INTERVIEW + STREAM :: California artist Mercy Collazo

May 5, 2017 0 Comments

by Marina Yelensky…

Thank you SaintxBre!!! I went out for a little work and a little play and was able to meet this amazing artist, Mercy Collazo!! Her stage name is Mercy and Mercy has a rich history embodied by music. We spent some time talking about life and the music life while sitting at American Junkie at Hermosa Pier, California. With beautiful weather, people and vibes we dug into a little bio.

Mercy was 16 when she started doing music. One day “my mom says we’re moving. She puts me in independent studies. I was really sad”. Mercy’s grandpa had this guitar. Mercy always wanted to play it. One day she did. Growing up with brothers that were always in trouble, Mercy’s mother didn’t allow her outside. “After we moved, I continued to play the guitar. We were too poor to afford lessons.” Mercy was kicked out when she was 16. Mercy was also signed at 16. “I got out of the record deal because they said that I owed them a lot of money.” It was a long road and Mercy found herself in Hollywood as a starving artist, feeling the homelessness and bouncing from house to house. “I had to rely on myself and I knew this is what I was meant to do; make music”.

As a music enthusiast, I love learning about artist’s influences. It was not surprising that such talented people as Ella Fitzgerald, Portishead, Bjork, Fiona Apple, Radiohead, Little Dragon, and Amy Winehouse were impactful in Mercy’s Indietronica, Neo-soul, and Pop sound. This gorgeous 32 year old youngin’ was so much fun to chat with.

“Tell Me” is a song full of all “Mercy Collazo”. A song that has not been released to the people. It’s soulful, sexy, rich and colorful. I love how this song makes me feel. Being here in Los Angeles it just makes the energy here even better. Click Here for a snippett of the yet to be released track.

STREAM :: “Cali Soul” (the first single off of Sool – details in the interview below)

THE INTERVIEW:

B: I love when artists support each other. Thanks to Saintx Bre we are sitting here today! How did you and Saintx Bre meet?

“So, as an artist, I have to go on social media. I said fuck it! I searched through a bunch of people. I found Saintx Bre. He started commenting back. He’s such a dope artist. We’re like soul mates. It’s amazing to find someone who is on the grind as much as I am. He and I will actually be collaborating very soon.

B: Los Angeles is a place filled of creative and talented people; how did this influence your life as an artist?

If you would have talked to me 2 years ago, I was so lost. 80-90% of the people get stuck. They work 9-5. They let their dreams die. I lost everything. My girlfriend left me right before Christmas 2015. My dad died the year before in 2013. I was always worried about money. I did what I could. I grabbed on to it. I was determined. I went to Musicians Institute in Hollywood. Nobody else can do what I can do. I see the vision. This is what I’m meant to do. I am hungry. I know I’m going to be just fine. I’m really out there to make the image.

B: How did you find your Indietronica, Neo-soul, Pop sound? How did you get there?

Amy Whinehouse, twang. I crave that excitement. Janet and the extravagance of the early 2000’s. A bunch of fun and soul.

B: I’m sure you are so busy between studio time, shoots and shows. Is there a special someone in your life?

My music is my wife. I’m writing enough about the last 3. I don’t have time.

B: Love the look! Who does your hair, make up, wardrobe?

@Ecobrow- Marco Ochoa @ochoaedith- Edith Ochoa : Eyebrows
@Hairstylistbela- Bella : Hair and Make Up
@Haatichai and @Amarilo : Jewelry (used in the flyer for MIC LIVE and a couple of IG videos)

B: What projects are you working on right now?

I have 2 different projects going on that are about to be done so I’ll specify which ones for what. I have my solo EP called Dimensions and I have another EP coming out with a DJ called Sool (Pronounced Soul). Both are due out this summer.

B: What was the inspiration for the EP “Dimensions”?

My life for the past 2 years.

Double EP: triumph and tragedy. Love lost. Moments of loneliness. Holy shit. The only person that I needed is myself. Not in a sulking kind of way. Just a conquering kind of way.

B: I always tell artists my favorite song of theirs. What is your favorite song on the EP? Why?

Right now, off of my EP, Dimensions, “Green Eyes” is my favorite song. It’s about a few of the girls that I have dated. The moment that you realize what passion is. The 2 producers that I worked with are Zack and BT. It’s amazing to work with talent that is so easy to reciprocate.

B: You mentioned an album release party, WHEN and WHERE??!

I have to wait… My contract is under negotiations. It’s kind of like we’ll see…. I really want to do this the right way. I will let everybody know a few weeks before. As far as shows are concerned, I’m holding off. Definite shows coming in the summer but still perfecting everything. I’ll hopefully have an idea of the release party soon.

B: So you have played at quite a bit if places in Los Angeles, any plans to take your performances to the East Coast?

Everybody tells me that I would do well in New York and Atlanta. I really want to do Atlanta and New York…..

Catch Mercy on the Socials:

http://www.mercymusic.net
https://www.facebook.com/music.mercy/
https://www.instagram.com/mercy_dimensions/