Pop/RnB/Adult Contemporary artist Joan Mercury found her love of singing as a teenager but a harsh remark from a friend would stop her from sharing her voice with anyone else for several years. However, the incident didn’t stop Joan from singing and years later, it would be Joan’s sister who would discover her singing talent and encourage her. In 2015, she was ready to take on the music industry full-force as an on-the-rise solo artist.
Growing up in the suburbs of Maryland, Joan had a natural ability to act. She would recreate movie scenes and music videos which she would perform for her family. However, her insecurities made her uncomfortable in the spotlight, and as a teenager, Joan would focus on music instead. She made use of music as an emotional release and continuously practiced vocals without formal training. Over the years, she gradually developed and progressed as an artist.
She drew her musical influences from the artists, styles, and genres of the 1980s and 1990s that include Michael Jackson, Sade, Prince, Amy Winehouse, George Michael, and David Bowie, among others. Recent artist influences include Rihanna, Dua Lipa, Alessia Cara, and The Killers.
As a result of her determination and hard work, the New York City-based singer-songwriter has stepped confidently into the spotlight with the release of her self-written debut album, Mercury Rising. The making of the album gave Joan a sense of self-acceptance she didn’t have before. Her hope for this album is that it inspires listeners to trust their instincts and believe in themselves.
Currently, Joan is working on making Mercury Rising into a video album and has tour plans for the East Coast in the Spring. There may also be plans for a few shows on the West Coast and possibly Europe.
I recently interviewed Joan in-depth via email about her musical journey, new album, production process, acting, Freddie Mercury, the significance of her tattoo, and much more.
Can you guess what Joan’s superpower is? Check out her video below where she reveals it!
Congratulations on the release of your self-written debut album, Mercury Rising. Tell us about the concept or theme.
Thank you so much!! For me, Mercury Rising was really a form of therapy. I wanted to chronicle the stages of healing after the ending of a toxic relationship. Almost in a way comparing it to the stages of grief. I didn’t try to fast forward to, “oh I’m broken-hearted” to the “I’ve moved on and got my groove back.” I was literally going through those middle stages and I thought we never really talk about what happens in between.
I’m a hopeless romantic, and the thought of ending up in a similar relationship because of old patterns was enough motivation for me to do my homework. If I want a different possible outcome, I need to change my patterns and find out who I really am. It wasn’t the easiest thing to go through but it was definitely worth it because I now have this sense of self-acceptance that I’ve never had before. So I then tried to channel each lesson I learned to get to that final stage in Mercury Rising with a track called Bitch Back. A song about standing your ground and maintaining your confidence. Completely not intentional but it’s cool that each track is essentially in order of when it was written.
What do you want listeners to take away from Mercury Rising?
What I want people to take away from this album is that no matter what, your feelings are always valid and no one should ever make you feel otherwise, even yourself. Instead of burying them, embrace them. Learn from my experiences, trust your instincts and believe in yourself because you’re awesome. Sometimes it’s just reassuring to have someone else validate your feelings. That’s the beauty about music, it’s channeling our life experiences in the hopes of connecting to those who need it. So if I can help one person who’s going through a similar situation and change their perspective on themselves in a positive way, then I did my job.
Explain your production process.
I’m constantly journal writing.
For this particular project, I already knew the concept of the album so I had to go back to my journals. It was like seeing the relationship with a new perspective. I had already gone through those first few stages so the first half of the album was written in about two months. The second half took a lot longer than I anticipated, mostly because I was still going through it and I didn’t want to rush and bull shit about something I wasn’t sure about.
As an indie artist, I was certainly on a budget but I was lucky enough to connect to a producer in Dubai. So there was a lot of WhatsApp voice notes and skype calls. I’d record vocals at my friend’s studio apartment, send the vocal sessions back to my producer where he would mix and master but for the most part, I had to rely on myself and trust my instincts for the finished product.
You have also released an official music video for the powerful lead single, “Purpose”, from the album. What is the concept of the video?
The song itself is an inner monologue. So in the video, I tried to give off this feeling of, “I’m at a low point and back at square one what do I do?” In this case, it’s about listening to your instincts and really going for something without falling into the fear of the unknown and self-doubt. Yea you’re starting over so you might as well go for something that you’re passionate about.
