VC Pines - Colours (Single) + 10 Questions
VC Pines releases brand new single "Colours". Co-written with The 1975's Ross MacDonald. The release coincides with the announcement of his debut album 'MRI' (due to be released September 8th).
“Colours” perfectly reflects the broad and inventive direction VC Pines has been pursuing since the start of 2023. Bringing together a delicious mix of indie, R&B, and soul influences throughout, he looks to continue his luxurious sound once again with this dynamic new effort.
VC Pines has already released two brilliant singles in 2023 "Running" and "Dangling" which have been supported by BBC Radio 1's Future Artists w/ Jack Saunders, BBC 6Music and BBC Introducing. His summer festival season is looking to be jam packed with a plethora of appearances lined up including The Great Escape, Secret Garden Party, Boardmasters many more.
VC Pines (Violet Coloured Pines) is Jack Mercer, the smart, articulate alt-soul singer-songwriter whose gripping tales of love, loss and late nights in London keep growing in depth and sophistication. After acclaimed EPs Concrete (2021), Skully (2020) and Indigo (2019), Jack’s readying the release of his debut album, which tells the tale of “someone struggling with mental health, juggling relationships, friendships, addictions and emotions, while being a creative person.”
VC Pines sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
I fell in love with music after discovering all my dads old CDs. I’d bring them to the car if we were going somewhere and ask him to put on Iggy Pop or the Stranglers. Screaming the lyrics to Peaches out the window at 7 years old was fun.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Andre 3000 is the king. The Love Below album was the first record I discovered myself and it’s definitely influenced me ever since.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
My debut album - MRI - is out on 8th September! It’s about nostalgia, love, loss, jealousy, addictions, my epilepsy and the brain. It encompasses someone struggling with their mental health, whilst striving to make a living as a creative in London, juggling relationships, friendships, and emotions. I hope it hits the up and coming artist the way my brain hit me.
4. How would you describe your sound?
Alternative Soul.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
Just having this album in my phone, released or unreleased. It took me a while to navigate the industry, and myself to be in the headspace to create a full project that truly felt like me. Something with no compromises, and something that fully expresses my influences, and who I am.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
It’s fucking mad, and relentless and it’s not about doing that ‘one big thing’ that makes you blow. It’s about the 1000 tiny things you do over time that make things happen. It’s really tough as an independent, alternative artist, managing yourself too, but if you want it enough you make things happen.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
HECK, Archy Moor, Sara Grey.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Loads of Kendrick for obvious reasons, Sudan Archives - Natural Brown Prom Queen, Cometa - Nick Hakim.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
I do a lot of karate, it’s good for the body and it’s the only thing I do where I don’t think about anything else going on.
I also work at my mates clothing store, which I love. We’ve picked up a couple of Korean brands and fallen in love with them!
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Water, my notepad and pen, STRONG vibes good or bad.