Their Take / Our Take 007

Tyler Meacham
“Better Than I Used To Be”
Release Date: 08/27/2021

Their Take

Although this track presents itself as an upbeat left-of-center pop song, it deals with some of life’s heavier content—more specifically, my ongoing struggle with issues of anxiety & self-esteem. The verses are an admission of vulnerability & instability. It’s almost written like a conflict between two completely separate sides of myself, describing how much power my inner critic has when in the driver’s seat, often spinning conspiracies about my worthiness of love or belonging. So, I thought a lot about contrast when producing this track, which is most notable in guitar-world. The bridge section is a harsh departure from the comfortable pop structure, but I think lyrically it exemplifies what the song is about—squaring off with shame head-on and arriving in a place of acceptance with the darker sides of self. 

Our Take

When I think of Tyler Meacham’s songwriting, one word consistently comes to mind: honesty. Over the last few years, Meacham has put out song after song that truthfully and earnestly bares her heart and soul to the world. These are songs that boldly grapple with all the highs and lows that life can throw at us - pain and sorrow, love and joy, fear and adventure… But it’s not merely Meacham’s honesty with the listener that’s so striking; it’s her honesty with herself that’s on full display, a keen demonstration of self-awareness and understanding.

“Better Than I Used To Be” is the latest chapter in Meacham’s ongoing exploration of life’s complexities.  And this time, the focus turns solely to resilience in the face of self-doubt.  At first listen, “Better Than I Used To Be” almost feels like break-up song, pairing Meacham’s finely hued alt-pop sensibilities with lyrics that swing between themes of conflict and determination. But a closer listen sheds more light. To a certain degree, this is indeed a break-up song, but one that deals with a break-up between her and her former self and former struggles.  And ultimately, it’s not actually about any final dissolution, but rather it’s about the the spirit and fight that resides within that will continue to define her, even when doubt creeps back in.

With her new track, Meacham has proven once again to be one of the finest young songwriters and musicians in the Richmond scene.  Her music is endlessly catchy; her songs are effortlessly relatable; and her future is incredibly bright.

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