Mekhi has carved out his own creative path while juggling work, school, and a band with a sound that is both heartfelt and heavy. In addition to playing guitar in a local post-hardcore band, he is a visual artist, a storyteller, a reliable friend, and someone who never seems to stop going, even when things get loud. “I would characterize the sound of my band as heavily modulated post-hardcore.” With the composed assurance of someone who has dedicated hours to pedals, practice, and accuracy, Mekhi states, “Generally we try to keep to a post-hardcore sound, but some songs lean more into other genres like shoegaze or emo.” Something deeper is reflected in that genre fluidity: a refusal to fit into a specific category. Similar to their music, which never stays still. It would be simple to neglect music when faced with a job that frequently lasts until almost ten o’clock at night and a mountain of homework. However, not for him. It can occasionally be difficult to strike a balance between work, school, and playing in a band, he acknowledges. “However, I attempt to balance them all by completing my coursework during class or after work. I will attempt to practice with my band on my days off. I always practice alone, though, if we are unable to solve a problem. I always look for the time, whether it’s five minutes or hours.” The discipline doesn’t remain invisible. It’s about being present every day, even when no one is looking, and it’s not just about notes and chords. And what keeps people coming back is this dependability combined with a genuine, unvarnished personality.
One friend says, “I think he’s a good guy who loves his friends,he has a tendency to criticize others, but I believe this is a result of his own self-criticism. It’s kind of funny and enjoyable to be around. Part of what makes Mekhi so appealing is his honesty, which can be incisive at times but is always genuine.” Individuals are drawn to those who are genuine, which for Mekhi means having the ability to go deeply one minute and have everyone in the room laughing the next. He cultivates friendships in the same manner that he creates songs, he builds friendships with time, intention, and the knowledge that the best things take time. Another friend recalls, “We met in a guitar class my junior year,” in a voice that is obviously filled with fond memories. “Outside Lands 2023 is a memory I treasure with him. When the drummer threw a stick into the crowd, we managed to catch it and began jumping after seeing Beabadoobee. I had never seen him so happy in my life.” Music should make you feel that kind of joy—pure, unadulterated, electric. It’s the emotion Mekhi seeks, whether he’s working late into the night on a digital video project or writing a song with his band. His inventiveness extends beyond sound.
“Pop punk music videos are a major source of inspiration for my film projects,” he says. They always have fantastic visuals to accompany the song, and they can be funny. The band Title Fight’s documentaries are among the other major sources of inspiration. His favorite film, a little-known masterpiece of cinematic passion, speaks volumes about him. “Marc Forster’s Stay is a film that I have a particular place in my heart,” Mekhi says. The story’s overall meaning and resolution, which highlight the difficulty of mental health and persevering through it, make it truly unique. That, along with the film’s fantastic soundtrack and images, is why “I enjoy it so much. I advise you to look it up if you have the time.”
Such vulnerability is uncommon, particularly in a scene that is frequently dominated by noise and distortion. However, Mekhi infuses the feedback with soul. From the first riff to the last rehearsal, he meticulously constructs his songs. “We usually take suggestions from everyone else after someone brings an idea or riff to practice,” he says. “It’s a lengthy process, though, and I won’t lie. You must ensure that you are not hurrying and that you are giving it your all.” Rushing has never been Mekhi’s style. It all comes down to being genuine and taking the time to create something positive and accurate. Additionally, he recognizes the importance of community, relationships, and the ability to get his band on stage.
“Having connections is the main way we get booked for shows,” he says. Eli, our guitarist, was able to establish positive relationships with local bands who were open to playing with us and were interested in our music. Your chances of getting booked increase with the number of connections you have.” Mekhi’s story is ultimately more than just that of a young band member. It tells the tale of a person who learns to give equal weight to their aspirations and obligations. It’s about finding joy in little accomplishments, like catching a drumstick in a crowd at a festival or finally locking in a song after weeks of trying, and about creating when it would be easier to give up.
He has the vision, the sound, and—above all—the heart.
