Q&A: Mercer Henderson & The Art of Her Storytelling
Photo by @dan.franco on IG
Mercer Henderson is an upcoming indie-pop artist based in New York City. Her recent single release, What You Wanted showcases her incredible storytelling that listeners can relate to She explores topics close to her heart, poetically conveying human emotions. Working alongside Jackson Riley and Spike Stent, What You Wanted contains stellar lyricism and emotion-invoking production. Its gripping hook showcases that Mercer’s world is based on storytelling and how important stories are to her song production.
Currently supporting breakthrough UK-based artist Dylan on her North American tour while preparing for her upcoming EP release, I had a chance to chat with Mercer about What You Wanted.
REVERIE: Hi Mercer! First off, thank you for doing this interview with me. I really want to know what inspired you to pursue music?
Mercer: Thank you so much for taking the time; I really appreciate it!! Music has always been central to who I am. I started singing and playing piano when I was six years old, and by age seven, I landed my first leading role in a musical. That experience is still so vivid for me; it really was the 'ah-ha' moment and the catalyst for my wanting to be a performer.
REVERIE: Congratulations on What You Wanted! How did you come up with the title for the track?
Mercer: The song's name really captures the essence of its narrative and chorus. It represents the uncertainty of getting mixed signals from a friend who is maybe more than a friend, but you're not quite sure about it, so you keep trying things to figure out what they and you really want.
REVERIE: What influences your songwriting process?
Mercer: I am a relationship-driven songwriter; I love observing the complexities of relationships and then coming up with themes that articulate those experiences. I often find myself writing at night influenced by something that happened during the day or something I have seen, like people interacting on the subway or in Wash Square Park.
REVERIE: Do you take instances from your own life and apply them to your writing?
Mercer: 100% - almost every song I have ever written has pieces of my life woven into the lyrics. Honestly, I don't know how to write any other way; I think it is important to show a range of emotions and be vulnerable and relatable. For example, "What You Wanted" was literally my life for a few months last year.
REVERIE: Are there themes you try to focus on?
Mercer: Relationships are a major theme for me but with a kick. Thematically, I want my music to convey relatable stories that take the listener on a journey, and then, just when they feel like they know where the song is going, I like to hit them with a banger chorus.
REVERIE: What do you think you'd be pursuing if you weren't a musician?
Mercer: This is so random, but I think I would consider medical school. I really love helping people. Furthermore, I have always loved the sciences in general. I am still a full-time student at NYU, and in addition to being at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, I am minoring in the sciences.
REVERIE: What was the experience working with Jackson Riley & Spike Stent like?
Mercer: Just the fact that you are asking me this is mind-blowing. There are no words to adequately express how grateful I am to work with the most brilliant team in the business. They make everything sound incredible; literally, I have never experienced anything like it. Jack and I wrote "What You Wanted" during our first session together. I spilled all the tea for him (as I do in every session), and we developed the concept of "two hard-hitting guitar chords and then the 'I thought this was what you wanted' hard-hitting lyric." From there, we painted the picture of what has turned into my favorite release yet. Also, getting the opportunity to work with Spike Stent (who has worked on almost all of my favorite records) is almost surreal—I just could never have imagined Spike would work on one of my songs.
REVERIE: How did you want What You Want to sound like?
Mercer: I wanted it to really build, moving from a lyrical journey to a pounding release of frustration. I want the listener to want to scream by the time the bridge hits. The build-up of production/vocal chains has to be my favorite part of the song. Similar to my release "Bad Timing," I wanted the listener to be taken on a journey from the slower, more stripped beginning to the hard-hitting end.
REVERIE: How did you know it was done?
Mercer: I have the best team and group of friends who listen to everything I write. My friends are my target audience and are very, very honest with me about how the songs make them feel. I know it's done when they say things like, "Is that about me?" (LOL), but in all seriousness, I truly am so blessed to be surrounded by such an incredible team and supportive community. Hearing Spike's final mix and one of my managers saying, "I almost cried listening to this - it is like a whole different song," and I also got emotional listening to it. That is when I knew "What You Wanted" was ready to take the world by storm.
REVERIE: How is your personality reflected in the song?
Mercer: It has a bit of my optimism and willingness to try to figure out what makes certain relationships work.
REVERIE: What are five essentials you bring to shows?
Mercer: I love this question. I always have honey/throat coat tea, KIND bars, my R+Co hair refresh products (for 'the bangs'), show makeup, and my steamer.
REVERIE: If you could play at any music festival, which one would you want to play?
Mercer: Without hesitation, my dream festival is Lollapalooza. It is my absolute favorite festival experience, but of course, I would love to play a number of different festivals.
REVERIE: What's on the horizon for Mercer Henderson? What can fans expect?
Mercer: A lot more music is on the horizon. I finally have the right team and time to do more frequent releases. I also loved being on tour with Dylan, and it was the most incredible experience of my life! Not only is Dylan and her team incredible, but they have also helped me expand my fanbase, for which I am super grateful. I hope to do more touring over the summer or fall! I want to meet as many fans as possible so I can personally thank them for all the support.