Interview: Getting to Know Brendan Scholz of Mercy Music.

Cover photo courtesy of Eric Cannon (@illthinking on instagram)

Mercy Music is a three-piece band from Nevada that is about to kick off their tour with The Adolescents and Strung Out. Their first show on tour is tomorrow, June 12th at the Brighton Music Hall in Boston, MA. I had the chance to briefly chat with frontman Brendan Scholz and here’s what he had to say:

H: What are your current goals for 2024, music-wise.

B: Our goal at the moment is to keep pushing and spreading the word of Mercy Music. 

Out of the songs that Mercy Music has made, what is the one you are most proud of? What song do you like performing the most?

Off the new album, I would have to say it’s the song “Love You/ Need You”. Both the song itself and performing live. 

What is your song writing and making process? Is it different each time or do you stick to a certain ‘routine’ of sorts?

It can happen many ways, but a song usually starts in my head with a melody of some kind or a riff idea will come to be while I’m playing guitar.  I can say the music always comes before the lyrics for me. 

What is one thing that you haven’t done that you want to experience? (Doesn’t have to be music related)

I want to play Saturday Night Live. 

What gets you out of artist block?

I’d have to say it’s generally just the passing of time.  Trying to force your way doesn’t usually result in anything for me. 

If you could spend 24 hours with any three musicians, dead or alive, who and why?

Phil Lynott ( Thin Lizzy) , Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain

They’re my childhood heroes and really responsible for me picking up and guitar and trying to write songs. 

What song that isn’t yours do you wish that you made? Why

“Someday Everyone Who Hurt Me Will Be Dead” - Tiny Stills

It’s just a pretty perfect song and I wish I wrote it. 

“Desert Island” band or musician — may change depending on the time, but if you were, at this current moment, to be dropped on a desert island and could only have one artist’s discography, who would you choose?

I’ve been listening to a lot of “Cake” lately. I’d probably pick them at the moment.  Just a really solid catalogue from beginning to current. 

Are you working on anything currently? If so, anything that you can hint at for us to look out for?

When I get home from this tour I’m going to finish up the next batch of Mercy songs. I imagine we’ll begin recording asap after that. 

Do you have any words or advice for people who want to get into music and feel stuck or scared?

The only way to fail is to quit. If you love this, keep going. You only get one life.  

A massive thank you to Brendan for taking the time to answer my questions, I look forward to seeing their show live tomorrow!!