Meels Releases "Northern Star" After Grand Ole Opry Debut
Meels has released "Northern Star," a new single through Lost Highway Records that follows her Grand Ole Opry debut. The Northern California singer-songwriter performed the song at the Opry on October 28, alongside the unreleased "Over Miles," before sharing the studio recording on November 6.
Written by Meels and produced by Justin Francis and Peter Groenwald, "Northern Star" explores the strain of leaving someone behind while holding onto a connection across distance. It continues the blend of folk, Americana and country she calls "Critter Country."
A song about the road
"I wrote 'Northern Star' about the contradiction of chasing a dream while the dream chases you back," Meels says in the release. "It's about the harsh realities of the road, the people and little creatures that keep you grounded from afar, and the magical connection that music provides."
That explanation places movement and attachment side by side. The new release arrives after a fall spent touring with Old Crow Medicine Show, and ahead of December dates supporting Kaitlin Butts. An official video accompanies the single. Listen through the official release link.
From Mill Valley to Lost Highway
Raised among the redwoods of Mill Valley, California, Meels released her debut EP Tales from a Bird's Bedroom in 2024. Her follow-up, Across The Raccoon Strait, arrived through Lost Highway in January 2026.
August's "Lonely USA" opened the next stretch of releases, with "Northern Star" now extending a body of work that connects travel, home and the natural world. The new song keeps the attention on the relationships that remain in place when a musician's working life keeps moving.
Her announced December itinerary includes College Station on December 10, Helotes on December 11, Corpus Christi on December 12 and Oklahoma City on December 17. The College Station, Corpus Christi and Oklahoma City appearances are listed as support dates with Butts.
For Meels, the Opry performance and studio release give "Northern Star" two settings within the same chapter: a milestone stage appearance followed by a recording built around the less visible emotional costs of being on the road.