VC Pines releases his new EP 'Viole(n)t Colour' today through Believe - Listen here!
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PRAISE FOR 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
Following the enormous support for his recently shared singles “BREAK”, “Chasing The Dragon”, “need 2 breathe” and Josie Man collaboration “Made 2 Luv” in recent months, VC Pines has now delivered his hotly-tipped new EP ‘Viole(n)t Colour’.
VC Pines’ new EP ‘Viole(n)t Colour’ 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, as well as watching personal relationships unravel, the EP captures both the fragility and resilience of rebuilding from nothing.
Speaking about the EP, he said, "The Viole(n)t Colour EP is out today, it’s a funny feeling getting this one off my chest. I’ve had these songs a while and they all helped me get through the last year or so in their own ways. There are so many colours / textures / emotions and ideas knotted together in these songs, I hope they do for you what they’ve done for me."
Adding about the final track to be revealed off the EP, “Something In The Way” he explains, “is about knowing you need to let go in order to move on and grow, but sometimes there are things you really struggle to put down. I’ve always struggled with letting go of the past, I think it’s because of my temporal lobe epilepsy, which really affects and is stemmed from your memories.”
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 colors 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 color. Some people hear something and see a shooting of color across the room. For me, my favorite 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.
Viole(nt) Colour 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.
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