VC Pines - need 2 breathe (Single)

Fresh off the back of his highly-praised comeback single “BREAK”, his first piece of new material since his 2023 debut album ‘MRI’, VC Pines returns once again to deliver his tender new offering “need 2 breathe”, continuing his reputation as one of the more innovative names on the rise right now.

“need 2 breathe” is a raw and introspective dive into the complexities of modern relationships and the mental toll they can take. Written during a particularly tumultuous period, the song captures the emotional dissonance of second-guessing, paranoia, and the desperate desire to maintain a façade of normalcy, even when it’s unhealthy.

Speaking on the new track, VC Pines explains, “need 2 breathe was written last year whilst going through a tumultuous time mentally, strong relationships I had had kind of fallen apart. It’s about second-guessing, paranoia, but an overall willingness to forget and pretend that everything’s normal, even if this is unhealthy. The modern world is confusing, as are its relationships.”

Sonically, the song mirrors this tension, weaving brooding melodies with his signature mesmeric vocal style, creating a track that feels both urgent and deeply personal.

VC Pines, the artistic moniker of Jack Mercer, has quickly established himself as a leading figure in the alternative soul scene. Known for his gripping tales of love, loss, and late nights in London, Jack’s music continues to grow in depth and sophistication.

After a string of acclaimed EPs (Concrete, Skully, Indigo), VC Pines unveiled his debut album MRI in 2023. A deeply personal and sonically adventurous collection, MRI is a concept album that delves into the struggles of mental health, relationships, addictions, and emotions, all through the lens of a creative mind navigating life’s challenges.

Spanning ten tracks, MRI refuses to be confined by genre labels, weaving together elements of R&B, indie, and soul into a rich, atmospheric tapestry. From the eerie and comforting pulse of the opening track “Chamber” to the intoxicating haze of “Damn Different,” the album showcases VC Pines’ ability to balance vulnerability with bold experimentation.

VC Pines’ music is profoundly influenced by his temporal lobe epilepsy, which manifests as synaesthesia—associating colors and emotions with sounds, chords, and melodies. This condition gives his work a uniquely vivid and sensory-driven quality. As he explains, “In my mind’s eye, I’m seeing a cloud or haze of color. Some people hear something and see a shooting of color across the room. For me, my favorite moments in music are purple in my head.”

Diagnosed at 17, Jack’s epilepsy became a lens through which he made sense of his past and embraced his creativity. This perspective has become an integral part of his songwriting, allowing him to connect deeply with his audience and transform personal struggles into universally resonant art.