Zander Bleck – Mercy Me

By starrymag | May 15, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) Hmm. It’s pop rock and a blend of a lot of my favorite artists.  I sing loudly.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A)  So many, but I’d say a lot of male vocal pop from the 1980’s – U2, INXS, Phil Collins, Queen – right down to The Killers, Coldplay and Imagine Dragons.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Mercy Me.”

 

A)I wrote “Mercy Me” as a love song to the music industry. I wanted something fun and a bit different than what my music had been in the past.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I think the sound is a mix of freshness with an ode to the past.  It makes me want to dance even when I’m singing it.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) The video was also paying homage to that era when making music videos was so new and more about being fun than being dramatic.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A)  It’s a bit different every time, but I let the music come first and creates a spark in my mind what I want to sing about. It’s always good to write about something deeply personal.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) I am currently working side by side with my longtime bass guitarist, Matthew. He and I are in the lab together.

 

Q) You were named “one of the most interesting and charismatic new talents” by L’Uomo Vogue. How did that make you feel?

 

A)  Such an amazing compliment from such an amazing magazine! I remember when I was a model 100 years ago, being in L’uomo Vogue was the end all be all. I’ve finally made it in as an artist and was very humbled.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live Zander Bleck performance?

 

A) I am trying to revive a time when rock shows were rock shows. Think Queen at Live Aid – that’s my bullseye.

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) I expect to release an EP by the end of the summer!

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) Although I’ve traveled quite a bit, I haven’t performed in as many extensive locations as I’d like. Ask me again in nine months!

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A)I would love to do a crossover duet with either a female artist or an electronic producer, like KYGO.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) My playlist is so random. It’s hard to name something specific. I listen to a lot of chill wave music, as well as classical and world music. I am alwaysout to find something new.

 

Q) What advice would you give to young guys and girls interested in getting started in the music business?

 

A) I think the best advice I can think of is: one, make sure you want it and want it badly.  Two, find something genuine about yourself that is unique and focus on that – become better than anyone else at that one thing. Stay true, and if it’s something you really want, something you can’t live without… never fucking give up.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A)  Social media is everything these days. Being able to connect with fans and also bring them along on the journey is amazing.  It also pushes me to be creative on a daily basis to capture something that will bring value to them in some way.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A)  Thank you so much. All the support and love is the fuel to this engine of art! See you all soon all over the world.