MERCE: Make It Good to Be Alive

This episode is dedicated in loving memory to Richard “Dixpop” Nichols   Singer, songwriter, and producer MERCE joins Jeremiah for an intimate conversation about music, love, loss, and finding the road back to feeling alive.   As a founding member of the Jazzyfatnastees, Mercedes “MERCE” Martinez helped shape the emerging neo-soul movement, contributing to Philadelphia’s fertile musical landscape and leaving an indelible mark on the city by founding Black Lily: A Women in Music Series. Initially conceived as a weekly live-music showcase in Philadelphia, the series became a pivotal launchpad and vibrant community space for a remarkable wave of neo-soul, neo-funk, and organic hip-hop artists. It provided early exposure to iconic figures such as Jill Scott, Alicia Keys, Bilal, Floetry, and Jazmine Sullivan, paving the way for their future success.   Now, MERCE steps forward with her debut full-length solo album, Alive—a deeply personal project created in the wake of the loss of her husband, creative partner, and mentor, Richard “Dixpop” Nichols.   MERCE discusses growing up immersed in music, finding her own sound beyond genre, learning to trust emotion as her creative compass, and returning to the studio after a devastating loss.    She also shares how songs such as “Overcome,” “In Time On Time,” “Come and Go,” and “Alive” trace a journey from questioning whether she could move forward to recognizing the gift of still being here.   With her new single “My Guy,” MERCE arrives at another realization: what is truly meant for us will never pass us by.   A conversation about light and shadow, the people we carry with us, and making the most of the time we have.   Today’s music soundtrack includes new music from MERCE, from her debut solo full-length album ALIVE, created with longtime collaborators Rick Friedrich (The Roots) and Kush Oxford (Estelle) - COMING SOON   Get Social with: MERCE on Instagram.  | @mercesingersongwriter   Follow and Listen:  MERCE Spotify | MERCE MERCE on Apple Music | MERCE   Check out MERCE’S “My Guy” video on YouTube MERCE YouTube | @merce-music   Photography by Liliana Salinas // Artwork by FMWJ   CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and overview of Merce's journey 02:02 The story behind the album 'Alive' 03:52 Merce's relationship with Richard Dixpop Nichols 06:08 The influence of Richard on Merce's music and life 08:00 The impact of loss and the process of healing 09:55 Creating 'Alive' amidst challenges and setbacks 11:54 The significance of the album's title and themes 14:02 Visual elements and symbolism in the music video 16:01 Reflections on authenticity, courage, and artistic growth 17:55 Life's beauty and the importance of family and creativity 19:57 Merce's son's musical talent and future 21:57 Upcoming releases and Merce's social media presence 24:01 Final thoughts and dedication to Richard   POP CULTURE, MUSIC ICONS, & FOOD GODS - Listen More & Evolve   Catch Up With Past Shows and Your Favorite Guests - TJS MEDIA LIBRARY   Partner with The Jeremiah Show  BRAND PARTNER DECK   The Jeremiah Show is brought to you by Evolve Entertainment Network  www.thejeremiahshow.com https://radio-evolve.rocks   Host | Executive Producer - Jeremiah D. Higgins Senior Sound Engineer | Producer - Graham Palmer | Surprise Studio   THE JEREMIAH SHOW PROUDLY FEATURES    Cuzen Matcha Worldwide - Get $30 Off at Checkout “JEREMIAH30” Music Connection Magazine  MusiCares  Omad Records Nicole Sofia Voracious Records Greens First - Get 30% Off at Checkout “JEREMIAH30”   The Jeremiah Show Radio Broadcast is heard in London, Somerset, U.K., New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, Los Angeles, Ontario, Canada, and Santa Barbara on Radio Candy Media. We are broadcast in London on Belter Radio and in Paris on My Indie Radio.   SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS   Jeremiah D. Higgins   Graham Palmer, Surprise Studio   Did you like the music in this episode?  The Jeremiah Show Original Music Soundtracks     The Jeremiah Show Theme Song “The Ocean and the Butterfly” by The Dave Matthews Band   NEW SHOWS - Every Friday Classic TJS Shows Drop Every Wednesday