Critically acclaimed one-man-operated Irish punk band from Dublin, Meryl Streek, has released another gripping and thoroughly hopeful punk track about the courage to let go of others’ opinions and judgments, encouraging yourself throughout the entire way. “Rags to Riches” is a bold statement on taking opportunities as they come, and trying things in life while you can, even if harsh critics and internet trolls see you as a clown.
This is not Meryl Streek’s first swing and hit with music critics; his album Songs for the Deceased received the incredible honor of being named one of Louder’s ‘Best Punk Albums of the Last Decade’, shining next to albums from Against Me!, Mannequin Pussy, Turnstile, and Amyl and the Sniffers.
It wouldn’t be an outstanding punk artist without crushing truths and astute observation about the world around us, including the passage of time. Time itself is crucial when pursuing an authentic life, and Meryl Streek tells us why.
“I took a chance with this project and if I had never taken the jump I wouldn’t be here right now. Things aren’t always as hard as they seem. It’s about having the courage to let go of people holding you back and encouraging yourself that you can do it.” – Meryl Streek
This new single makes its debut with a Meryl Streek video that’s nothing short of original, humorous, and to a greater point. Shot in the home of Meryl’s youngest fan ‘Mini Meryl’ with the help of his friends and family, the video depicts Meryl Streek dressed in clown gear at a birthday party, mirroring how the trolls on social media and the modern world take aim (figuratively and literally) at those brave enough to do the dance, so to speak.
Meryl Streek delves deeper into the meaning and thoughtful provocations behind the video for “Rags to Riches,” empathizing with artists in a similar position:
“I really feel for emerging bands and artists right now; it takes a lot of vulnerability to put yourself out there when online ‘critics’ who are usually just projecting their own unhappiness, are waiting to tear you down. The clown in the video represents that struggle: he’s doing his absolute best, but the kids just aren’t interested.”
The “Rags to Riches” song is centered on a steady and upbeat tempo, laced with steady, striking keys and an ambient counter melody tucked into the background. His lyrics take the lead in their undying spirit of making use of the time we have:
From rags to riches, riches to rock bottom, scratching what’s left of my eyes and melt
And if you’re gonna do it wrong, at least pretend you’re doing it right
Internet critics be damned, though. The new documentary Rage Against the Dying of the Light premiered at Galway’s Pálás Cinema on Thursday, July 9, as part of the Galway Film Fleadh. The film follows Meryl Streek’s uncompromising music on tour, his spine and stomach for activism, and remarkable stretches of empathy in the face of a despairing world. Set for a wider release next year in 2027, the film features contributions from John Robb, Deb Grant, Pete Holidai and Oliver Ackerman. Pretty sure that’s nothing to be calling categorically “clown behavior.”
Having featured collaborative artists in the past like Cal Graham (The Chisel), Kingsley Hall (Benefits) and Oliver Ackerman (A Place to Bury Strangements), other musicians, speakers and comedians have joined Meryl Streek among his other releases. ‘Rotten Fruit’ features Steve Ignorant of anarcho art collective CRASS. ‘Depression’ begins with words from a late friend and music lover, Liam Norton, accompanied by the guitars of Pete Holidai from The Radiators From Space. Comedian Phil Jupitus features on the outro of ‘The Chancer’ while tracks like ‘Housing For All’ contain audio from Derelict Ireland campaigners Frank and Jude.
Meryl Streek is no stranger to sharing the world from his lens and experiences, calling out the ugly truths while gaining steam to enact change for a better world. Artist and thoroughly impressive human being, Meryl Streek, offers more than just art. His tracks speak to compassion, resilience, and the vital nature of sharing community. His fellow Irish artist, Sinead O’Connor, had this to say on her 1990 protest song ‘Black Boys on Mopeds’: “To say what you feel is to dig your own grave”. Meryl Streek, armed with a mic and a shovel, is clearing earth as he lays it all out for us.
Written by Samson Winsor
Need help promoting your song?
Submit your (new or old) single, here.
Submit an EP or LP, here.
Submithub Discount Code, here.
Request Your Song Be Used in a TikTok (25K) or IG Reel (135K), here.
Intellijend Campaign Discount, here.
Sound Campaign $30 Discount, here.
