Finding healing through songwriting
George Bernard Shaw once said, "A Native American elder once described his own inner struggles in this manner: 'Inside of me there are two dogs. One of the dogs is mean and evil.'
Natasha Meister is the only woman in Africa endorsed by both Fender (USA) and Lakewood (Germany) guitar makers. Picture: Vanessa Correia Meninamay
The other dog is good. The mean dog fights the good dog all the time.’ When asked which dog wins, he reflected for a moment and replied, ‘The one I feed the most’.”
All humanity is involved in something far greater than themselves: the struggle between good and evil. It is a recurring theme throughout human history. While some don’t feel it is necessarily a central issue, it is fair to say that our choices ultimately define who we are.
Award-winning singer-songwriter Natasha Meister writes about her personal experience on this topic not only as a cathartic process, but in the hope that listeners can relate and share their own struggles. This is especially true of a song titled Shadows, Meister’s favourite track off her new EP, What Goes Around, produced by Theo Crous (Prime Circle, Elvis Blue, Parlotones).
Revaughn Sackanary, Natasha Meister and Lance Rhoda. Picture: Vanessa Correia Meninamay
She says, “I’ve recently drawn closer to God again after a major backslide of regrets. When I finally opened my eyes again, I had to write a song about my experiences.”
It’s not uncommon for a musician to share their personal struggles through their music, but Meister’s no-holds-barred approach is profound.
“I find it easiest to lyrically and musically write about what I’ve experienced first-hand. I’ve been through my own heartbreaks and pain just like everybody else, and that’s what gives the songs heart,” she says.
Shadows makes references to good and evil and the fight to choose a side. When asked which side Meister has chosen, she says “good” but warns that the battle is an ongoing one.
“Good and evil can co-exist at the same time and in the same place, but they will never live in peace together as it is a constant battle between the two. That’s why we always have a choice in everything. We are constantly being tested in this life in all we do, and the temptation to sin is always there and appealing. So it’s a continuous spiritual fight.”
The song will give fans a good idea of what’s to come on the full album, which comprises a mix of old and new material. Three are reprised versions of songs taken from her debut album Half Way, with Meister choosing to strip them down to more vocally driven melodies that add emotion.
“They’re about letting go of past heartbreaks and letting go of the old me,” she says.
“I wanted to give my fans rawer versions of some of my old songs because I wanted them to connect better with my lyrics, just guitar and voice, which I feel finally serves the songs justice – the way they were meant to be heard.”
Meister performs both as a solo artist and as part of the Natasha Meister Band, which recently welcomed drummer Lance Rhoda, who has performed with the likes of Danny K, Loyiso and David Kramer.
Meister is the only woman in Africa endorsed by both Fender (USA) and Lakewood (Germany) guitar makers. Pictures: Vanessa Correia Meninamay
