Meels Returns to Her Folk Roots in New EP “Across The Raccoon Strait”

With her upcoming single “Out West,” the rising singer-songwriter reconnects with the sounds that first shaped her.

At the recent 1824 press conference, Meels opened up about the next chapter of her career grounded in storytelling, sincerity, and a return to the folk music that raised her. With her new single “Out West” arriving January 30th along with her EP “Across The Raccoon Strait”, the artist gave an early glimpse into her refreshed sound and perspective.

Reflecting on her latest release “Vultures,” Meels described it as her “most classic folk song yet.” The transition from her 2022 project “Tales from a Bird’s Bedroom” marks a turning point in her artistry. “I grew up on classic folk,” she shared, referencing Joan Baez and Peter, Paul and Mary as key influences. While Tales was a collection of songs she “just wanted to get out” during college, she said this new record feels like “returning to who I am as a musician.”

Meels also discussed the narrative nature of her writing and how she connects modern life to folk’s long-standing storytelling tradition. “I think about it,” she said, “but the people who did that best — like Joan or Bob Dylan — are always in the back of my mind.”

Though much of her new material came to life in New York, Meels admitted the city wasn’t creatively inspiring. “It just felt like school,” she laughed. “I ended up writing about how excited I was to move to California.” That cross-country move going back to the place where she felt so creatively called to seems to have unlocked a new sense of creative freedom and warmth in her music.

During the Q&A, Meels revealed that “The Wizard” was her favourite song to write. A question by Strider Magazine also had Meel’s partner — who doubles as her brand manager and director — pop in briefly for the two to speak briefly about building her creative identity together. Their collaboration adds a personal layer to Meels’ evolving visual and artistic direction.

Press were also treated to an exclusive snippet of “Out West,” a track that’s already become a secret favourite and Meel’s personal favourite to perform live. The song leans fully into folk-country influences, with crisp production, rich harmonies, and the kind of effortless vocal flips that have become her signature. “It’s sooo folk country boy,” she joked, smiling at the crowd as she writes about moving back out west, not classically known as cowboy country but California counts right?

With “Out West” soon to arrive, Meels stands firmly in her element — blending timeless folk storytelling with the voice of a modern artist who’s finally found her way home.

By Jim Hughes