With a sophisticated approach to songwriting and production, Nathan & Mercury has developed an intricate sound that blends modern rock arrangements with pop, R&B, gospel, hip-hop, soul, blues and jazz. The result of the amalgam is a refined singular vision informed by their music influences: the smooth vibe of Tom Misch, the slick hip-hop grooves of Anderson .Paak and Chance The Rapper and the arsty soulful music of Jordan Rakei.
Originally intended as a solo project by Nathan Huang, the four-piece outfit came together by accident through a gig during a friend’s birthday party. He shared, “I got them for a one-time gig.”
“But we saw how we all worked together and realized that the sound felt fresh,” Huang continued. “After an exchange of ideas, we eventually decided to create music together.”
Huang on guitars and vocals eventually recruited Angelo Sison on bass, Alex Samonte on guitars and Daniel Monong on drums to perform as Nathan & Mercury. Their moniker was inspired by one of his late-night drives with musician-friend Tim Marquez of One Click Straight.
“I was talking to my friend Tim and we were trying to figure out a good name for the band on the way home from school,” Huang recalled. “As we were exiting the Skyway via Sucat, we saw a Mercury Drug store sign and that inspired me to add Mercury in the band name.”
Together, the band’s ascent as one of the most promising live acts today landed them a spot at the Wanderland Music Festival 2019, placing first runner-up at the festival’s band competition Wanderband 2019. They also joined the stage to perform with international music stars such as Honne, Clairo, The Kooks, and Two Door Cinema Club.
“Perhaps the best part about playing in Wanderland is that we got to play for a much wider audience who most likely heard us there for the first time,” Huang said. “The fest really served as an avenue to reach more people and we were able to show them what we’ve got.”
Nathan & Mercury’s streak of acclaimed performance hit another high early this year with a nomination at the MYX Music Awards for Favorite Bandarito Performance. Thanks to their impressive take on “Fools,” the first official single released in 2018.
With gospel-inflected harmonies, intricately soulful instrumentation, and a more ambitious arrangement that shies away from the pop leanings of their other songs, “Fools” steps up to the plate with a certain level of boldness. The artistry clearly transcends boundaries and traditional sonic forms.
With a fast-rising portfolio and regular spot at prominent live music shows in the Philippines, Nathan & Mercury is slowly capturing the spotlight with one achievement at a time. Now signed and managed by Sony Music Philippines, the genre-bending band is set to release their full-length debut album this year.
“We signed with Sony Music because we felt how genuine their love and support is for our music,” Huang noted. “Our goals are aligned and they already have grand plans for us, so there’s really nothing holding us back from signing.”
CONAN Daily 