“An emotional overhaul from a genuinely bold, no-strings artist” - Atwood Magazine
“Setting out her stall across a flurry of neat indie pop jams, Merpire has a chilled but affecting sound, with an introspective side.” - CLASH
"Merpire has a knack for crafting gorgeous pop songs with layered vocals, crunchy guitar tones and wistful lyrics. We are hanging on the edge of our seats for her next release."
- Tonedeaf
“A voice that hits you... words that stay with you” - Declan Byrne (triple j)
Merpire, the moniker of Melbourne-based artist Rhiannon Atkinson-Howatt writes music living somewhere between the rom-com and horror movie sections of her mind.
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In 2021, Merpire released her debut record, ‘Simulation Ride’, co-produced with James Seymour, via ADA Records - a record about looking for positivity in anxiety. It landed the feature album spot on Double J and SYN radio, winning hearts around the country. Overseas, songs were featured on BBC Radio 1’s Jack Saunders’ Future Artists, NPR, La Blogothèque and The Line of Best Fit, as well as features in CLASH magazine, NME, Atwood Magazine and more.
Developing her skills in video direction and production led to her videos for ‘Heavy Feeling’ and ‘Dinosaur’ not only being added to ABC’s iconic Rage, but added as Rage’s ‘Wild One’ of the week - a teenage dream for Merpire.
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As Merpire goes from strength to strength, so too does her fanbase and their loyalty to her, her music and her live show. Merpire and her band played the ‘Simulation Ride’ album launch to a record number of home town Melbourne fans after it was postponed more than 3 times due to the pandemic.
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With such powerful, versatile performances, it wasn't long before the word of her live show spread overseas capturing 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 an 8-date tour, and again in May 2023 with Ailbhe Reddy (IRE), Hockey Dad and FORM Presents, collecting new fans and industry eager for her return.
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Now in 2024, Merpire has some big news coming...
