MES Unplugged: Energy, Vision, and BASS

by: Alexandria Magana

Introducing MES

Every scene has its trailblazers—the ones who arrive with a sound that feels both fresh and necessary. In Atlanta, MES is that artist. A producer, DJ, and Vocalist, MES brings a unique take on bass music that blends grit, emotion, and energy into an experience that sticks with you long after the music stops.

In this interview, we dig deep into MES’s musical origins, influences, creative mindset, and what’s next for him in the evolving soundscape he’s building.

Interview with MES

Inside The Realm: Can you share a little about how you first got into music and what led you into producing/Djing/Vocalist?

MES: There were a number of experiences throughout my life that ultimately shaped my route to becoming a producer, songwriter, and vocalist. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been a creative and knew I wouldn’t pursue a traditional avenue in life, but it took many years for my passions to evolve to a place of certainty in my career path. I began my journey as a travel videographer, vlogger, and photographer, spending years exploring countries and experiencing other cultures. Eventually, my work began to gain the attention of artists in the music industry - some of whom were Grammy Award-winning - so, as expected, my focus gradually shifted toward doing visual work for producers, DJs, and vocalists. I worked on everything from music videos and tour videography to recaps, show visuals, and more.

At this point, I was integrating audio elements into every video project I made and became very inspired by the many artists I had built friendships with, which made me more interested in the idea of music production and song creation. I had always dreamed of learning production but previously thought it would be too far-fetched, until I began realizing that all of these people in my circle were once in my position too. Fast forward about a year or so, and the first wave of COVID hit. During this period, there was pretty much no work, as most people were forced to quarantine, which finally allowed me the opportunity to dive into learning production.

From that point on, I spent about 15 hours a day locked in at my computer, teaching myself the fundamentals of music production and songwriting through a combination of trial and error and YouTube videos. After producing for about a year, I began releasing music, and very shortly after, I received my first show opportunity… to play direct support for my friend DirtySnatcha on his tour stop in ATL, which I of course couldn’t turn down. At this point, I hadn’t even touched a CDJ (or any DJ controller for that matter), and I had a month to learn. So I was pushed to learn how to DJ in that short window of time, and the rest is history!

Inside The Realm: What does the name “MES” mean to you?

MES: The name MES actually has a dual meaning! My real name is “Michael E. Shapiro,” which sounds like a lawyer or doctor name, so I gravitated toward using my initials instead. I also liked the idea of “MES” because I truly am a mess at times! I’ve always felt different, or like an outcast, and I think that’s something a lot of people who are passionate about music and art resonate with and relate to -  no one is perfect by any means.

Inside The Realm: How would you describe your sound to someone who’s never heard your music before?

MES: I would say that my sound is overarching dark, high-energy, melodic, emotional, and evocative. Most of the music I create exists in the realm of Dark-Rocktronic, Melodic Bass, Punk Rock, and Dark-Trap, with anthemic, vocal-driven verses and impactful, heavy drops that make you FEEL.

Inside The Realm: What influences—musical or non-musical—shape the energy you bring to your sets and productions?

MES: A lot of my energy comes from real-life emotions. Everything I’ve been through, from heartbreak to healing, fuels how I perform and produce. I’m all about turning raw feelings into something powerful and uplifting. Even when the music hits hard, there’s always love behind it. I’m also super influenced by the duality of things spiritually - I’ve got this naturally bright, golden-retriever energy in person at times, but my music channels darker, heavier emotions. That balance between light and chaos is what gives my sets so much energy.

Inside The Realm: Do you have a particular track or mix you’ve made that feels most “you,” and why?

MES: While all of the music I create feels like “me,” one particular song that I really feel to my core (and that was a massive release of built-up energy and emotion to create) is an unreleased track called “In My Head,” which is a collab with my friend Johnny (LEGIONSOUND) that we’ll be putting out later this year. The production embodies the direction I’m taking my project, and it’s also a very intimate and relatable song lyrically.

Inside The Realm: Being part of Atlanta’s scene, what do you feel makes it unique compared to other places?

