Jon Mercer Interview
Who are some of your biggest influences?
“I started making rap when I first started making music, so mac miller will always have a big influence. outside of rap id say Dominic Fike, Greenday, Nirvana, and Blink 182 are heavy influences. throw in some Red Hot Chili peppers and Brakence too honestly there are just too many people I really love and draw inspiration from.”
What is it like growing up in the Washington music scene?
“Growing up in the Seattle music scene has been good for me. I really only have been in the music scene for about a year and a half or so, so to say growing up really wouldn't be true. however, I've grown a lot as a person and artist in the past year and a half, and the friends and other musicians I've met along the way have shown love and helped inspire me to work on music more.”
What are your interests outside of music?
“I don't have a lot of time for things outside of music but a couple of my interests are clothes, drawing, even though I don't do it so much, and nerdy Nintendo games. id definitely like to get back into photography and graphic design because I did them both back in high school and id like to think I was decent with room for improvement haha.”
How would you describe your music to someone who has never listened to you?
“I’d like to say my music is something like Mac Miller, meets Dominic Fike meets Blink 182.
What does music mean to you?
“Music is my outlet one of the only things I feel like really brings me happiness. When I say it brings me happiness I mean that creating the music and being able to say what I really feel brings me joy and that when other people hear my music and they feel joy, or me knowing I can help people with my words I say over instruments.”
What can fans expect from you within the next 3 months?
“The next 3 months? well sh*t, I have a single coming out on the 3rd of February and every 3rd of the month for the rest of the year. but the next three months were dropping "pissed!" featuring my brother Beetlejuice and other singles from my album that will be releasing on May 5th. some of those songs will have features from other names in the city like 2000baby and more.”
What song would you recommend to someone who has never listened to you and why?
“I only have five songs out, but a good intro is all we talk about is yourself I think, then go listen to the rest <3.”
Where do you find inspiration?
“A lot of my songs are about my life and my struggles with mental health and self-reflection. however, I like to make upbeat and happier songs about the better things in life too.
Do you prefer to record during the day or night and why?
“I honestly have no preference. The studio is pretty dark so no matter what time of day it is you can't really tell. shout out to studio sage lol.”
If you could get a feature from anyone right now who would it be and why?
“Hmmm, that's a really hard one but for the sake of my album I’d have to say Travis Thompson on a pop punk song but he has a rap verse. outside of local artists, a Travis Barker track would be insane.”
Last question, do you have any advice for people wanting to step into the music industry?
“Put your all into everything you do!!! I'm not super far into my career but I know that being yourself and staying true to what you believe in will go a long way. work hard and stay humble these are all still things I'm learning.”