No matter how many times we might talk ourselves out of it, our life purpose never goes away. It’ll always find a way back.
I’ve talked myself out of singing so many times until finally, I was at this “I have nothing to lose” mentality that I was able to make my own music and really go for it. So in the video, it’s like I’m having this pep talk with myself.
What was your involvement in the making of the music video?
I was in charge of the concept of the video but it was directed, shot and edited by the talented Jordan Edwards. Then I basically took lead on everything else from location to hair and makeup.
The Brooklyn Bridge appeared as a backdrop in the music video. Did that hold a special significance? What were the other locations and why were they chosen?
In a way, it’s kind of bringing things full circle. My first single/music video off the album Never Enough had a few shots of the bridge. It’s where that relationship ends and for this video its where my journey of self-discovery begins. We used shots of the NY skyline to showcase that I have the opportunity to really pursue a lifelong dream, I mean millions of people move here for that reason but my focus is being shifted by my insecurities and failures. Time is short, don’t let the opportunity slip away.
What does your “Mercury” tattoo symbolize for you?
I got that tattoo about 13 years ago. I loved to sing but it was my little secret. Sort of a message to myself that Joan Mercury is a part of who I am, even if I didn’t really embrace it. Freddie Mercury was my vocal coach so I saw myself as a product of Mercury.
Looking back now in a weird way it’s as if I knew I’d step into that name, I just wasn’t quite ready yet. It was just a permanent reminder.
At age 7, you entertained your family with acting performances. Did you ever think about an acting career? Why or why not?
Haha not at all, I absolutely hated public speaking or being in front of large groups. I’d only act and joke around with the people closest to me. My sister always played director and she’d help me recreate music videos/movie scenes. Then we’d present it to my family later, but I’d even shy away in the corner as they watched. I felt so uncomfortable being in the spotlight, it was as if all my insecurities were being highlighted and that’s all anyone would talk about. Once I became a teenager I stopped altogether and kind of shelled myself away and shifted my focus to music. It’s a reflection of how insecure I was in my own skin. I always thought I looked too different and I didn’t fit in anywhere.
I embrace those differences now and funny enough I wouldn’t be surprised if acting was in my future. I’m actually pretty good at it, especially now that I don’t care how goofy I might look. Believe me, I can laugh at myself, it provides endless entertainment.
When did you know that you wanted to be a singer/songwriter?
That was a hard title for me to accept and I didn’t accept it until I started this album. Growing up I felt I wasn’t allowed to dream because the reality I was fed was that “those things don’t happen to us.” Follow the norm, find security. I don’t think it was intentional from my family, but that’s how they viewed themselves and you unknowingly soak that in as a kid. So it wasn’t something I aspired to be because I felt unworthy, but in the back of my mind in an alternate universe, that’s what I wanted to do. I think that’s why I stepped into it fairly easily.
Earlier in your life, you mention singing had become a hobby that you loved but did not want to share it with anyone. Why? What changed your mind?
I started finding my voice during my early teen years. I thought I could carry a tune, so I decided to share that with a friend. During a sleepover, we were listening to music and I thought perfect timing, I’m gonna give it my all and expect 1 of 2 reactions. Instead to my surprise, my friend bulldozed me and angrily told me to stop singing because I can’t sing. All I remember was thinking, “wow I’ll never let anyone hear me again.”
That statement ruled my life for the next 12 years. I didn’t realize how impactful that incident was until later, but I never stopped singing.
I just made sure to blast my music and match pitch with whoever I was listening to. Hell, I didn’t want that reaction again. Til this day my parents say that they thought it was just the radio playing. So no one knew, it was my secret.
It wasn’t until about 10 years ago when I moved to NY and moved in with my sister did I start sharing it. Which wasn’t by choice, I mean you can’t really go under the radar singing in an apartment with loud music. That’s when my sister found out and began encouraging me. It’s certainly been a long, long journey to get to where I am now.
How did you learn to sing without formal training?