MES: Nothing compares to the scene in Atlanta in my opinion. There’s so much love in the community here, and the music market is so versatile that there’s a place for anyone who is passionate, talented, and kind. The support I’ve received here from day one as I’ve continued to grow is really indescribable and something I’m immensely grateful for.

Inside The Realm: How do you hope your music impacts the people who hear it?

MES: Truly, the entire reason I do what I do is to create impact and let people know they’re not alone — through storytelling and connecting with others through shared experiences. My hope is that by sharing these intimate moments of my life, from traumas to heartbreak, people will be able to relate and feel safe knowing they’re not by themselves on this journey, and that we’re all a little broken in our own ways.

I also hope a lot of my music leaves people with feelings of empowerment and resilience, as even much of the messaging in the darker songs I create evolves throughout to reinforce how I came out of a situation stronger than I was going into it. I want people to be able to cry happy tears and feel a sense of optimism through the euphoric love songs I occasionally make as well.

Inside The Realm: What’s been one of your favorite moments performing so far?

MES: One of my favorite moments performing so far has been the set I played at Elements Festival. It was a 3 p.m. set and I expected minimal turnout, as it was also my first time playing in Pennsylvania - but to my surprise, hundreds of people packed out the stage early and many were singing the words to my songs. It was a special day that will forever be a core memory, no matter how far I take the MES project.

Inside The Realm: What can we expect from MES in the near future?

MES: I have collabs coming out every month now for the foreseeable future, many with people I’ve wanted to work with for quite some time! I actually just released a new song this past week, “If I Die Young” with Riot Ten and Stoutty on their project Pushing Daizies. I’m also putting the final touches on my debut EP, which I’m beyond excited to announce - it’ll be a really special way for me to showcase the direction my production is heading.

Inside The Realm: If you could collab with any artist right now, who would it be and what kind of track would you want to make together?

MES: Honestly, there are quite a few I could name, but someone who would be incredible to work with is Tate McRae. Her vocals and storytelling are angelic. I’d love to make a hybrid melodic bass meets punk rock track with her.

Inside The Realm: What’s something about you outside of music that your fans might not know but would be surprised to hear?

MES: I’m actually a really silly guy. I am very warm and enthusiastic. Many people know this about me, but given that I embody a “dark, emotional” persona in my artistry and stage presence at times, I could see this being a surprise to some fans when we connect after sets.

Inside The Realm: If your sound was a “realm,” what would it look like, feel like, or vibe like? 

MES: My realm would be a peaceful place where you’re free to let everything out… the rage, the heartbreak, and the hope - and feel safe doing it. Visually, it would be a surreal world, almost like something out of Avatar, glowing in monochromatic blue, full of dreamlike landscapes, unpolluted oceans teeming with life, and forests that breathe with light. The realm would have places of darkness, but it would still be calm, serene, and healing.

Closing Thoughts

Talking with MES, it’s clear that his artistry runs deeper than sound—it’s about transformation, vulnerability, and connection. From his beginnings as a visual storyteller to his relentless dive into music during the pandemic, MES has shaped a project that is both raw and healing, balancing heavy, emotional drops with uplifting, empowering messages. His ability to channel heartbreak, chaos, and resilience into music creates a world where listeners can feel seen, safe, and inspired.

Atlanta’s community has embraced him from the start, and it’s easy to see why—his passion, authenticity, and gratitude radiate both on and off stage. Whether it’s hundreds of fans singing along at a festival set or the intimate release of a track that embodies his journey, MES continues to carve out a unique space in the scene. With a debut EP on the horizon and collaborations lining up, this is only the beginning of a project built on impact, relatability, and unshakable energy.

MES’s realm isn’t just a sound—it’s a place you step into, where emotion and power collide, and where being “a little broken” is what makes the experience whole.

You can stream MES’s music on Spotify, SoundCloud, and Apple Music, and keep up with his latest releases across all major platforms.

Big thanks to MES for stepping Inside the Realm with us here at Atlanta Rave Realm — stay tuned for more spotlights on the artists shaping our community.