Melting Every Heart: How m.e.h is Making Her Mark on Chicago
written by ea. osei
“My heart was my own sanctuary, until the fourteenth of February” sings m.e.h on the stirring ballad “What is a Valentine.” Whether mourning a past love, or simply mourning the idea of a potential love, the words of this song ring true for so many who have experienced this heartbreak. Chicago based singer-songwriter Megan Hammond, better known as m.e.h, recalls past Valentines Days never being memorable, that is until this year. “Honestly, none of them [Valentine’s Days] were memorable. But me and my partner have been dating for almost a year now, and will be celebrating our first Valentine’s Day together. So I’m excited to rewrite history! I just am really excited to be with someone that actually loves me and treats me the way that I deserve.”
It’s the first song I discovered from the power-house vocalist. She has a voice that’s warm and uniquely full of range, with the pen of a true poet. As she took the stage at Dorian’s, in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood, her voice filled the room, oozing into the street beckoning more people to come and witness. From covering Floetry’s “Say Yes” to premiering her single “Hiding,” Hammond’s vocals cut through whatever tipsiness lingered in the air, straight to the hearts of the crowd. From “What is a Valentine” released in 2022 to “Hiding,” in 2025 Hammond has explored all the sides of love; the infatuation, the loneliness, the blues! But even before she started releasing music, before ever having a first love, Hammond would write and perform countless R&B ballads for her friends and family.
“When I was a child, like five, I used to write my family songs and do a little performance for them. I was just making little R&B songs like I had a man or something. I would just be making up the lyrics and singing, and I’d put on a whole show. Just running around like the Leo I am like, ‘Mom, Dad, guys…, look at me!’”
Born and raised in Baltimore, the soulful Leo began playing violin and singing as a child, but started taking her music seriously as she settled into high school. “I started doing vocal lessons when I was in high school, I was probably 14. My vocal coach did a program that was called ‘The Lead Singer,’ so my mom signed me up.” As soon as she started performing through this program, she knew this was her calling. “At first I was really timid, of course. But when I really become confident with it, Oh, I couldn’t be stopped!”
She originally came to Chicago in 2018, attending Columbia College and studying Contemporary, Urban and Popular Music. “I love music, and what it does to people. We have the ability to give people a feeling, and that to me is like the most important thing ever. I’ve always wanted to do this.”
In early February, at a Dorian’s show, I got to talk with Megan more about her journey in music and what’s to come in 2025 — read more below!
Did you ever play an instrument?
Megan: Yes, I played the violin when I was younger. But now I play the piano and the guitar.
Oh that’s what’s up, what was or is your favorite?
I think the guitar. And I wanna be better at it.
When you were in school, did you also get involved with anything design or fashion-wise? Because It’s giving that!
M: Ah, thank you! I love fashion and I think fashion and music go hand in hand. It feels amazing to be a Black woman in music; to be able to do whatever the fuck I want with my hair, do whatever I want with my clothes, and use all the influence from so many people before us. It’s just, it’s amazing. I have a lot of fun, as you can see.
We can absolutely see! Ok back to music — your voice is so unique, but reminds me of the power of some of my favorite vocalists. Who did you look up to, or listened to, when you started singing?
M: Thank you! Honestly, Amy Winehouse is one of them. Erykah Badu. I just love the way that she sings and almost raps a little bit. She does this kind of rhythmic singing. I really like that; how she can go back and forth
I’m curious what your vocal warm ups look like?
M: Literally, my vocal coach and I do Zoom lessons, and I have this voice memo of our session and I do those vocal warmups in the shower because the steam. Sometimes I’m antsy when i do them, like I’m already ready for it to be done. So doing it while I’m in the shower helps it go by quicker. And i do those all the time, like everyday. A lot of things like massaging and just doing sounds and things like that. In terms of rehearsing, I like singing more rhythmically challenging songs like Constant Surprises by Little Dragon. Or like I don’t know Afro Blue, by Robert Glasper. Things that get me warmed up and challenge my vocal agility.
What’s your favorite venue you’ve performed in Chicago?
M: I think House of Blues. And it was such a special night for me because, obviously it’s House of Blues. But it just really gave me a taste of what’s to come. Lollapalooza was really fun too; it was stressful but I think I was just so excited, that i was stressing.
“Hiding” and “You Got me Like” are the newest releases out right now. I wanted to ask about “You Got Me Like,” and the story behind it.
M: I’ve been really wanting to focus on world creation in my current rollout, and just really deep cuts emotionally. I love “You Got Me Like” because it just reminds me of a part of my life that sucked, but it kinda puts into perspective where I am now and how far I’ve come emotionally and mentally. I feel like I was in a really low place, battling inner insecurities and things like that. I was allowing people to kinda come in and out of my life as they pleased. And now, I’m just not that girl anymore. Like, so it just feels really nice to sing songs like that, that I’ve written that make me feel like, damn, like you can do anything. Like you can seriously do anything. Like my girl, Doechii said, “You can do anything! You’re not too much.” So I’m taking up space in the best way this year.
What do you have coming up in 2025?
M: So actually I am working on an EP right now, like a full length EP. I don’t think I want to release an album quite yet. I’m still trying to get people to hear my stuff. But the EP will be seven songs. And I’m gonna be releasing a song every month until June.
So going back to You Got Me Like; if you were to put it on a playlist, or a set with 4–5 other songs give you a similar feeling, what would you choose?
M: Oh my god, this is a really good question. Hmm, Boom Bap one. I think Everything is in its Right Place, Radiohead. Doralice by Stan Getz and João Gilberto. And In my bed, Amy Winehouse.
Oh you’re a true Amy girly, I know that’s right! Like a Frank-era girly, yes
M: Oh Yes! Frank for sure
Lookout for her next single “her eyes” coming out March 21st. And be sure to keep up with @m.e.h.music___ on Instagram and m.e.h. on YouTube!
