Emerging from London’s eclectic music scene, Merico-X has been carving out his own space in R&B and pop since 2001.
From his early days taking vocal lessons at Deptford Second Wave to performing his first gig at Club CC in West London, Merico-X has always been driven by a passion for music and a desire to tell stories through song. Growing up surrounded by diverse musical influences, he developed a unique style that blends smooth R&B melodies with pop sensibilities, infused with the storytelling and emotion that first inspired him as a child.
A lifelong fan of 90s R&B, Merico-X’s music reflects the sounds that shaped his artistic journey, while also incorporating modern elements that showcase his growth and versatility. Over the years, he has experimented with rap, reggae, and other genres, but his heart remains firmly in R&B and pop. With a growing catalogue of releases, including his latest single Funny, Merico-X continues to craft music that connects with listeners on a personal level. In this Q&A, Merico-X opens up about his journey, his influences, and what fans can expect from his upcoming releases.
You have been performing since 2001. Can you tell us what first inspired you to get on stage and pursue music?
Oh my days, two questions in one! Okay, in 2001 I went to Deptford Second Wave to do vocal lessons when I heard the advertisement on Choice FM. I wanted to pursue it but first wanted the fundamental knowledge of vocal lessons. When I decided I was ready, I performed at my first gig at Club CC in West London!
Your upcoming project “Love Notes & Lullabies” focuses heavily on love. How do you hope this project will connect with listeners on an emotiGrowing up in London with a mixed background, how has your cultural heritage influenced your musical style?nal level?
I’ve been listening to music for as long as I can remember. It helps me understand music as someone giving out a message, about what happened to them, how they feel, telling someone else’s story, or even being fictional. It gave me the urge to write rhymes when I was 11 years old. As I grew older, it influenced, or whatever you want to call it, my style. R&B and pop are my style!
You mentioned a love for 90s RnB. What is it about that era of music that resonates with you so strongly?
From 1996 to 1999, when I heard that sound, it stuck with me. By 2004, I was gagging to go to the studio and set it off!
You have experimented with rap and reggae but prefer RnB and pop. How do you decide which style fits a particular song or performance?
I sample tracks and make them slightly different, then I practice that technique in both vocal and dance routines before hitting the stage!
Your last gig was in 2018. What have you been working on musically since then?
I practice piano and keyboard basics and try to improve my vocals.
Can you tell us about your most recent release and the story behind it?
I’m going to release the song Funny. It’s about a guy who falls in love with a lady, then she disregards him. He’s left feeling a lot, but finds it funny even though he’s sad because he thought that woman was his soulmate, but she ended up being his “twin flame”!
Are you planning any new releases in the near future, and what can fans expect from them?
I have a lot of releases to come. Fans, if I’ve got any, can expect easy-listening, smooth melodies that will stick with them for a long time. When they hear it, and I’m not being conceited, they’ll want to hear it on their sound system again.
Looking ahead, what are your goals or dreams for your music career in the next few years?
I’m just focused on the present when it comes to this, so my future self can thank me later!