Catch Of The Week: Mercy Bell
Meet Mercy Bell from New Bedford, now living in Nashville
This is a voice well-traveled. And these are her stories of life, love, struggle and all the roads taken. This is Mercy Bell, the singer, the songwriter, the artist.
Mercy was born in Boston, grew up in New Bedford, and California, and lived in New York City and Arkansas, before finding her way to Nashville. Her sound is as well traveled as she is. Folk, roots, Americana, country, rock… it’s all there. Perhaps all these places, and all these experiences is what helped shape her sound. Like a guitar case painted with colorful stickers from Everywhere, USA. Smokey bar rooms from tiny towns, outdoor amphitheaters from some fly-over states, trendy hot spots in big cities, all are represented in this talented artist.
Rolling Stone named Mercy’s single “Home” as one of it’s “Best Country Songs To Hear Now.” Her name was listed alongside of some rather impressive company, from Blake Shelton to Kane Brown, Lee Brice and Cody Jinks. The honor was accompanied with accolades like, “distinct voice with a potent, progressive take on emotive, modern folk,” and “a vibrato that’s as strong as it is vulnerable.” Now there’s something to stick on a guitar case.
Have Mercy, in Studio
On a brief visit “home” to Massachusetts, Mercy came into our Country 1025 performance studio to turn us on to a couple of her originals.
What do you do, when there are only a few things left in your refrigerator? If you are Mercy Bell, you write a song, and make it mean something. Check out “Chocolate Milk and Whiskey”
Mercy had previously released this one, but is remastering it to re-release it on her forthcoming album. Listen to “All Good Cowboys”
Mercy Bell’s song “Home” will be heard tomorrow during my All Request Lunch. Tune in around 12:30! Here’s the official studio recording.
Bell Chimes In
- What lead you to music: My family is very musical. Choir, then musical theatre, then being in bands and songwriting
- How old when you started: 7 years old!
- Instruments played: Guitar, a little Piano
- How would you describe your sound: Alt-country, electric folk
- Who inspires you: The Dixie Chicks, St. Vincent, Kacey Musgraves, Jenny Lewis, Beyonce, ABBA
- Awards/accolades: We got into Rolling Stone! 10 Best Country and Americana Songs of The Week
- All- time favorite country songs: “Travelin’ Soldier” by the Dixie Chicks. “Great Day to Be Alive” by Travis Tritt
- Favorite country concerts: Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, and the Dixie Chicks
- What songs do you like now on Country 102.5: Jimmie Allen, Kacey Musgraves
- If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing: History professor, soccer player, fitness instructor, or a bartender
- Day Job (if applicable): I work at a booking agency called United Talent Agency and a bar called Rosemary in Nashville
- Most proud moment: Getting featured in Rolling Stone Magazine!
- Craziest thing that ever happened in your music career: It’s little things. The other day someone messaged me on Instagram and told me a song I wrote 10 years ago helped them through their depression recently. That kind of stuff is humbling
- Other things you like to do: I love reading, working out, meditating, going on long walks, hanging out with my cat
- Fun facts: I’m part Filipino, I used to help write history textbooks, my training is in musical theater
- Mantra: Relax.
Mercy Live
- June 9: Atwoods Tavern in Cambridge, full band show
Ring Bell For Service
Every week, Kruser’s Local Catch highlights New England’s homegrown country music talent, and tells you where to catch them locally and in Nashville. Click here to view previous catches.
The Local Catch is powered by Shiner Bock, independently brewed in Texas, for Boston’s independent spirit. Boston is Shiner country!
*Singer/songwriters with original music: Please submit for consideration on The Local Catch by emailing Kruser at carolyn.kruse@bbgi.com