I sang every day, and I mean every day. I internalized my emotions but singing became my emotional release. Even if I could or couldn’t sing in whoever’s eyes, it was still something I needed to do for myself. No rules, no constrictions it was just pure emotion.
You mention that you want your music to inspire. Who do you want to inspire? What is your inspirational message?
There’s this saying, treat yourself as you’d treat a good friend. Have you ever noticed how understanding we are onto others but not towards ourselves? I want to inspire people to view themselves with compassion while taking ownership of past mistakes. Be in your feelings, just don’t beat yourself up for them. It seems like the obvious thing to do, but sometimes when things are too painful we just bury those emotions and carry on. Next thing you know you could find yourself in the same situation wondering how you got there again.
It sounds corny and so simple but self-love is key, so view those hard times as lessons. If you believe that anything is possible, you open the door to an endless amount of possibilities. So expect the unexpected with a positive attitude and you’ll never be let down.
Stop punishing yourself, you’re deserving. Because at the end of the day everyone has hardships that they’ve gone through or are going through and when you become compassionate towards yourself, it becomes easier to have compassion towards others.
You cite artists from the 80s and 90s like Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Queen, David Bowie, Duran Duran, Amy Winehouse and more recent artists Alessia Cara, Rihanna, among others, as your influences. In what specific ways did they influence your music? What drew you to them?
One thing you’ll notice about my album is this sense of nostalgia for the 90’s Pop/RnB era. I wanted to make something that reflects who I am and what I’d want to listen to. Mostly because I still listen to all these artists, I grew up on them. Their music is timeless and with each one of them, I learned something about myself that helped me identify who I am as an artist. I didn’t have the formal training but they’re the ones that taught me how to express myself through music, which helped me find my voice.
Look I have my days, there’re times when I’m practicing and I think to myself, wow I sound like crap, I’m in way over my head what am I doing? So what do I do? I start listening to the artists that influenced me, sing my go-to songs and then I find myself just singing for the fun of it again. Sure enough, I begin to regain my confidence and boom – I’m re-inspired again. Honestly, that’s what it’s about, we’re here to inspire one another. I think that’s why these artists stick out to me the most. They kept their focus on their own craft and constantly found ways to better themselves. We got to witness their artist evolution and we’re left with this amazing body of work.
Everything is a competition in this industry and I think when you get wrapped up in that you start to lose focus of what really matters and you might even lose some of yourself in the process. Just be yourself.
How do you think women can be better supported in the indie music industry?
Women empowering other women has been extremely impactful. That’s been a prominent theme this year. From my experience when we acknowledge each other’s strengths and lift each other up, we’re also motivating and inspiring each other.
In a way, it’s giving us that boost of confidence that we can do anything because we’re being fully supported and of course we slay!
What advice would you give women thinking about or actively pursuing a career in music?
I would say keep trying. Don’t stop when things get rough or if you’re unsure of what to do next. Find a mentor, go to shows, music events, connect and ask questions. You gotta find a tribe of like-minded individuals and surround yourself with the ones you trust and who lift you.
Another suggestion is to ask yourself, what’s your measure of success? Once you start getting yourself out there, it’s easy to fall in the trap of compare and despair. Especially with social media and the numbers game. Don’t focus on other’s success, wish them well but keep the focus on your journey and tell your story your way.
What are your tour/show plans for 2019?
I can’t wait to perform again but expect some live shows early spring on the east coast. Don’t be surprised for a few shows on the west coast and possibly Europe.
What projects are you working on for 2019?
My goal is to try to make Mercury Rising into a video album. Currently, I have a few collaborations in the works/new music. So be on the lookout!
VIDEO BONUS QUESTION!
What is your superpower and how do you use it in your music?
Follow Joan on social media:
Twitter: @JoanMercury
Instagram: @ joan_mercury
Facebook: missjoanmercury
Soundcloud: joan-mercury
Spotify Artist Page: Joan Mercury
YouTube: Joannin
Official Music Video: “Purpose” from Mercury Rising.
You can purchase Mercury Rising here: iTunes, Amazon, and Bandcamp.
Buy a physical CD on Joan’s website HERE.
Stream the album on YouTube, Spotify, GooglePlay, Tidal, Deezer, and Apple Music.