Introducing Merinda Hill
The talented South African singer/songwriter uses her music to promote positivity around the world. Before its November 25th release, we asked her a few questions about her debut EP, her inspirations, and the message she wants to share.
JW: Your songs seem to be inspired by very personal experiences. Would you expand upon the things that you were feeling while writing this EP?
MH: Growing up as a child, I grew up in a very conservative family with strong morals and values. But it was in my 20’s that I soon realized just how unknown the world especially around love was for me. I had some of the greatest experience around being in love and truly immersed into those I dearly cared for.
But I soon realized that each love story was short-lived and my heart left shattered. Whilst writing the EP I had a realization to relive those memories and emotions and by writing songs, healed myself through the music. When I listen to the songs now, I would like to believe that it sends a message of hope and inspiration to love one self first and then step into the world whole, ready to attract the right people in your life.
One night I performed at a work event singing a Savage Garden Song.
(Two beds and a Coffee Machine). When I got home, I couldn’t sleep and in the next moment I put pen to paper and Something Worth to Love was born.
Writing each song on the EP was like having a conversation with myself. Back then it was very hard for me to articulate into words what I was feeling but through writing songs it just came to me so naturally and it brought me the most immense happiness.
JW: I noticed a distinctive 80’s influence on your sound. Do you have any favorite classic acts? Additionally, what modern artists are exciting to you?
MH: I loved growing up listening to Freddy Mercury, Queen, Bryan Adams, Richard Marx( my all-time favorite and still in my top 10 list today) Tina Turner, Madonna, A-ha, Michael Jackson, Depeche Mode, U2, The Cure, The Eurhythmics, Pet shop Boys, Cher, Whitney Houston, The Bangles,
Some modern artists include: Emelie Sande, Ed Sheraan, Adele, Lady Gaga, Usher, Coldplay,Alicia Keys, Mary J Blige, Foo Fighters, Muse, Snow Patrol, Maroon 5, Pink, Nickelback, Owl City, Miley Cyrus, Alanis Morrisette.
JW: How do you see yourself evolving as both an individual and an artist in the coming years?
MH: Through continued personal development both personally and in my music. To grow, build and improve in all I do, mindset to me is key – So maintaining a calm state of mind will definitely help me in learning new skillsets I need to personally enhance and build a sense of resilience in my music. I would definitely aim to focus more on uplifting messages coming through my future music – music that sends a message of hope.
I want to incorporate much needed elements of human values into my music to create a wave of love and to truly unite the world and to see past all those things that so easily divide us. I am already planning an acoustic version of this EP release and working on my debut album which me and my producer will start laying down in 2023.
JW: What is the overall message you would like to share with your potential fans?
MH: A strong message of hope creating a wave of love through diversity moving through the world in harmony that all can relate to in their respective life experiences and hopefully gain perspective around those experiences.
Follow her on IG @merindahillmusic, and be on the look out for her new EP Nov 25