Melbourne’s Rhiannon Atkinson-Howatt, aka Merpire announces debut album Simulation Ride will be released 23 July via Warner’s ADA. The album is all about looking for positivity and confidence in times of anxiety and uncertainty.
“‘Simulation Ride’ is a musical diary entry into the workings and not-workings of my mind,” says Rhiannon. “It exists in hope of connecting with fellow daydreaming experts in creating their own personal simulation ride. I take you through the rom-com and horror sections of my internal video store.”
Lead single ‘Village’ tackles issues of self-doubt, comparison to others and the realisation that you can’t be all things to all people. The track contains an abundance of the sweetly observational lyricism Merpire has become known for – studying the intricacies of seemingly simple ideas. Chilled and introspective, the song is accompanied by an atmospheric, ‘outside looking in’ video, directed by Nick Mckk. The aim was to show an observational concept from Merpire that, from the outside, things may not look like what they seem.
“Sometimes it still wavers but I’ve worked hard on building my confidence, telling myself over and over through this song that it really does take a village to love someone.” – Merpire
Merpire first entered the indie music scene back in August 2018 when she was signed by management company Fright Night Music and played at Australia’s leading new music showcase, Bigsound. By the end of that same year, Merpire had sold out her biggest headline show ever and went on to support huge Australian acts Julia Jacklin, Angie McMahon, Didirri and Olympia.
Merpire’s impressive and predominantly female live line-up, continue to captivate audiences far and wide with powerful, versatile and engaging performances. Stay tuned for more to come from Merpire.
Simulation Ride out 23rd July via Warner’s ADA
