Meet Mercy Collazo | Songwriter/Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mercy Collazo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mercy, what are you inspired by?
I’ve always found that the story I’ve built has been based on a version of darkness. I think I’m inspired by different categories of pain and poetry, and I don’t want to sound too contrived but those things I am drawn to. The past inspires and so does the future, but I want people to have a perspective that may be alittle different.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been a musician since I was given an old acoustic guitar when I was 16 and I guess you can say I’ve just been walking everywhere with a guitar in my hand ever since. Having my skill set and being able to utilize that is why I’ve been able to build my artistic repertoire. I don’t think anyone pursuing something in this industry has it easy, and respectfully we all have had and will have a lot to learn. I’m blessed to have had a support system that reminds me in those dark days that I have something to offer and also something to give to anyone that may want to receive it artistically. I’ve learned that there are levels of what people perceive as success. One thing that keeps me grounded is that I believe in what I do, I believe in what others I respect do, and at the end of the day it has to be something that you are proud of. And I am . As for my story, hmmm, I want to bring in a feeling I found from old school music that inspired me as a child, and hope to bring that to someone in a similar situation.There was a certain type of excitement you’d get when you’d run to the tv to see what music video was on. The aesthetics. The drama. Or driving in the car and the song coming on again. The bopping your head with a light smile just thinking about the vision. I took all that in as a teenager. It all excited me and as I decided that this is what I wanted to do…It inspired me. I think all music of every genre has a magnificent value, and I also hope I can contribute. I think art and especially music is an incredible contribution that can and HAS changed the world. You just gotta be yourself. I do this because music was my sacred space, when I was alone and had to teach myself these things. It taught me a lot and saved me from situations that could be seen as difficult but I have to say…it’s made the songs that I write so much more interesting. I recently had a talk w a dear friend of mine and we both agreed that our works wouldn’t nearly be as exciting if our childhoods were so wholesome. Made me giggle alittle and surprisingly grateful. Half of the songs that I’ve written wouldn’t be what they are. But you take it all and you will certainly hear it in my music.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Who doesn’t love a day at a pool in a luxurious Los Angeles rooftop hotel? But for me personally, I’d rather go to a taco truck in East Los Angeles w some close friends and have a good laugh. Grab some coffee (Not Starbucks) like Kaffee Bohnen in Ktown and go for a walk at Hollywood Forever. Head back home and talk about things that we love LIKE MUSIC and order in from our favorite Thai Food Spot like Monster Noodle in North Hollywood or Palms Thai. Lets end it with a nice jam session or listening to Sade with alittle wine and wonderful convo. Thats the vibe. Simplicity.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
One of my biggest supporters and more importantly my dear friend/fellow artist Glassbattles has been a constant support system for me. He has even had THE NERVE (JK) to bring me along with him on stage and join him for his tour opening for Garbage, also a surprise performance for Palm Springs Pride. Besides that, he’s been such an inspiration including his current creative directing in my upcoming video for my latest single “Who’s Winning”. Its so wonderful to have a friend who believes in me so much and for that Im grateful. By the way, he is incredibly talented and I recommend checking him out (wink, wink).

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercycollazomusic?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028941533650&__n=K

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx3ylx-ojXxKgD6LLQUchWQ?app=desktop

Other: Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0QijLAzCU58qcPzz7RA5O2?si=ajUSjID7SkSj7MQ7Cp9x4w

Image Credits
Live Performance Photography By: Kate Hampson
Album Covers: SNG