Catch Of The Week: Mercy Bell
Meet Mercy Bell from New Bedford and Nashville
The pandemic had us all looking inward and finding ways to pass the time. For artist Mercy Bell, it apparently gave her time to search for a slightly different sound, put her thoughts to lyrics and the melodies in her head to guitar. The highly creative singer/songwriter emerged from lockdown with an album filled with gems. These jewels definitely lean more country for the typically folk leaning artist.
Stories soaked in sass, strength, sadness, spirit and Springsteen style the album, Golden Child. Yes, there is even a Springsteen cover. The tone of this record, the sound of Bell’s voice and the strength of her story telling are all very reminiscent of the women of 90s country. The soulfulness of Patty Loveless lives here; Mary Chapin Carpenter is teaching a master class; And Teri Clark is serving drinks. Yet, what makes Mercy Bell’s music so intriguing is it’s uniqueness. You won’t find anything like “Codeine” to take you outside of your world for three minutes.
Mercy’s New Music
Bell says “Codeine” is about “leaving a relationship where you feel alone even when you’re with someone. ”
A Brief Bell Bio
- Grew up in: New Bedford, MA
- Now lives in: Nashville
- Current Album: Golden Child
- Current Single: “Codeine”
- What is your song about/how did it come to be: “Codeine” It’s about leaving a relationship where you feel alone even when you’re with someone.
- What lead you to music: I’ve been in choirs and musical theatre since I was a little kid, and it led to being in bands!
- How old when you started: I was in my first band in college!
- First country song you learned: Traveling Soldier by the Chicks
- Instruments played: Guitar
- How would you describe your sound: A little bit folk, a little bit country, a little bit rock and roll.
- Who inspires you: The Chicks, Patty Griffin, Joni Mitchell, Kacey Musgraves
- All- time favorite country song: Traveling Soldier by the Chicks
- First country concert: Miranda Lambert
- What songs do you like now on Country 1025: YOU SHOULD PROBABLY LEAVE Chris Stapleton
- If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing: A therapist
- Day Job: Bartender
- Most proud moment: Whenever anyone tells me my music helped them through a hard time.
- Crazy thing that happened in your music career: Being on a nerd wallet commercial (you’ll probably see it on TV)
- Other things you like to do: exercise, go to the Beach, hang out with my cat
- Fun facts: I have a black cat named Gonzo, am the oldest of 6 kids, and am part Filipino
- Mantra: Get more free
Seek Mercy
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.
*Singer/songwriters with original music: Please submit for consideration on The Local Catch by emailing Kruser at carolyn.kruse@bbgi.com
