VC Pines

"Soul Pioneer" WONDERLAND

"VC Pines just keeps getting better and better with every new track he releases" JACK SAUNDERS, BBC RADIO 1

"A cocktail of realism and indie magic." - CLASH

"VC Pines, something very special going on here" HUW STEPHENS, BBC RADIO 1

"His tunes are huge, emotional stories that have the power to both devastate and reassure" DORK MAGAZINE

"A smooth and mellow slice of indie magic, with a jagged edge in its lyricism detailing disempowerment and loneliness, "Running" acts as both an intersection of sounds and influences, as well as a new direction for VC Pines." THE LINE OF BEST FIT

"Dangling" is the singer-songwriter's latest single. Free-falling through outbursts of loneliness and social anxiety, the track's punctuated by Pines' charmingly truthful lyricism. Tied together by his vocal idiosyncrasies, it touches many cornerstones of the 28-year-old's influences, from sonorous electronica to poetically delivered punk. A whirlpool of emotion, the tune is more calculated than previous tracks, allowing him to tell his story more expansively than ever before". NOTION

"Right new music now from VC Pines, if you like Jamie T, or you like Ezra Collective, or James Blake, I think you are gunna like this tune, it's called Dangling, VC Pines." CLARA AMFO, BBC RADIO 1

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Fresh off the back of his highly-praised singles 'BREAK" and "need 2 breathe" earlier this year, VC Pines has now announced his plans for the new EP 'Viole(n)t Colour', previewed by the mesmerising Josie Man collaboration "Made 2 Luv".

The 'Viole(n)t Colour' EP is a raw, deeply personal collection born from the aftermath of emotional and creative burnout. Emerging from a period of intense isolation and exhaustion -after releasing the 'MRI' album independently, navigating two self-managed tours, and watching personal relationships unravel - the EP captures both the fragility and resilience of rebuilding from nothing.

Speaking about the EP, he said, "I spent most of last year recovering from a mental crash-landing after dropping the MRI album without a manager, without a label, running two tours and burning out. A load of other sh*t happened when I came back and I just felt like I'd lost my creative outlet, closest relationships and reason for being here. It took a minute but I got writing again and found a way to continue releasing music. This EP is a mix of songs I've been holding on to for a while, and songs that helped me get through the last 6-12 months. To me, Viole(n)t Colour feels small, with rough edges, like a pinecone in your pocket, though it has moments of huge self realisation, and potential to grow into the biggest pine in the forest."

While the lead single "Made 2 Luv|, which sees him collaborating with Josie Man, is a biting, soulful outcry wrapped in smooth grooves, capturing the tension between artistic passion and industry disillusionment. It's a song forged in frustration - with the music industry, the UK's false promises, and the illusion of success in London - but delivered with a cool, almost ironic charm that masks the weight beneath the surface.

Adding about "Made 2 Luv", "Made 2 Luv was born out of frustration at the music industry, the UK, the way we're sold this dream in London and actually it's all fugazi, yet we still wear a smile and pretend nothing's wrong which I feel artists have had to become great at in order to do anything at all..."

VC Pines, the artistic moniker of Jack Mercer, has quickly established himself as a leading figure in the alternative soul scene. Known for his gripping tales of love, loss, and late nights in London, Jack's music continues to grow in depth and sophistication.

After a string of acclaimed EPs (Concrete, Skully, Indigo), VC Pines unveiled his debut album MRI in 2023. A deeply personal and sonically adventurous collection, MRI is a concept album that delves into the struggles of mental health, relationships, addictions, and emotions, all through the lens of a creative mind navigating life’s challenges.

Spanning ten tracks, MRI refuses to be confined by genre labels, weaving together elements of R&B, indie, and soul into a rich, atmospheric tapestry. From the eerie and comforting pulse of the opening track "Chamber" to the intoxicating haze of "Damn Different," the album showcases VC Pines' ability to balance vulnerability with bold experimentation.

VC Pines' music is profoundly influenced by his temporal lobe epilepsy, which manifests as synaesthesia - associating colours and emotions with sounds, chords, and melodies. This condition gives his work a uniquely vivid and sensory-driven quality. As he explains, "In my mind’s eye, I'm seeing a cloud or haze of colour. Some people hear something and see a shooting of colour across the room. For me, my favourite moments in music are purple in my head."

Diagnosed at 17, Jack's epilepsy became a lens through which he made sense of his past and embraced his creativity. This perspective has become an integral part of his songwriting, allowing him to connect deeply with his audience and transform personal struggles into universally resonant art.

This is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting new chapter for VC Pines. With more music and live shows on the horizon, he remains committed to creating art that challenges conventions and resonates with listeners on a deeply emotional level.