Trinity Mei
Singer/songwriter Trinity Mei has just released her debut single “ever be right”. The self-written single was produced by artist/producer Annie Elise. Emotional, vulnerable and honest, “ever be right” is about questioning our self-worth and overthinking. Trinity Mei definitely released one of the best songs I’ve ever heard this year. It is magical. I’m proud to get to feature her for her first single and I cannot wait for her to release more music.
“ever be right” is now available worldwide.
Photo credit: Mya Hink
Introduce yourself… What's your story?
Hey guys! I’m Trinity Mei and I am a 20 year old singer, songwriter and artist from many different places around the country. I moved around alot as a kid not just from place to place but from house to house because my parents were divorced. No matter what though music and songwriting was always a constant in my life and is what kept me going when everything felt like it was falling apart. I write music from the heart and hope that my words and melodies can create a safe space that makes you feel a little less alone.
What did you grow up listening to?
I grew up with parents who had a pretty wide music taste. Even at a young age my dad insisted on me listening to all the “classics”. Queen, Radiohead, the Beatles, Micheal Jackson. Every year my dad would buy me a stack of vinyls of artists he thought every musician should know. My mom on the other hand introduced me to some of my favorite artists and songs. I remember the day she showed me Adele’s “19” for the first time. I fell in love with her voice, lyrics and passion. A combination of all of these artists and more has made me who I am today both musically and personally.
When did you know you could sing?
I started singing around the house at around 3 years old. I would put on talent shows in the basement for my parents and would sing into my high school musical hairbrush in the bathroom. My mom eventually got me lessons from a small music store next to our house as she thought I might have some potential. They sent over an instructor named Brandon Scott to evaluate me and since the studio said I was too young, Brandon decided to quit his job and he took me one as a student independently. That was the first moment I knew I could sing. I ended up taking lessons with him for 10 years.
When did you start writing songs? What made you want to write in the first place?
I think I wrote my first song when I was probably 9 but I didn’t really start taking it seriously until I was high school. As a kid I was always gravitated towards the art of songwriting and because of that started to write phrases, ideas and little poems down in a journal. Once I learned guitar and piano I started putting music to the words and melodies in my head. Now writing songs is a way for me to process my emotions and navigate through all the inconsistencies of life.
Who was the first person who ever believed in you and your music?
This is such an amazing question. For me it was ALWAYS my mom. Ever since I started singing my mom supported me and still to this day is at every single show. No matter what, my mom has always been there to motivate me and remind me why I am doing music in the first place.
"ever be right" is your debut single, how does it feel?
Honestly it still doesn’t feel real. Can somebody pinch me?? This song has been in the making for so long and I can’t believe that it is finally out in the world for everyone to cry in their car too.
What's the story/inspiration behind this song? Could you describe the songwriting/production process for this song?
I got the inspiration for “ever be right” during my second semester of college. At the time, I was really unsure of myself and was constantly overthinking everything. If a date or relationship didn’t work out I often questioned my self worth and started to wonder if there was something wrong with me. Through all the hours of questioning and longing this song was born. The production process happened much later when I reconnected with one of my friends Annie Elise from college. I played the song completely raw with my acoustic guitar in her small apartment studio and from there she made my vision come to life.
What did you feel when writing/recording this song?
I remember this song just flowing out of me. I think I wrote it all in a span of 3 hours. Songwriting has always been so freeing and this song was no different. I was heartbroken, angry and confused all at the same time and by putting these emotions to words it helped me move on and heal in a way. The recording process was very similar for me. Very therapeutic and powerful. I was alone in the recording booth, turned off all the lights, and sang my little heart out.
What's your favorite lyric on "ever be right"?
My favorite lyric/lyrics from the song would have to be from the first verse, “Love me for a moment and hate me for a year. Kiss me on the weekends and then you disappear”. I feel like these two phrases really encapsulate the meaning behind the song.
What made you want to release "ever be right" as your first single?
I wanted “ever be right” to be the first single because it’s my favorite song to perform live and also seems to be an audience favorite. During my live shows this is the song that everyone sings along to. To me nothing is more beautiful and empowering than hearing people scream the lyrics to a song you wrote alone in your bedroom.
What can you tell us about the artwork?
All of the content including the cover for “ever be right” was shot by an amazing photographer named Mya Hink who I actually went to highschool with. Being from Arizona, I wanted nature and the mountains to be part of the photoshoot as it is often what inspires a lot of my writing. So we went out to the Salt River in North Phoenix and took pictures in the rain.
What does singing make you feel?
It’s hard to describe the feeling I get when I’m on stage and performing. There’s truly nothing that compares. Being a woman, there are not many instances when I feel in control but when I am singing everything changes. There is such a warmth on stage and to me performing is the closest I’ve ever felt to home.
Could you list a few records that influenced the music you are making today?
“Erase Me” by Lizzy McAlpine
“Pity Season” by Victoria Canal
“Message” by Coldplay
“I know the end” by Phoebe Bridgers
“Both Sides Now” by Joni Mitchell
“Not Strong Enough” by Boygenius
“Light Year” by Adam Melchor & Lennon Stella
As an artist, what is your goal?
My main goal as an artist and person has always been to inspire. I want people to feel heard and understood when they listen to my music. Music is something that has always moved me and has helped me get through some difficult times. I dream to create art that heals people the way it has healed me.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
That is such a big question with many answers. In my opinion we need more equity and not just equality. They’re so many marginalized groups in our society that are put aside, not taken seriously and treated less than because of who they are. I wish everyone was more open minded and accepting to those who may be different from them. We must lead with love and compassion and put ourselves in the shoes of others.
What biggest life lessons have you learned so far?
Honestly, I still have a lot left to learn but one of the biggest lessons I found recently is to be more gracious with myself and not rush things. Give yourself the time to discover who you truly are and don’t let the pressure of life get to you. You aren’t behind and you don’t need to catch up. You have plenty of time and like Maggie Rodger once said “It all works out in the end”.
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