We sat down with LA-based songwriter Mercury Slim to chat about his upcoming single “Space Cadet,” out June 4.
Slim released “Fade To Blue” and “Polka Dot Shoes” in March 2020 which drummed up some buzz and was leading up to the release of his debut LP, Love In A Time Of Dystopia.
But, of course, it’s 2021 and if recent years have been good for anything, it’s keeping us on our toes.
As such, the album’s since been shelved in favor of a set of songs written through the pandemic that Slim says aligns better with his “cosmic headspace in 2020.”
Learn more about indie artist Mercury Slim, his new video for “Space Cadet” and his songwriting process below.
Beyond the Stage: Where do you draw inspiration from?
Mercury Slim: Everything around me that I come into contact with. I’m a sponge. Music, people, moments, books, words, the poetry of it all.
And when I can tune into the present moment and really listen to someone speak and be.
BTS: What for you is the most challenging aspect of songwriting?
MS: Honestly, knowing when to stop writing a song, and recognizing that songs are fluidic.
Some lead to other songs, some are multiple songs, and some just need to breath for a while before finishing.
BTS: What’s the most rewarding aspect?
MS: The feeling of striking creative gold in the moment. I live for it.
BTS: What was the video concept behind Space Cadet?
MS: My buddy Forrest who directed the video and I started out winging it and ended up shooting an old but new feeling episode of Star Trek.
BTS: What are you most excited for fans to see in the video for Space Cadet?
MS: My love Ray
BTS: How is Space Cadet different from music you’ve released in the past?
MS: Well it’ll be my most fun and adventurous song to date for sure. Not to mention my first song out that is so highly multifaceted in its meaning, and in it’s confrontation with societal expectations.
BTS: Are there plans to release Love In A Time Of Dystopia or is it shelved indefinitely?
MS: Honestly I’d love to have an album this year, and we have half of one done.
The pandemic threw a bit of a wrench in that plan as I had a crowd funding campaign in late March of 2020 for the album and unfortunately the economy crashed and people where going into survival mode with toilet paper madness and such, right as the campaign was getting going.
So, the campaign did not do as good as we thought it would. My plan is to steady release music the next couple years.
If that’s a series of singles, A couple of EPs, or an album+. Whatever it is, it’s taking shape and soon it will reveal its self. Jon Gilbert and I are steady recording when we can.
BTS: Do you have a favorite lyric off the new track? What is it and why?
MS: Yeah, for me it’s the hook: ”I just wanna be a space cadet” it’s a release from all that Society, culture, capitalism, government and technology want us to be. In favor of a better world.
The kind of post scarcity world of Star Trek where people are free to pursue personal enrichment and money has been abolished, and where were in contact with our galactic neighbors.
BTS: What can fans expect next?
More Mercury Slim songs, and shows, Soon.
Keep up with Mercury via Instagram, Facebook and Spotify:
- Get to Know: Motherfolk - November 8, 2021
- State Champs Rocks Philly on 2021 Pure Noise Tour - October 21, 2021
- Get to Know: Wilder. - August 28, 2021
