Do Ya?

Music lovers who have the habit of hearing a song for the first time, and then go on to play it one hundred more times to chase the feeling of the first time they heard it, need this album in their life. From the moment I heard Los Angeles-based producer and musician Jamie Sierota's intro track, “Not Sure How This Ends” while walking my dog through the park, I knew I was going to have this album on repeat. “Do Y a?” has everything a debut album needs, a full discography of songs that speak on the feelings of forgotten youth and transition listeners into adulthood.

Meija's debut album "Do Y a?" is an impressive blend of indie-pop, rock, and electronic elements that showcase Meija’s unique sound and style. It differs from their hit single “Buttons” in the sense that the songs have deeper connotations and more of a rock feel than the floaty feeling that “Buttons” provides. The album makes listeners question the connection they have with the world around them, as Meija wants us to question what we really know, hence the name “Do Ya?”. It is important to let go and realize it is okay to not know and let go, and that message is exactly what is portrayed through the songs in this project. The album opens with the powerful and upbeat “Not Sure How This Ends”, which sets the tone for the rest of the album. “Not Sure How This Ends” explores the feeling that everything is out of reach and the struggle to stop feeling like you are at the ends wit, gasping for air. The rest of the album follows a similar theme, exploring the way we navigate society and how every day is a new challenge that we must take the leap to explore. Meija's dynamic vocals are on full display throughout the album, as they effortlessly switch between soaring high notes and sultry lower registers.

One of the standout tracks on the album is "No More Excuses", which features a driving beat and infectious hooks that will have listeners tapping their feet and singing along. “No More Excuses” provides us with a look into Meija’s brain as they try to harness their personal actions and take accountability for them instead of looking towards others to blame. Another highlight is "Time For Us", a slower, more introspective track showcasing Meija's vulnerable side and ability to convey emotion through their music. “Time For Us” is a religious deconstruction piece that illustrates Meija’s experience of finding rational explanations for the world around him and finding the strength to let go with the realization that you can't control everything. Meija also produced a wonderful music video that illustrates these feelings, which I recommend to listeners who resonate with this track.

Meija has made a full transition, from being the lead singer of “Echosmith” to creating an album that showcases personal experience. This album allowed Meija to produce something from the heart that was solely theirs, and you can feel this while listening through the album. It is a raw set of songs that makes listeners feel longing, love, and loss from track to track. This album provides real experiences that any listener can relate to, which is a hard feat to accomplish, but it has been done in “Do Ya”?

Overall, "Do Y a?" is an impressive debut album that showcases Meija's talent as a singer, songwriter, and producer. The album is full of powerful vocals and infectious beats that will keep listeners returning for more. Meija's unique sound and style sets them apart from other artists in the indie-pop and rock genres, and "Do Y a?" is a must-listen for anyone looking for inspiring and exciting new music.