What would lead an emerging music artist to release an EP full of tracks that didn’t make it onto their forthcoming album? In this episode of ‘We Need To Talk’, Mez sits down with Nyla Simone to explain the inspiration behind his ‘Loading’ EP, featuring collaborations with notable artists like Childish Major, St John, Mavie, and Leon Bridges. Mez opens up about the in-person studio sessions where these songs were created and shares his vision for achieving a life where happiness, family, and career coexist in harmony.
Mez brings a wealth of experience from the music industry, having worked with icons such as Dr. Dre, Kanye West, and J. Cole. He reflects on his time writing for Dr. Dre’s ‘Compton’ album and contributing to Kanye West’s ‘Life of Pablo’, as well as his experience directing music videos, including J. Cole’s diamond-certified “Middle Child.” Despite a temporary setback between 2015 and 2020, Mez remained active, participating in the ‘Revenge of the Dreamers’ sessions and featuring on the track “Costa Rica.”
Throughout the interview, Mez underscores the importance of consistency across his creative ventures—music, directing, and design. He speaks about his approach to personal growth, focusing on finding joy in the process rather than the outcome. An avid anime fan, Mez also shares his love for shows like ‘Demon Slayer’ and ‘Naruto’. Looking ahead to the release of his next album, Mez stresses the importance of maintaining consistency in his artistic journey. The conversation offers a deep dive into Mez’s career, creative approach, and personal philosophy.