Queer crooner Merlot is back with a new single, "Sunrise," which they call the "slutty big sister" to their last track, "Bad For You." The is "a story of wanting a relationship," that doesn't last past sunrise -- yes girls, it's a horny bop perfect for summer. Merlot says it's not a point of view they explore often, but something they were interested in exploring musically. Out chatted with the artist about "Sunrise" and what it means to release this song during Pride.
Tell me about the songwriting and production process for "Sunrise."
I was in LA and it was actually the first day I met this producer, and we instantly hit it off. We came up with the bass line together pretty quickly, and once that was done, the song just kind of wrote itself. I could tell it was gonna be a track for the club, so I wanted the lyrics to be something more provocative than heartbreak or anything emotional, so I went with this narrative.
How does this track speak to you as an artist?
I am a product of nightlife, and the style of this song definitely speaks to that. I wanted something people could sing along and dance to at 2 a.m., anywhere in the world and just feel free. I'm a sucker for bass-heavy club bangers, and I wanted to scratch that itch in my own music. Hopefully people want to move as much as I do when they hear it!
Why did you decide to release this song during Pride? What does Pride mean to you?
I decided it would be Pride weekend appropriate because I think the song is so liberating and free, and the underlying message is personal agency -- all of the key components of Pride for me. I think Pride is a time to celebrate self-empowerment and freedom, and this song has that at its core. I also wanted to give the gays a banger to usher in all the Pride festivities haha.
What's next for you?
I have a catalogue of singles at this point, and slowly but surely they will all see the light of day. I'm taking my time because I want to give each of them justice, and I don't want any of them to feel rushed. I'm excited to continue making my art, and I can't wait to show everyone my labor of love I've been working on for so long!
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