All-new partnership MRCY have shared debut single ‘Lorelei’.
A new name, but some familiar faces. MRCY hinges on the combination of producer Barney Lister and vocalist Kojo Degraft-Johnson, two artists from different towns, with different backgrounds, but an intimate understanding of the way one another make music.
Out now, ‘Lorelei’ is their first statement, and it’s a beautiful piece of modern soul. The production is crisp, clinical nodding to the past while also embracing cutting edge studio techniques.
Nodding to greats like Marvin Gaye or Donny Hathaway, you can also point to parallels with the likes of Anderson .Paak or even Sault’s orchestral soul constructions.
“It’s like hearing a distant memory,” Barney says, “but one that speaks to where you are now.”
“Lorelei’ is about being in a romantic situation that you know will result in heartbreak,” Kojo adds, “but you’re too under the spell to get out of it. The lyrics come from the ancient tale of Lorelei, a mythical creature that leads navigators and those sailing to their demise with its beauty and song – “I thought I saw you walking by the river side” and “the summer storm’s still on my mind.”
Tune in now.
Catch MRCY supporting Black Pumas on their upcoming UK tour.
Photo Credit: Ben Quinton
