Rising pop artist Jackson Mercer returns with his introspective new single 'Anxiety', a deeply personal release that marks the beginning of a new chapter in his artistic journey. Rooted in honesty and self-reflection, the track explores the cyclical nature of inner thoughts, ultimately arriving at a place of self-acceptance and truth.
Built from a simple guitar riff that lingered in his mind, 'Anxiety' evolved into a candid reflection on Mercer’s experiences with social anxiety growing up. What started as a fleeting idea became a fully realised, bedroom-produced track; written, recorded, and produced entirely by the artist himself. The result is a clean, melody-driven pop offering that balances emotional weight with an uplifting sense of perspective.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I fell in love with was the Piano, back when I was 5 years old!
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
The first kind of music I started to really enjoy was slow pop ballads that had beauty and colour in the melody. However nowadays my favourite type of music is definitely RnB and jazz!
What was the first album you remember owning?
I never owned an album since I was growing up in the streaming era with iTunes etc, but from memory the first album I bought was Doo-Wops & Hooligans by Bruno Mars in 2010!
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Oh! Most Definitely Attention by Charlie Puth.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
The only ritual I really have is I always sit down at my physical piano upstairs when writing a new song, always starting with the chord progression and then a rough idea of the melody. Other than that I always bounce my files after a mixing session and play it in the car and get a gauge of the whole picture by mixing in my car!
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Charlie Puth, Tate Mcrae, Justin Bieber (recently again his old music), Boyz 2 Men, New Edition
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Charlie Puth
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Hearing your ideas and stories come to life into music. That feeling is so rewarding and I am always chasing it as I write more and more music. Its a tell into knowing it is some of my best work!
And what is the most frustrating part?
Definitely promoting and finding an audience base in this oversaturated market.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Always tailor whatever you play to showcase YOUR strengths as a musician!
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Jackson Mercer's new single 'Anxiety' is out now. Check it out in the player below.