With a fusion of genres and thought-provoking storytelling, Mekhi takes listeners on an enthralling journey through his personal experiences and heartfelt emotions. In this interview, we have the privilege of gaining profound insights into the creative process and inspiration behind "Coastlands." Mekhi shares how themes of true identity, self-discovery, and heartbreak guided the album's creation, resulting in a rich tapestry of introspective lyrics and captivating narratives that resonate deeply with listeners.

Within the album, Mekhi introduces a meticulously crafted fantasy world, where characters and their intricate emotions come to life. Drawing inspiration from influential films such as "ATL" and "Boyz N the Hood," Mekhi infuses intention into every aspect of these characters' physical presence, lending an added layer of depth to their stories. "Coastlands" is a reflection of Mekhi's personal journey, shaped by poignant experiences that have left an indelible mark on the album's lyrics and overall narrative. The songs serve as a means for Mekhi to navigate his own path, offering listeners an intimate connection to his profound self-exploration.

Mekhi highlights the profound impact our actions have on shaping the paths of others, emphasizing that even the smallest gesture can create a ripple effect. The characters within the album embody the diverse causes and effects that shape their lives, offering a poignant reflection of the interconnected nature of humanity. "Coastlands" stands as a significant milestone in Mekhi Fayson's artistic journey, showcasing his growth and maturity as an artist. It serves as a testament to his lifelong dedication to crafting a musical legacy that resonates deeply with listeners. Read out full interview with Mekhi below.

What inspired you to create "coastlands" and explore the genre-blending concept?

what inspired me to make coastlands was my teenage years. I had been through a lot of different shifts, moved different states, and explored many different experiences. I felt like at some point in my adult years I’d have to address those things. whether it was me isolating & doing shadow work to heal, or use the fuel to create art. I did both however, releasing it in a musical format helps tell the story to the masses.

Can you elaborate on the fantasy world you have built within the album? How did you develop the characters and their emotions?

Saqid Nasty & Mekhi Fayson. Two polar opposites of self. Sadiq values his own selfishness then anything. he’s hard to read and physically doesn’t show much much emotion. Mekhi is the more vulnerable and doesn’t lack emotional intelligence. When it was time to develop the characters into an actual physical concept, I took to my inspirational films. “ATL” & “Boyz N the Hood”. Everything had intent. From the shoes, location & attitude towards the environment. The story isn’t finish yet, I still have more things in plan.

How did the themes of true identity, self-discovery, and heartbreak influence the creation of this project? I felt like a lot of the times I was searching for myself throughout this process of the album. I’m half Puerto Rican and black, a lot of my ancestors aren’t alive to this day, I don’t have any trace back of my linage at all. It discouraged me a lot because i felt like I had nothing to go back to. it made me depressed. At times I’d even lose myself inside relationships, not realizing when I didn’t have much identity it would be come a big influence on my love for the person. but once they leave me I am left with myself searching again. It had come to ahead when I realize that I am the person to recreate that linage in some form or way. wether it’s creating a musical legacy or pull a bob Marley and have a bunch of kids across the world.

Could you share any personal experiences or stories that shaped the lyrics and overall narrative of the album?

Well… R33 is a pretty cool example lol. when I lived in la, I had got blessed and come up on some money. I’ve wanted a Beamer for the last few years so I went to Craigslist to get it. found the perfect one, cheap and all. I don’t know if I was flexing it or I had evil on me or some but I’d get toed, crashed in it, broke down, and toed again before I could get a chance to say good bye. I say “you just wanna take me out .. do that on my own, had the E38 bitch..” I actually I had control of my own destiny no matter who was jealous of my car.

How did you approach the transition from trivial issues in one song to more philosophical themes in the next? Can you provide examples?

I think it was based on the time of my life when I was making these songs. I made Aksumite when I made back home from la and named it a year later. I didn’t know what the song meant when I wrote and recorded the demo months before. same with Catch up. I never truly realize how heavy or how much the song has an effect on me until months later. so really it’s just whatever happen at that point in time of my life, a say came after grieving those things that happen. So it can take a lot of time for those existential moments to settle in.

