Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with shelby merchant
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
The only CD in my parent’s car growing up was Dolly Parton’s “Heartsongs” so for a long time I thought she invented music. I still kind of feel that way! My folks knew they couldn’t turn it on if they wanted to talk with me, because I’d get completely engrossed in it.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I was always a pretty quiet kid, but I had a lot of feelings. There was a disconnect in me when it came to expressing them, though, and I had a tendency to think in rhymes. I finished my first song at 11, and it was the first time I felt like I had an outlet for all the emotions in me. I never looked back!
What’s the story behind your current music project?
I’m focusing on making music that I’m really, really proud of. Stuff that I want to listen to and perform. And I’m making sure it all comes from a deeply honest place, even as I heighten it.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
Glitter-bomb pop, with brutally honest lyrics. Just because you’re sad doesn’t mean you can’t dance!
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
Chappell Roan has a quote about only making music that she enjoys performing, and that sort of blew everything open for me. There’s no point in putting out work that I’m not 100% proud of, because it won’t be fulfilling that way. An audience won’t care about your music if you don’t, so I want to care deeply about every song.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
I write on the same Breedlove acoustic guitar that I’ve had since high school! It’s super beat up now, but it’s still my baby. As for recording, my producer suggested the Shure SM7b mic, and it’s MAGIC!
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
Sydnee Conley is a Nashville based girl like me, and she is literally incapable of writing a bad song. I was lucky enough to write with her earlier this year and I was in awe of her talent the whole time!
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
All of my songs come from real emotions or experiences I’ve had. They’re like my personal diary! In that same vein, my visuals are all about adding some drama to whatever human emotions are at the core of my music. It’s all about honesty.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I hope it allows them to embrace the ugly parts of themself without shame! A lot of my work is about that, the things I wish I could change about myself. But if I didn’t have those, I wouldn’t be writing songs, so in a way I’m grateful!
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
That authenticity is a superpower. Knowing who you are, and being completely unafraid to show it, is the biggest advantage you can have both personally and professionally.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
I’m originally from Colorado, so I’d give an organ to play at Red Rocks someday. Fingers crossed!!!
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
I want to work with MUNA so bad. They’re the masters of sad but upbeat pop! Plus I love what they stand for, I think we’d get along great.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
Everything can be found on my Linktree below! I’m most active on Tiktok.
https://linktr.ee/shelby_merchant
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
I want to start playing opening for people! I’m moving to Chicago in August, so I’m hoping I can make friends in the music scene there who may need openers.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
That I’m feeling a lot of the same things they are! No one is ever as isolated as they think, and I hope my songs can be an outlet for listeners the same way they are one for me.
