Mercy Music’s Brendon Scholz on Their New Album & Future Aspirations
Photo by Corlene Machine
Interview by Tallulah Totten
We were able to speak with vocalist and guitarist of Mercy Music, Brendon Scholz. We spoke about the new album, What You Stand To Lose, and what their biggest aspirations are for the band moving forward. If you want to learn more about Mercy Music and the new album, click here to read our breakdown of What You Stand To Lose!
1127: Who are some of your guys’ biggest musical influences?
Brendon Scholz: Our influences are all over the place, some of my biggest include: Jimi Hendrix, Thin Lizzy, The Replacements, Squeeze, Jawbreaker, ALL, Elvis Costello......
1127: What made you guys want to pursue music?
Brendon: For as far back as I can remember, I've always just had it in me to want to do this. I can't pinpoint a moment in time, it's just something that always seemed to be there.
1127: What has the process of creating your new album, What You Stand to Lose, been like? What inspired it?
Brendon: This record was unlike the others in that we had the ability to spend a lot of time demoing the material beforehand. I think it really helped take the songs to the next level. The writing process itself was not unlike the others. The inspiration ranges from things like the pandemic (isolation), and the ending of long term personal relationships, learning from situations and trying to be better.
1127: What song off the newest album are you most proud of and why?
Brendon: That would have to be "Love You/Need You." I really think it stands out on the record and the genere in general. The chords are odd, the melody is strong, and the guitar solo is pretty cool too.
1127: Is there anything that you hope listeners will take from the new album?
Brendon: I really hope the listeners understand that it's ok to feel your feelings, but try and use the experience to learn and grow to be better in general or better to yourself. Additionally just to never give up hope and to keep pushing forward.
1127: What’s been your most recent source of inspiration?
Brendon: Most recently, it has been the people around me, and how grateful I am to have those people. Humans in general are really good at taking things for granted, and I've really been trying to be better about that.
1127: How has your music style changed over the years? Is there a particular direction that you see the band heading?
Brendon: I can't say we've changed stylistically, or are trying for a new direction. I'd just say we're always pushing to be the best we can be, as a live band, as a songwriter etc.
1127: What would be your guys’ dream venue to perform at?
Brendon: I would love to play Madison Square Garden, or perform on SNL.
1127: Are there any long-term goals or dreams that you have for Mercy Music?
Brendon: The long term goal for me has always been to make this my job, and it's always a work in progress. Hahah.
1127: Are there any upcoming plans for the band that you’re excited about that you can share with us (other than the album you’re releasing on the 30th–congrats on that!)?
Brendon: For the time being it's just promoting and touring as much as we can. We have a bunch of release shows starting June 28th in Arizona. Keep your eyes peeled, and thank you for talking to us!
Watch Mercy Music’s music video for “Found Out I’m Useless” & “Suddenly”
