By Colin 
MEI-KA continues to push at the edges of genre on her new single ‘Perfume’. Based in London but originally from San Francisco, she blends electronic pop, soul and storytelling in a way that feels both intimate and exploratory. On this latest track, she delivers one of her most heartfelt moments yet – a warm, glitchy tribute to home, distance and the people we miss.
‘Perfume’ sees MEI-KA move further into emotional pop, though her production retains a playful, fluid quality. There is a lightness in the sonic palette, but a heavy ache in the message. The lyrics explore the pain of being far from loved ones, balancing that loss with the joy of remembering them. Whether they are still part of your life or long gone, the memory lingers like a familiar scent.
The track is rooted in MEI-KA’s personal experience. Having moved across the world three years ago, she has learned to live with distance as a constant. In her own words, this song is “a love letter to all the people I miss.” That sentiment threads through every line and note. It does not over-explain or dramatise. Instead, it simply invites you to sit in that space – the one between missing and remembering.
A subtle celebration of ordinary connection
What makes ‘Perfume’ stand out is how gently it holds its emotion. There is no theatrical climax, no sweeping declarations. Instead, MEI-KA lets the tension build slowly, echoing how distance stretches time. Her vocal is steady and clear, often sitting just above the instrumentation, as if speaking directly to someone from across a continent. It is a song for quiet train rides, sleepless nights, and solo walks through places that once felt shared.
The quote she includes – “everything is so special and lovely, but I want them to know that I want the mundane moments and the taken-for-granted moments with them too” – captures the heart of it all. It is not about grand reunions. It is about everyday things. The sounds, smells and gestures that link us to those we love.
Review
‘Perfume’ is one of MEI-KA’s most cohesive tracks to date. Every element supports the central emotion, from the minimalist glitch-pop beat to the carefully layered harmonies. The songwriting is subtle but intentional, never drifting too far into abstraction. Her voice, both vocally and lyrically, feels grounded in real experience, which keeps the emotion relatable.
There is a quiet confidence in how the track holds back. Rather than chasing intensity, MEI-KA leans into nuance. That restraint gives the song more power. It does not need to shout to be heard. With ‘Perfume’, she offers a soft, nostalgic space for reflection – and it is a space well worth spending time in.
You can pre-save ‘Perfume’ here and you can follow MEI-KA here…