On her newest record, The Breeze Grew A Fire, the U.S.-American singer-songwriter Mereba thematizes relationships in life where the unconditionality of love and support plays center field. The singer imbued her songs with a tenderness born of genuine, unforced connections. They speak of bonds that, though gentle in their touch, ignite an inner fire capable of overcoming even the darkest moments.
The Gentle Power of a Breeze
While some of her earlier work explored themes of infatuation and heartbreak, on this album Mereba instead takes a deeper dive into the gentle forces that support and empower us. Born from a journey marked by isolation during the pandemic and a profound shift into motherhood in 2021, The Breeze Grew A Fire forms both a personal and sonic evolution. The songs celebrate the bonds of friendship, family and spirituality that helped the singer through these transformative changes.
The narratives thereby center on loved ones who will always show up for you, just the way you would show up for them. The imagery of the album title gives expression to the gentle power these kinds of bonds hold for us. “I just found it interesting that in nature, a small breeze can make a big fire, and in life, a gentle loving relationship can make a very powerful person“, she explains.
“The breeze that I’m referring to is something that is gentle, almost unsuspecting. Like, you feel it, but you don’t really think too much about it. It doesn’t inconvenience. It just holds you, and it reminds you that you’re alive, in the most calming and comforting way.”
Motherhood and the Art of Instinct
Motherhood has reshaped Mereba’s life in unexpected ways, transforming not only her daily routine but also her creative process. This new rhythm of life forced her to re-examine the relationships and moments that have shaped her identity, reconnecting her with the simpler, unadulterated joys of her childhood. With the arrival of her son, Mereba found herself with less time for overthinking and more space to trust her instincts. “It just made me see life from a new perspective. I recognized that my relationship to music had to change,” she reflects—a sentiment that resonates throughout the album’s expansive narrative. “Because of my son’s presence in my life, I didn’t have the same amount of time to overthink,” she explains, embracing a more intuitive approach to music-making.
In this new chapter, music is no longer a solitary exercise but a reflection of her renewed commitment to building a future for her family, where creativity and responsibility walk hand in hand. In doing so, she discovered that embracing her maternal role did not limit her creativity; rather, it expanded her capacity to express vulnerability and strength simultaneously.
Reconnecting with Her Inner Child
At the core of The Breeze Grew a Fire lies the rediscovery of the self—a return to the wonder and openness of one’s inner child. After facing the changes and challenges of both motherhood and the pandemic, Mereba remembers:
“There was so much uncertainty. I had a lot of new responsibilities. And all of the sudden, I understood. I understood what was fading off into the distance and what it meant to reconnect to that part of me. I was definitely pulling out a version of me that I think was starting to get lost with just the weight of the world.”
On the album, “Heart of a Child” takes on this perspective especially. The track and accompanying music video nonetheless, or maybe for that reason, celebrate this reconnection with non-judgemental hindsight and joy of things to come. “I still struggle literally every day with maintaining that childlike essence and that hopefulness and that optimism”, Mereba reveals to me. “But it is important for me to keep trying.“
Through her journey inward, Mereba has unlocked a reservoir of compassion, creativity, and unbridled joy. This process of reconnection allows her to see the moments and relationships that once defined her, now illuminated by the clarity of hindsight. “I could see which relationships and moments in life changed my life along the way because just thinking about my son’s future and what type of life I hope to guide him through, it brought me back to myself, too.” she muses, capturing the essence of the album’s message. It’s an invitation to embrace the simple, sustaining connections that nurture our spirit and propel us forward.
Sonic Narratives and Cultural Tapestry
Photo by Vincent Haycock
Recalling the conception process of the album, Mereba reveals to me that her writing routine was fairly different for The Breeze Grew A Fire, in comparison to her debut record especially. Usually, the title of the project comes first, aiding her on which themes to further focus on. “This time around, it was like all of the songs came to me, and then at the end, this title came as a perfect explanation of the inspiration behind the song.”
Musically, the album is a rich tapestry woven from a diverse range of cultural influences. Mereba’s sound reflects her multifaceted identity—melding the soulful traditions of her Ethiopian heritage with the innovative pulse of U.S. American influences. This is demonstrated in the conscious decision to feature ancient Ethiopian instruments like the masinko, a one-string lute, or the krar, comparable to a mix between a violin and a guitar, on tracks like Heart of Child, for example.
“The album being so about family and friendships and childhood, and really the essence of who I am as a person, it was really important to me to fuse together all the different things that make me, me culturally, and then on the flip side, also all the other places that I’ve lived in.” Through this deliberate merging of ancient tradition and modern reflections, the singer conjures a holistic atmosphere where introspection meets celebration. Furthermore, the album’s sonic softness, characterized by warm, inviting melodies and lush production textures, establishes Mereba as a unique force in contemporary music.
Reflection of the Self
The first single, “Counterfeit,” sets the stage for this confrontation of the self, with its exploration of authenticity, self-doubt, and originality. The track serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of being true to oneself, even when faced with internal conflicts.
In contrast, “White Doves” stands out as the song that challenged her the most. Here, Mereba grapples with the darker aspects of personal relationships—examining the pain of being emotionally closed off and the burden of inadvertently hurting those you love. Through its raw lyrics and intricate melody, “White Doves” is a call to accountability—a recognition that sometimes the very behaviors we adopt to shield ourselves can hinder our growth. This struggle, though deeply personal, speaks to a universal experience: the delicate balance between self-protection and the courage to be vulnerable.
The Breeze That Grew A Fire
The Breeze Grew A Fire is a reminder that the most profound strength often arises from the softest influences. Mereba’s work reminds us that the most subtle gestures of care and understanding can fuel our resilience and ignite profound personal growth. It’s about the gentle friendships and family ties that, over time, empower us to become the best versions of ourselves. Rather than reacting solely to hardship or adversity, her music celebrates the everyday moments of connection—the whispers of encouragement, the silent nods of understanding—that quietly shape our journey. In a world that can feel chaotic and overwhelming, The Breeze Grew A Fire offers a soothing counterpoint, a call to nurture and honor the relationships that sustain us.
Mereba’s new album The Breeze Grew A Fire is out now via Secretly Canadian. Follow the artist on Instagram and check out her website.