London-based singer-songwriter al coffey continues to establish himself as one of a growing number of LGBTQ+ artists bringing deeply personal storytelling into contemporary pop. Having spent years writing poems and songs privately, coffey began pursuing music more seriously during the 2020 lockdown before completing a Songwriting Master's degree at Tileyard Education in 2021. Since then, he has developed a style that pairs emotional honesty with accessible pop sensibilities, often drawing from real-life experiences to create songs that feel both personal and universally understood. His latest release, “nice meeting you, again”, is perhaps his most poignant offering yet.
Written by coffey alongside producer GETH, the track was inspired by his relationship with his grandfather and the gradual effects of memory loss. Built around delicate piano melodies, understated synths, and atmospheric production, the song unfolds with a quiet sense of patience, allowing its emotional weight to emerge naturally. Coffey’s gentle vocal delivery sits at the center of the arrangement, carrying the sadness and tenderness of watching a loved one slowly drift from familiar faces and memories. The result is a potent ballad that balances intimacy and restraint, creating space for both reflection and connection.
Rather than leaning into bitterness, “nice meeting you, again” is rooted in coffey’s own experience of spending time with his grandfather, listening as familiar stories are told and retold, even as recognition fades. “I still go and sit with him and listen to the same stories over and over,” coffey explains. “When I was younger, he used to tell me the same stories, but he knew who I was then. Now he often says ‘nice meeting you’ when I leave.” In doing so, the song becomes a quietly powerful portrait of memory, love, and the bonds that remain even as familiarity slips away.
Connect with al coffey: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
Photo credit: Ryan Mole
