Following Mercia’s first official release and remix of I Still want in 2021, the Coventry based artist offers a full EP which consists of 5 pieces which explore and reflect his home town within the setting of breakbeat and UK bass. 6am starts off the exploration with ethereal atmospheres and lush piano before exploding into a full bodied breaks journey. 95 Bones’ remix follows this with a club ready acetate driven flip of the original which continues the story. The title track City Of Villains and Kiddah remix adds further spark to the package with a searing sub bass which is riddled with deep energy a syncopated reese bassline sharp breaks and shining accents before the EP is rounded off by the bubbling and energetic Hill Cross Flyover which closes out this journey channeling how we’ve all been feeling this past year waiting for the return of the dance; it carries Strictly Rhythm influence and a prescient vocal motif.
We have had the pleasure of interviewing Mercia and this has been the result.
Can you tell us a little about your experience? Where are you from / how did you get into music?
So my main experience from when I was younger was definitely playing the piano which then connected to my DJ Path. I’m from Coventry which is literally in the centre of the UK. I came from a family that was very musically driven and I think this is where is came from.
Who have been your main inspirations (both musical and in «life»)? And how have they affected your sound?
I started playing at a melodic techno event in London which my brother was the promoter and then from their my sound grew.
How would you define your sound?
I don’t like to pigeon hole myself to one genre but for Mercia I would define it as left field club music. It’s weird recently. I typically find inspiration from what I’m digging at that point. I would like to say it’s my own sound inter-winding the UK Jungle and breaks scene which has took off recently but with also the melodic elements from by past experience with piano and classical music.
How has your sound evolved so far?
It definitely changes with what I’m listening at the time but also what season we are in. I would say during the winter months I like to evolve my sound to much more darker and deeper sounds and with the summer months I like to reflect this in my music. But my sound is always evolving. The breakbeat and bass sound is definitely a cool sound. I just want to improve over time with each production.
What can you tell us about your last job? What inspired you? What do you want to convey?
My last job was insurance and I don’t really see this as a career. I spoke to an artist who a booked a few years back who was in the same boat as me. He found himself in insurance and wanted to pursue a career in music and is now a full time artist. I think it’s something I want to peruse but I need to keep level headed. At the end of the day, the music industry is the most cut throat business and having that backup grounds you.
What can you tell us about each song that makes up your latest work? What is hidden behind?
I would say not being able to see friends in the mist of lockdown but also the feeling of helplessness and not knowing what the future was. At the point of finishing these tracks, there was no end in sight and I was looking at the same 4 walls for 12 months. I think what is really hidden is how granted we take our freedom.
How are you living the current situation because of COVID? Has your work affected you a lot? Do you think there is hope? I feel like the underground scene will continue to persist.
With events it has taken a massive toll. Ticket sales across the board are slow for new promoter and even established promoters. I do hope it improves but there needs to be help form everyone from agents to venue owners for the scene to stay alive.
What projects are you working on right now?
So I have a few more tracks that are near completion for Mercia. I also have another alias under
which is more house and garage orientated, so keep an eye!
Artist: Mercia
Title: City Of Villains
Label: Motoring Records
Cat #: MTG008
Format: Digital
Genre: Breaks / Breakbeat / UK Bass
Release Date: 15/04/2022
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