MERCE is a Los Angeles-based artist who’s had a powerful impact on neo-soul throughout her career. As one of the original members of The Jazzyfatnastees, she’s collaborated with legendary musicians such as Stevie Wonder, The Roots, and De La Soul. Now, MERCE is coming into her own identity as a solo artist. Her elusive new single, “My Guy,” comes from her debut album ALIVE. MERCE’s album tackles themes of radical change, metamorphosis, and resilience. It’s clear that MERCE is stronger than ever on her bold and self-assured new single.
“My Guy” haunts the ear with ruminative synths, entrancing notes of percussion, and eerie harmonies that pull you closer to the heart of her track. The song is about letting the imaginary idea of what you thought someone could become go and facing reality. MERCE eases her way into acceptance, and in return, gets to know herself on a deeper level. The music video for “My Guy” is effortlessly hypnotic. The visuals capture different versions of MERCE meeting themselves. She wears an effervescent white gown, an intense black veil, and an inviting red dress. All of these versions combine into her true, highest self by the end of the track, representing a full-blown metamorphosis.
Revealing more on her track, MERCE confides, “My Guy is less about a guy I didn’t align with and more about reassuring myself that there’s no need to cry. Who or what is meant for me will not pass me by. The music is atmospheric and moody with a march-like quality that feels like the path I’m on, the twisting, winding road to my highest good.”
“My Guy” was created alongside collaborators Rick Friedrich (The Roots) and Kush Oxford (Estelle). ALIVE represents the beginning of a new era for MERCE as she navigates her relationship with music as a powerful solo artist, standing tall on her own two feet.
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