Newcomer Duo MRCY Solidify Their Debut With Soulful Single 'Lorelei'

Introducing themselves as the latest Dead Oceans signees, vocalist Kojo Degraft-Johnson and producer Barney Lister unveil their first single 'Lorelei' alongside an announcement of their support slot for the Black Pumas UK&EU tour.

Having met online after Barney reached out to Kojo on Instagram after having seen a video of him singing, the pair spent the majority of their time in-between lockdown 2021 visiting the studio together where their musical chemistry was infallible. But the pair had also built their own pathways through music at the own accord before meeting. With Barney, growing up in the 90s in Huddersfield around soundsystem culture, the past half-decade has showed him establishing himself as one of the most sought-after genre-fluid producers right now. He's collaborated long term with Obongjayar with the Ivor Novello Award-Winning God's Own Children as well as working with Joy Crookes, Olivia Dean and Celeste. Kojo dedicated himself to provide his powerful vocals to his local gospel church to then go on to collaborate with homegrown artists ranging from Cleo Sol, Little Simz, Ego Ella Mai and Liam Gallagher.

With their rambunctious ambition, MRCY was birthed as a passion project that enthuses one to look deeper into their soul and allowing their self-expression to leak out. Drawing form references such as the warmth of Marvin Gaye and Sault, alternative rap from Anderson .Paak and to the psychedelic minds of label mates Khruangbin, MRCY is soulful and jazzy stew through the modern looking glass as well as a seed planted for a like-minded community to be encompassed within.

With their new single 'Lorelei' an abundance of spirit that leans into both rhythm and blues, Kojo mentioned that: “Lorelei’ is about being in a romantic situation that you know will result in heartbreak, but you’re too under the spell to get out of it. The lyrics come from the ancient tale of Lorelei, a mythical creature that leads navigators and those sailing to their demise with its beauty and song - “I thought I saw you walking by the river side” and “the summer storm’s still on my mind.”

Listen to 'Lorelei' here!

Black Pumas tour

15.03.24 || Paris || Zenith 

16.03.24 || Brussels || Forest National

17.03.24 || Amsterdam || AFAS Live

19.03.24 || Hamburg || Docks

20.03.24 || Berlin || Verti Music Hall

21.03.24 || Cologne || Carlswerk Victoria

23.03.24 || Manchester || O2 Victoria Warehouse

24.03.24 || London || Eventim Apollo

Follow MRCY on Instagram and Spotify