There’s something quite animalistic about Merpire’s music - the moniker of Naarm/Melbourne-based Rhiannon Atkinson-Howatt - whose huge, gritty voice, whimsical turn-of-phrase and inimitable chord choices seem impossible to tame, were it not for a sobering honesty that could heal even the most stoic crowd. Merpire’s songs aren’t just effortless, catchy dark-pop anthems deserving of a home in the 90s Garbage or Caroline Polachek canon - soaring through every track is a subtext profound enough to stop you in your tracks.
It’s no wonder her debut album, ‘Simulation Ride’ (ADA Records), released in 2021, received high praise on BBC Radio 1’s Jack Saunders’ Future Artists, NPR, triple j, feature album on Double J, La Blogothèque, CLASH Magazine, NME, The Sunday Times and more. And Merpire’s captivating, queer, all-femme band has taken her dark anthems to the stage at PANAMA, Brunswick Music Fest, NYE on the hill, and supports for the likes of Julia Jacklin, Angie Mcmahon and Hockey Dad.
With powerful, versatile performances that are an emotional roller coaster to behold, it wasn’t long before the word spread abroad, including to the hearts of Irish indie-rock outfit, Pillow Queens. After their double appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden, Pillow Queens took Merpire’s band around the UK in May 2022 on a sold out, 8-date tour, collecting new fans eager for her return in her wake.
Now in 2024, Merpire has received funding from Creative Australia, taking her on her first headline tour around the UK in May. All building towards Merpire’s next undeniable gift.