Alice Merton In Conversation With FAULT Magazine
Alice Merton, renowned for her nomadic spirit and introspective lyricism, unveils a new chapter with her latest EP, “Heron.” Departing from the external exploration of home, Merton delves inward, navigating the labyrinth of self-discovery and authenticity.
In our conversation, Merton candidly shares the evolution of her songwriting process, offering glimpses into the personal experiences and her FAULTs.
Can you elaborate on the significance of the heron as a symbol and how it relates to the themes in your EP?
Alice Merton: The Heron is one of the first birds I saw in London, in the middle of Barbican, whilst I was starting to write for this EP. I never really thought much of it, other than it felt strange to see such a bird in the middle of the city. I liked the idea of it choosing such an usual place to make its home, and realized that’s kinda what I’ve been doing my whole life. Choosing places I never really expected I’d end up, and making a home out of them. That’s what initially made me think of Herons, and when I had picked the artwork for the EP, I looked at it and thought: wow it kind of reminds me of a bird trying to take off. That’s why it’s called Heron.
You mention grappling with questions about happiness and authenticity in the age of social media. In a world where social media is essential for all music artists – how do you navigate these potholes for your own music?
Alice Merton: I think I try to not take Social Media so seriously anymore, and remind myself that at the end of the day, it’s all about connecting and sharing music with people who are interested in what I do. It’s a way of spreading news of music and ideas and things I witness. I allow myself breaks though and tell myself, it’s not the end of the world if I decide to have a few weeks without posting content. I don’t want that pressure anymore. My fans know me and they know that I will be making music for a long time. They don’t have to keep checking socials to see what the latest news is.
Did your songwriting process change on this EP when compared to previous releases?
Alice Merton: I think it felt really special this time, because I didn’t feel any pressure of any sort. I just felt like telling these stories and it’s not an album so I didn’t feel like I needed to come up with the best and greatest ideas. Just thoughts and stories that were happening in my life at the time.
Could you discuss one specific story or experience that particularly influenced a song on the EP?
Alice Merton: I went to dinner with a friend of mine, and he was describing a feeling of sinking and being worried of letting people down, without actually thinking of what he really wants. I asked him that question, and for a moment I felt like he wasn’t being honest with himself or with others of how he is truly feeling. So I wrote the song “How well do you know your feelings?” which inspired me to always try and be transparent with people I love, because otherwise they will never get a chance to understand and know the real you.
What song on the EP was the most emotionally taxing to write?
Alice Merton: I don’t think any of them were…none of them talk about a break up which is nice haha :) They’re just nice little stories of people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and emotions and thoughts I’ve had the past year.
You’re embarking on a tour soon – what’s your best touring story?
Alice Merton: We once opened up for the Killers, and after the show they asked us if we wanted to go get a drink in a bar. I was so excited but also exhausted and really needed to lie down as we had flown in directly from Europe into San Francisco, and gone directly on stage. So I went back to the hotel, set my alarm, and tried to get some rest before meeting one of my favorite bands of all time. I wake up to a text from the manager saying where they were going to meet us, and realized I had slept through the whole night and it was already morning. It was the saddest I had been in a long time haha.
As an independent artist with your own record label, is it difficult to produce your art without thinking of the business implications of your creative decisions?
Alice Merton: It used to be difficult. But when I’m in a creative mood I just focus on the song and the lyrics and what I’m trying to convey, and forget the rest of it. At the end of the day it’s the song that matters, and I don’t want thoughts of how do I market this or is this what’s “in” right now get in the way of that process. But it did take me a while to get to a place where I could separate those two thoughts.
What’s one message you’re hoping to convey with this release?
Alice Merton: Try and drown out the sounds and opinions of others, and figure out what will actually make YOU happy in life, rather than look at what makes other people happy, and think that applies to you too. We have a very limited time on this planet, and I don’t want to waste my time with trying to please others, when it’s not pleasing me.
What is your FAULT?
Alice Merton: My personal flaw is being overly critical about everything I do. But there’s a lot of other ones too :) I’d say that’s the biggest though.