Whenever we use the tube, we are admitedly attacked with a case of the “roundabouts”. We make our rounds to our same sites, refreshing off and on, waiting for that juicy piece of news that inspires us. Sadly, sometimes that news never comes, and certain sites get lost in the shuffle. Merc80 has been a site I’ve had my eye on since I first started using the internet. Yes, you read that correctly. To typecast his work as “blogging” would not be doing him justice, considering his page has been a constant driving force in my creativity.
By doing the legwork to interview artists ranging from musicians, photographers, radio personalities, promoters, occupational therapists, and more; Merc80 does its best to bring “pure unfiltered expression. Ideas and thoughts of today’s most cultured musicians, movers, shakers, thinkers, entrepreneurs, and artists alike. This is the story behind the storyteller.”
Mercury, the site’s founder, has provided invaluable information from notables such as Ndugu Chancler, Res, Planet Asia, DJ Dizam, photographer Vashluv, my personal favorites: J*DaVeY, and more. Merc80 is a site providing the bedrock for all upcoming visionaries trying to bring a service to the world - and for its own end, rather than for the sake of millions. So I wrote Mercury via email, asking him for an interview. We’ve known each other through Twitter for quite a while, and I thought it was about time that more people were exposed to his creative intelligence and sense of duty. (Click “Read More” for interview.)
What’s yer story on how you fell in love with the world of music and commerce?
Well my father was a musician. He plays African and Caribbean music. He taught me how to play the drums and congas when I was a baby. So when I was still real young, like when I could start walking and stand on my own, I’d play in the band with him. My mom played music all the time in the house, and so did my sister. I’ve been surrounded by music all my life. I didn’t truly feel like it was something that I was going to need in my life til I joined a rap group in 8th grade. I started writing then. I was in a Jazz band throughout high school. It was at that point that I knew it was something I could never do away with. Even from about 6th grade on I would tape the mix shows on the radio. I couldn’t get enough. For the most part though I’ve loved storytelling and writing stories and poems all my life. I did acting as a kid. I love all of the arts.
What inspired you to use blogging as your outlet, and how did you get started?
I was reading this book called Ruthless Self Promotion in the Music Industry. It said to make your web presence more felt. I had a Mino Flip Camera already but I didn’t really know what to do with it. So I started vloggig. Then I realized it couldn’t just be about me or else it would get boring. I saw all these talented people I knew and collabed with out here stuck on that same cycle I was in without any help. So I started interviewing them. I figured my questions are all the questions artists want to be asked about their work. So I’m not only the president, I’m also a client haha.
What are your most notable experiences?
My most notable experience for me thus far has been interviewing Ndugu Chancelr, drummer for Miles Davis, Santana, and Michael Jackson. The sheer history he had, and perspective he has as an elder really gave me a lot of insight. It made me realize that I have to get a lot more of these elders and legends and get their stories.
What message are you trying to send the next generation?
To look at all of the arts as something bigger than a get rich quick scheme, or to only do it for fame. Music, storytelling, visual art, all of these things have been around since the beginning of time for a reason, and that reason is something to take a little bit more seriously than just one’s ego. Also, for them to believe in themselves and to try new things. Educate themselves, and really delve into their passion. To understand and appreciate the creative mind. And of course to give the fans a little more insight into what their favorite artists do.
Do you have any staff, teammates, or co-conspirators?
For just about all of my interviews thus far my homegirl Eve has been the camerawoman. The layout of the site has been done by my friend Kamal Collins, who is a great graphic designer and artist. He helped design the site, and created the logo, as well as other great creative direction. The video editing and writing thus far is me, but I definitely have plans to have guest writers.
What are the rewards?
Meeting other artists that inspire me, and hearing them say the same things I always thought or saw myself. It let’s me know I’m not totally crazy haha. A lot of this site is therapeutic for me too. Being an artist can be a fairly lonely road, so when other artists understand, it feels like you’re at home.
If you could speak to the next up-and-coming Merc80, what advice would you give him/her?
If you’re doing anything that does not produce love in your heart, and love in other people’s hearts, then stop and find something else.
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