Inspired #144 - Emily Mercer
Manchester based singer-songwriter Emily Mercer has just released her new track ‘ Gallery’ - a slow building piano driven track that allows Emily’s vocals to bloom with a stunning deep tone. ‘Gallery’ explores the notion of giving up on control and losing one’s sense of self, Emily took a moment to talk to us about the inspirations behind the song.
Who are your top three musical inspirations?
My inspirations have changed a lot over time. In my teens it was undoubtedly the Dresden Dolls who I was completely obsessed with because their sound was so unique and fearless. They never strived to be palatable or radio friendly and just made art for its own sake. One artist who has inspired me throughout my whole life is Fiona Apple - I wish I had written every one of her songs. Her songwriting and lyricism just can’t be bested, she has such a poetic way and isn’t defined by a single genre. It shows less in my new music, but I have always been inspired by old jazz singers, Billie Holiday being one of my favourites because of the pure raw emotion in her voice.
Is there a certain film that inspires you?
I love quirky films with amazing soundtracks. A couple that come to mind are Amelie and Mary and Max. Both explore loneliness and unlikely friendships and inspire you to look for the beauty in the everyday. That and they both have amazing and emotional scores.
What city do you find most inspiring?
While I’d love to say something far flung and romantic, Leeds will always hold a special place for me. I went to uni there, played my first ever solo gigs there and basically learnt how to be a musician there. I still do a lot of my creating there.
Who is the most inspiring person to you?
It’s hard to say just one person! I’m inspired by my friends over any one person. I’m lucky to have a network of smart, creative and generally badass people who are all making the world a better place.
What were your inspirations when writing the track?
Gallery was one of those songs that appeared all in one go, which never ever happens for me. Normally I will be writing a song over the course of several months. I had just moved to a new city and felt a bit lost. I have a tendency to feel that everyone else knows what they are doing, I guess you would call it imposter syndrome, and that is a theme in the song. It’s also about being stuck in your head, feeling out of touch and like you don’t have a lot to give. So when I latched on to the metaphor of an art gallery it just flowed.
How would you like to inspire people?
I’d love to inspire people to be true to themselves, create what they want and not feel a need to conform to expectations. Having said that I’m definitely not there yet!