What message were you aiming to convey with the idea that there is more to discover beyond water, trees, and existing?

that there is more. more then we see. I’m not gonna say I’m some spiritual teacher or guide… but Ive had a lot of spiritual experiences in life and knowing that it is more. one day I had a thought.. trees maybe the only living thing on the planet that’s eternal. they have lived many times before us. who’s to stay they weren’t a young women in the past life? these things we have on earth are merely just experiences, however when we cross dimensions were meeting long lines of universes we can’t even comprehend.

How do you believe the album reflects the concept of human existence and our connection to cause and effect?

I don’t know what law of physics that is but.. we all change each others path. I realized that no matter how small the cause is…. there will always be an effect. it’s like a ripple in the universe. however tho, this album also shows the experiences me and the features may have shared. Ocean/Summer interlude is a great way of this. It’s a young lady not really sure of big the ocean is, knowing the a ship is her dependency and the ocean is on fire, what if she is left to fend for her well-being on this boat.. so it’s important to say this album conveys many different causes and effects on the people within the story and displays them through the characters.

Were there any specific musical or artistic influences that played a significant role in shaping the sound and style of "coastlands"?

The musical & artistic influences I went with weren’t specific. I listen to a wide range of music. I love radiohead, so I can see the influence on “Traffic” or “Checking in.” I’m also a big fan hip hop fan, so Griselda a bit on “Obsidian” & “R33.” I love 90s R&B, specifically SWV & Aaliyah so you can maybe hear that on “Catch up” or “ Double Vision.” I don’t always listen to things for the influence, it’s just whatever I’m listening to at the time… it may come on the mic.

Can you talk about the creative process behind each track on the album? How did you decide on the order of the songs?

Each track was a different process but evidently the same. When I was la, I was a songwriter for a bit so I’d always create demos to shop around. “Catch up” was a demo at first & developed to a first, then a feature overtime. So I decided to just make demos to these beats and sit with the ideas, so how long they stuck and which ones left. I would also play some of the demo tracks at early shows to see how the crowd responded & go from there to develop the track even more. So it was just a demo by demo process for me.

Did you face any challenges or obstacles while creating "coastlands"? How did you overcome them?

One of many obstacles I faced was constantly moving. Not having a great place to settle. For like two years I was kinda moving from place to place. Staying with a homie cause I may be homeless or just the people I’d stay with didn’t want me there. It affected me a lot and my process of making this album. I had some money, not a lot. I worked two jobs also. I was working every day for like 6 months and I was still making demos but didn’t have time to develop them. It took me time to get a stable spot in condition and nice place to record. Once that happen, it became much better to finish the album.

How do you envision listeners connecting with the emotions and storytelling within the album?

I want the listener to dream when listening to this. Wolf by Tyler the creator made me do that. Creating a story & expanding my imagination. It’s a way to keep in touch with my inner child. When I found out about the Wolf Story line, I didn’t have many friends at the time to talk about it with. I wanna build a community and allow those people further this story line. It doesn’t just start within this album, it goes all the back to my catalog.

Can you discuss any favorite moments or highlights from the production of "coastlands"?

haha no lie my favorite moment on the production side on this album is… See Me. Some people don’t know but I’m singing in the beginning in such a high falsetto that it blends into the melody of the beat. It’s something me and my boy Kyle (executive producer) geek over. Another personal favorite is Ocean/Summer. I produced both of those tracks.

Are there any particular lyrics or lines in the album that hold special meaning to you? If so, can you share the story behind them?

On Traffic I say “living, living like they out to get me man.” I use to be super paranoid because of my teenage years, some days I think I grow out of it then boom. So I think that’s just permanently me forever haha. It’s all good tho, gotta stay on Ps & Qs.

How do you see "coastlands" fitting into your overall artistic journey and evolution as an artist?

I actually told my homies Kyle, Jeron & Josh it took me my whole life to write this record. So I see it as a great introduction into the rest of my musical career and a great album to listen to me at my most mature stage. I still have some growing to do of course.

What do you hope listeners take away from the experience of listening to "coastlands"?

That you can be whoever you want in this world. This is your life. It’s always been that way. Never allow anyone to dictate your experiences as bad or not the way to live. Living is so dynamic and we can only control our responses to those things. Be kind to yourself. Love is in everything we see and touch. So be there ready to recognize it