Jack Mercer is VC Pines, the one time frontman of hotly tipped London act The Carnabys who has become even more hotly tipped as a solo artist. 

While the London outfit dealt in indie guitar-based musical wares, our ICMP Songwriting alumnus is ploughing a different creative furrow of his own, employing classic songwriting but augmented with brass, organ and large dollops of soul.

Inspired by the likes of Jeff Buckley, The Alabama Shakes and Talking Heads, Jack’s music and profile have been steadily picking up pace over the year, thanks in part to linking with legendary indie imprint, Fierce Panda (responsible for early releases from Coldplay, Placebo, Supergrass and many more) as well as his raw talent. 

His 'Indigo' EP has seen him played on BBC 6 Music and BBC Radio 1, perform at the Social, the Notting Hill Arts Club and sell out London's Lexington.  

Commenting in our recent interview about what led him to study with us, Jack said:  

I had been doing gigs in local pubs for a while and had always loved writing and performing music, so decided to fully commit and pursue it. That’s when I found ICMP and auditioned. Getting out of a monotonous schedule was really refreshing, as well as learning things I’d never learnt before." 

His latest release is ‘Bones', another rich slice of alternative indie soul released via Fierce Panda. The track is the first from his upcoming second EP, which is set for release in early 2020. The EP has a colour-coded theme, with Jack exploring his synaesthesia through the songs. 

Describing the EP, Jack said: "I found out what synaesthesia was during a lecture at music college, when the lecturer seemed to be describing how my brain worked. I always thought that that's how everyone saw the world and that various senses were triggered by certain things and that's just how we lived. Then when I realised that wasn't the case, and that I had something different, I started to use it as a tool." 

The track has been well received with great reviews and BBC Radio 1 recently making it their Track of the Week while Sound On Sound Magazine also featured him on its cover. 

Catch VC Pines on tour in 2020 at a string of live UK shows in April 2020, including Brighton's Prince Albert (1st), London's Omeara (2nd), Leeds' Oporto (16th) and Bristol's Crofters Rights (24th.)

In August 2020, Jack signed a publishing deal with BMG (home of songwriters like Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Kylie Minogue, Ringo Starr, Roger Waters, and more) announcing to his followers that 'big things will be coming soon'.

Visit VC Pines' Facebook page to find out more. 

Write songs that last for generations

A great song can become truly timeless, remembered for generations as part of the world’s cultural legacy. Whether you want to craft a killer melody or pen poetic lyrics, our tutors will teach you everything you want to know, including all the production, performance, professional and entrepreneurial skills needed to ensure that your unique creations get the recognition they deserve. You’ll also benefit from A&R-style critique sessions, collaborative opportunities, access to fully equipped live rooms, recording studios and tech suites, and a community of inspiring contacts and friends.

To catapult your songwriting and music career to a whole new level, email our friendly Admissions Team at enquiries@icmp.ac.uk or give them a call on 020 7328 0222.

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