When Tessa Medina was four years old, she met her first love: New York City. Refusing to stay put in her stroller, she wanted to be out and about, experiencing the city firsthand with everyone around her.
Years later, she now calls the city home after moving from Baltimore to study at New York University when she was eighteen. Medina’s upbringing was marked by constant movement, as she shuttled between the suburbs of Baltimore and Washington DC, a life of perpetual transit. It wasn’t until she arrived at college that she experienced the novelty of returning to the same place every night. This newfound consistency made her realize the difficulty of staying put after a lifetime of perpetual motion. Throughout the ups and downs of her nomadic existence, one thing remained constant for Medina—her love for singing. From participating in multiple choirs to fronting a local punk-rock band, her voice was a steady companion.
“In Transit,” Medina’s debut EP, is a collection of songs she wrote from her college years to the present day. It serves as a poignant reminder of the transitional phase of young adulthood that has defined her life. The EP encompasses a variety of themes, offering relatable experiences for listeners at different stages of life and the ups and downs of dating. Whether it’s the encounter with a player in “F-Boy,” the disheartening feeling of never being good enough in “Detour,” the process of moving on from a once-promising relationship in “No Hate,” or the unexpected fairy tale ending in “John,” Medina’s songs capture the range of emotions that accompany the journey of love.
“In Transit” is more than just a musical offering; it is a love letter to Medina’s past self and a glimpse into her present-day diary. Through its melodies and lyrics, the EP conveys a sense of wistfulness, concern, and whimsical warnings for those navigating the tumultuous early years of adulthood. As Medina continues to grow, she recognizes that a part of her will forever be in transit. This collection of songs serves as an encapsulation of that ever-present emotion.
We sat down with Tessa to talk all about her incredible EP! Check out the conversation below!
