Interview – Kieran Mercer

By: Amanda Hather

Kieran Mercer is a pop artist under 604 Records. Previously the front man of Jackie Valentine (also under 604 Records), Mercer is now pursuing a solo career in pop music. His latest single “Real Thing”, released in July, demonstrates his attempt of giving pop music more substance than it has had in recent years. You can download his single off of iTunes here https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/real-thing-single/id675885776.

If you want to learn more about Kieran and his music, you can check out his websites below, and continue to read this interview.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kieranmercer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kieranmercermusic
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/KieranMercerMusic?feature=watch

What made you decide to pursue a solo career outside of Jackie Valentine?

KM: I actually always intended on being a solo act before Jackie Valentine happened… it just got put to the side when Jackie Valentine formed as a band. After JV ended it just seemed like a natural step to go solo and keep moving forward.

Who is your biggest musical influence?

KM: I actually have two… Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney. Michael is of course the industry standard of how far you can push your creativity and how far you can take your dream. With Paul its all about his songwriting and how he did it his way… ignoring how people say you should write a song.

What kinds of things inspire you to write new songs?

KM: Usually just good music… when I really get into a song or an album it inspires me to attempt to write something just as good… or at least try haha.

How does your single “Real Thing” compare to the rest of your EP? Does it have a similar sound?

KM: I wouldn’t say “Real Thing” has that much in common with the rest of the EP… i’m still honing in on what my solo sound is going to be. I will always be strongly influenced by artist from the 60′ 60’s and 80’s but I also want to keep things up to date with production of todays music. It is a really hard balance that I’m trying to find… I will get there though!

A lot of bands and artists are connecting with fans through social media. Do you think this is an important tool for musicians?

KM: Yes, musicians have a better shot at getting heard around the world now then bands of the past did… the trick is finding your own path in how to do that effectively tho.. I’m trying to get creative with how I get the audiences attention and keep it interesting… for example my fake Katy Perry interview or my goofy sitcom episodes.. I do the music side as well obviously haha but I want to keep it interesting and unpredictable.

If someone hadn’t heard your music before, how would you describe it to them? What song would you suggest they listen to first?

KM: hmm that’s hard because most of it isn’t released yet! haha. Pop… Pop/Rock? I would have to say “Give it to me” would give the listener a good idea of what kind of energy I want to bring to the audience.

Where is one place in the world where you would like to tour most?

KM: I would love to tour the states… I feel once you conquer the states, the whole world starts to catch on. First I have to conquer Canada!

When you write songs, what comes first, the lyrics or the melody?

KM: It’s never the same… it could be a great title idea… or melody that’s kicking around in my head… its different every time and I wouldn’t want to have it any other way.

What’s one thing your fans would be surprised to know about you?

KM: that I’m pretty shy and keep to myself sometimes… it takes awhile for me to break out of my shell when I meet someone new… which is the complete opposite of my music sometimes haha.

Did the fans of Jackie Valentine embrace your solo career in a positive way? Was it the reaction you hoped for?

KM: I think they have embraced it so far… some were a bit upset with JV split but they knew I wouldn’t stop making music so they have accepted the new stuff really well.

What’s next for you? 

KM: lots of plans to get into motion. the new EP of course … some more writing and recording and heading out on the road and hopefully head out to Toronto for CMW (Canadian Music Week)  in the spring.

Now for some quick answer questions:

What is the first song you remember listening to?

KM: Got my mind set on you ( George Harrison )

What was the first CD that you bought?

KM: “That Thing You Do” (Sound track)

Any guilty pleasures?

KM: One Direction

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

KM: Tokyo

What is your favourite childhood memory?

KM: Listening to my dads vinyl collection

Favourite flavour of ice cream?

KM: Strawberry

Favourite TV show/movie?

KM: Back to the Future

Favourite book?

KM: The Beatles Anthology

Favourite social media site?

KM: Vine

Cats or dogs?

KM: Dogs

Amanda Hather

I’m a Toronto girl born and raised but have been living in Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick since 2010. Music and writing are my two passions, so what better place for me to be than a writer with Canadian Beats? I have been writing for the blog since May of 2013 and have had so many great experiences because of it. I listen to almost every kind of music but my favourites are pop rock, rock, indie, folk, and any other combinations of them. Concerts are definitely my favourite place to be, especially when you’re right against the barricade and can feel the energy from the band and the crowd, everyone singing the same lyrics and moving to the music. I also have a college degree in Business Administration and hope to one day be able to publish a novel.