Mercia’s latest EP is more wholesome than the title would lead you to believe. The Coventry-based artist’s City of Villains is a five track EP exploring and reflecting his hometown within the setting of Breakbeat and UK Bass. “6am” starts off the exploration with ethereal atmospheres and lush piano before exploding into a full bodied breaks journey. 95 Bones’ remix follows this with a club ready acetate driven flip of the original which continues the story. The title track “City Of Villains” and Kiddah remix adds further spark to the package with a searing sub bass which is riddled with deep energy. The EP is rounded off by the bubbling and energetic “Hill Cross Flyover” which closes out this journey channeling how we’ve all been feeling this past year waiting for the return of the dance; it carries Strictly Rhythm influence and a prescient vocal motif.
Hey Mercia! Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into music, and how long have you been producing music?
Hi there. Hope you’re well guys! I’m a DJ/Producer from Coventry. Music has always been part of my life. My family forced me to do piano lessons from the age of ten (which now I’m thankful for) and then my brother was heavily involved in the London music scene when I was growing up which influenced my sound. I’ve probably been producing now for about eight years but never got around to actually finishing a project until Motoring Records started pushing music and promoting artists from Coventry.
What motivates your work as an artist?
Listening to other artists and seeing people dance to your music.
What’s the sound of your city, Coventry?
There is a lot of influences in Coventry as it is a melting pot of culture and heritage and I try to capture this into my music. Obviously the famous band The Specials began in the city but now artists like Pa Salieu are setting a precedent for new music coming out the City and I want to bring those influences together in electronic music.
Are there any artists who are currently inspiring your work?
Marc Brauner, David August, Barry Can’t Swim, and Ejeca.
Walk us through the inspiration behind your latest EP, City of Villains?
It really came out from lockdown and weirdly enough watching Breaking Bad sparked my inspiration to write. The project spanned over a twelve month period and I wanted it to explore and reflect on my home town and try to capture the mix of emotions about the City of Villains.
If you could name one thing, what’s something you’re particularly proud of since starting this journey?
Being able to finish ideas off into a EP I’m proud of!
Anything else you’d like to share?
I run an event called Mono along with the Motoring label head. We have a Terrace party on April 30 in Birmingham at the Mill 5:00 PM to 3:00 AM.
Connect with Mercia: Facebook
Connect with Motoring Records: Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp
