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. This is evident not only in her music but her videos too. The teenage-bedroom inspired video for her song ‘Dinosaur’ was quickly added to ABC’s Rage - a teenage dream for Merpire.

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, lead single ‘Brain Cells’ was featured on BBC Radio 1’s Jack Saunders’ Future Artists, ‘Village’ on NPR and La Blogothèque as well as features in CLASH magazine, NME, Atwood magazine and more. Double J has continued to play three songs from the record every day since its release.

As Merpire goes from strength to strength, so too does her fanbase and their loyalty to her, her music and her live show. Merpire’s captivating and predominantly female band has landed her a slew of Australian festivals and supports with the likes of Julia Jacklin, Angie Mcmahon and Gengahr (UK). With powerful, versatile performances that are an emotional roller coaster to behold, it wasn't long before the word spread overseas, including Irish indie-rock outift, 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, collecting new fans eager for her return in her wake.