F  L  A  U  N  T

 [merci, mercy](https://www.instagram.com/_mercimercy/) is a 19-year-old singer/songwriter who creates disarming pop anthems that offer an insight into youthful chaos and confusion. Reaching over 3.3 million [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/artist/524oC8NzSWvqPbwiRkYSLH?si=SxHmCe65QRW4L9PB3pjIWw) streams with her first two singles, “Fucked Myself Up” and “Fall Apart”, her 200K monthly listeners will be stoked to find she’s releasing her debut EP.  Her single,“Something You Like," is out today, followed by her six-track debut EP “_no thank you, no thanks,”_ which is due October 16th**.** Accompanied by another cleverly animated lyric video from [**Bianca Bosso**](https://biancabosso.com/), “Something You Like” gives a painfully honest observation of toxic relationships layered over tender melodies.  FLAUNT had the opportunity to chat with merci about toxic relationships, mental health, and falling in love again. **What was the inspiration behind "Something You Like"?** I was observing toxic relationships around me, noticing how easy it is for people to change you without you realising. I also experienced a friendship where they changed me for the worse and everyone around me was really worried but I didn’t notice nor did I care at the time. It took me ages to come to the realisation of what was happening. I completely lost who I was so I wanted to write a song that made me and others who may have been in a toxic relationship feel empowered, to help people realise they’re brave and they can get through it.  **What can we expect from your debut EP** [**_no thank you, no thanks_**](https://fanlink.to/nothankyounothanks)**?** It was basically a snapshot of who I was and where I was mentally at the age of 18, I had just moved to Sydney from a small town and was struggling to make friends so I just felt super lonely. I thought it would be easier to talk about my mental health and for others to listen if it was masked in really fun alternative pop tunes. It is full of vulnerability. This EP is a journey through my time as an 18 year old just trying to figure herself out and wanting to feel something other than sadness and despair.   **What kind of message do you hope a fan will get out of hearing the debut EP?** I hope the songs from my EP will help make fans of my music feel less alone in the way they might be feeling at the time. After I had some time listening to my own EP I realised it all had something to do with the relationships in my life… with other people, with alcohol, with my depression and anxiety and with myself. Also that it’s okay to be so open about talking about your mental health.  **What was your favorite part about making this debut EP?** My favourite part was being able to get out all the emotions I was feeling to ease the pressure I put on myself. Writing this EP has given me the confidence to actually help myself and out my mental health ahead of everything else. Don’t get me wrong, I still very much struggle with my mental health every single day, but I have made progress and that’s all that matters.  **How did you start making music and how did you get into the industry? Any major inspirations?** I just really adored music and would sing a lot, however I sucked very much at singing others songs. So when I was 16 got my heart a little broken by a not so good friend and wrote a song about it, then I finally felt like I could do what I loved. I also then used being good at songwriting to get out of my responsibilities like cleaning my room and doing my homework. But my mum was really accepting because she was like, ‘’finally you have found something you are good at and that you love.” My inspiration is all the messed up things going around in my head.  **What has your headspace been like during this pandemic, has it changed the way that you've created music?** It has definitely not been in a good place and I do miss being able to go out and about, experiencing life and writing about it. But I have actually done more with my life during the pandemic than I have ever. I’ve fallen in love with someone, which has definitely impacted in a small way of what I am writing about now. However, my writing is still about why I don’t believe I’m not good at anything in life.  **What are your goals for the future of your music?** I just want to be able to release music for as long as possible. To always be able to help people through my music, help them feel comfortable to be open about their mental health and maybe help push someone towards asking for help when it comes to their mental health.  **Anything else you want us to know?** I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of my family.