, and your perspective truth. Be you, you are enough. Our uniqueness and vulnerability are our greatest strengths.

Are there any behind-the-scenes stories of recording your debut project, SKY ON FIRE, that you can share with us?

The night lightning came to be, was the same evening where I witnessed my first lightning storm raging along the horizon. My family and I watched it together for hours. It was mesmerizing and beautiful.

For some reason I couldn’t sleep that night, there was something that storm was luring me towards, and I followed and trusted it. By about 4 am the song was written.

How would you describe the project to someone at a dinner party that’s never heard of you?

It’s a sincere musical telling of who I was, and who I wish to become.

What advice would you give to your pre-lockdown self?

Take care of yourself before you take care of your business. Meditate, do yoga, workout, read, clear your mind, do what you need to do to be your best.

How would you sum up your 2020 in one sentence?

One of the most tragic and magical years of my life.

Name one thing you can’t imagine your life without.

I couldn’t imagine not being able to express myself artistically. It has been such a therapeutic and rewarding process for me throughout my life. It has brought me love, fulfillment and forgiveness – I am so grateful for it.

What is the most useless talent you have?

I don’t think any talent is useless. If it’s something that entertains you or brings you or someone joy, how could it be useless? It’s a gift.

But now that I think about it, I can make one cup of coffee last for up to 3 days.

What are your hopes and dreams for 2021?

Develop my abilities as an artist and musician, consistently write songs, and get even more loving and amazing people to hear my music.

Which artists excite you the most this year?

Elohim, Yoshi Flower, Bahari, Denm, Hello Forever, and CloudxCity. The music they have yet to release is incredible.

And finally, what does your music say about you?

That is up to you my friend, every person who hears the music tells me something different. Listen to it and tell me what it says to you.