Meeting the Master

"Meeting the Master"
Single by Greta Van Fleet
from the album Starcatcher
Released	April 7, 2023 (2023-04-07)
Recorded	2021
Length	5:12
Label	Republic
Songwriter(s)	Jake Kiszka Josh Kiszka Sam Kiszka Danny Wagner
Greta Van Fleet singles chronology
"Built by Nations" (2021) "Meeting the Master" (2023) "Sacred the Thread" (2023)

"Meeting the Master" is a song by American rock band Greta Van Fleet. It was released as the first single from their third album, Starcatcher.

Background

The song was written while the band was working on their third album, and was then recorded during the Starcatcher sessions in 2022. They debuted the song on March 24, 2023, during their "Dreams in Gold Tour",[1][2] and the track was released to the public on April 7, 2023, on digital media.[3][4][5]

Composition and themes

Melodic Magazine reviewed the song saying "Liquid-like riffs, powerhouse vocals and billowing percussion make 'Meeting the Master' a proper introduction to Starcatcher and its existential themes."[6] "'Meeting the Master' peers into an esoteric world heeded by the word of a wise teacher," the band explained in a statement. "Sung in the voice of a devout believer, and eventual group exclamation, the song details the love these fervent followers have for their teacher and their firm belief in his vision. It's an exotic spiritual journey. A dark comedy that inevitably ends in chaos."[7][8]

Release and reception

The song was released on digital media on April 7, 2023.[9] The song was met with mixed reviews as some fans liked the new softer rock approach, but some wanted the band to stick to the hard rock style from their original EP Black Smoke Rising.[10]

Personnel

Greta Van Fleet

• Joshua Kiszka – vocals, background vocals
• Jacob Kiszka – guitar, backing vocals
• Samuel Kiszka – bass guitar, keyboards, background vocals
• Daniel Wagner – drums, background vocals

Technical

• Dave Cobb – production
• Greg Gordon – engineering
• Phillip Smith – additional engineering
• Greg Gordon – mixing
• Dave Cobb – mixing
• Pete Lyman – mastering

Charts

Chart (2023)	Peak position
Poland Airplay (TopHit)[11]	52
US Hot Hard Rock Songs (Billboard)[12]	4
US Mainstream Rock (Billboard)[13]	12
US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard)[14]	33
US Rock Airplay (Billboard)[15]	16

References

1. Paul, Larisha (March 1, 2022). "Greta Van Fleet Extend 2022 'Dreams in Gold' Tour With Second North American Leg". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
2. "Greta Van Fleet - Meeting The Master (Song Debut) – Live @ Honda Center – Anaheim, CA – Mar 24, 23". YouTube. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
3. "Meeting The Master". YouTube. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
4. "Meeting The Master". Spotify. April 7, 2023. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
5. "Meeting The Master Digital Single". Greta Van Fleet Official Store. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
6. Clarke, Paige (April 7, 2023). "Greta Van Fleet are "Meeting The Master" Ahead of Upcoming Album, Starcatcher". Melodic Magazine. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
7. B, Sam (April 11, 2023). "Greta Van Fleet is Back with New Single 'Meeting The Master'". Raised Rowdy. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
8. Haley (April 7, 2023). "Greta Van Fleet Release New Single "Meeting The Master"". Nerds and Beyond. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
9. Lewrypublished, Fraser (April 7, 2023). "Greta Van Fleet launch new album Starcatcher with epic Meeting The Master single". Louder. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
10. B, Sam (April 11, 2023). "Greta Van Fleet is Back with New Single 'Meeting The Master'". Raised Rowdy. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
11. "Meeting The Master – Greta Van Fleet - TopHit - Highway To Airplay". TopHit. Retrieved May 21, 2024.
12. "Greta Van Fleet Chart History (Hot Hard Rock Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
13. "Greta Van Fleet Chart History (Mainstream Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
14. "Greta Van Fleet Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs)". Billboard.
15. "Greta Van Fleet Chart History (Rock Airplay)". Billboard.