Coast 2 Coast Closeup – Jason Mercer

Country artist Jason Mercer is no stranger when it comes to storytelling, and his current single ‘She Thinks’ is certainly no exception.  ‘She Thinks’ is a collaboration between Mercer and Grammy-winning producer Mitch Dane of Sputnik Sound, who helped bring the single to life in Nashville, through Americana soundscapes and rock and roll energy.

Following the success of his previous single ‘Nobody But You,’ Mercer set out on a mission to write from the heart, authenticity found in every word and power sung in each note, demonstrated flawlessly in ‘She Thinks’. Drawing on the storytelling elements of country music, ‘She Thinks’ is the tale of a mischief-maker, whose loyalty lies with his lover, ‘an angel’ who tolerates his behaviour. “The song is about a guy who has some bad habits, he’s far from perfect and he knows it. But he loves this girl he’s singing about who puts up with his behavior because she’s patient and kind. In the back of her mind, she knows that this guy MIGHT not be any good, but she really hasn’t made that call yet. I’m rooting for him,’ explains Mercer.

With the rhythmic strum of the acoustic guitar and the bending notes of the electric, ‘She Thinks’ has all the ingredients for a perfect Country record, flavoured with Mercer’s own signature sound. Mercer’s distinctive voice weaves the story together, accompanied by the rhythm of high energy drums. The chorus has an impactful punch, with catchy melody writing and layers of guitar, electric organ and harmonies, a nod to Mercer’s love for vocal harmony groups. There’s a nostalgic feel to the track, reminiscent of the ‘70s, an era that greatly influences Mercer’s writing, captured through impressive California-rock-style guitar solos and a climactic build before dropping to the sing-along chorus, punctuated by drums and guitar. The final chorus comes in strong, one last chance to join in with ‘Just as well, she thinks I’m going to hell,’ a moment that is easy to imagine translated live on stage, reflective of Mercer’s human connection through his songwriting.

Mercer’s musical past is a vibrant one, having been a fixture in the music industry for fifteen years. Based in Ontario,  his music has taken him from his home country, as well as around the globe from the United States to Australia. His earlier years were spent in an alternative rock band, opening for Our Lady Peace and Stone Temple Pilots at Sarnia Bayfest, before joining country band Them Dang Rattlers. But it was when Mercer took the plunge as a solo artist that he found the most fulfillment, hearing his own music on mainstream country radio being a personal highlight. With a series of singles set for release, Mercer is excited to be involved in a recording project for the Canadian Country Music Awards, hosted in his own hometown of London, aptly timed for the release of his own epic country saga, ‘She Thinks.’

Listen to the interview