Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, and producer Merce—widely celebrated as a founding member of the seminal ’90s neo-soul group The Jazzyfatnastees—has officially launched her solo career with her debut album, ALIVE. Accompanying the highly anticipated project is the newly released lead single and music video, “My Guy.”
“My Guy” was crafted alongside veteran industry collaborators Rick Friedrich (The Roots) and Kush Oxford (Estelle). The single offers a slow-burning, atmospheric musical embrace that effectively introduces the immersive sonic landscape of the new album.
“My Guy is less about a guy I didn’t align with and more about reassuring myself that there’s no need to cry,” Merce shared regarding the single’s inspiration. “Who or what is meant for me will not pass me by. The music is atmospheric and moody with a march-like quality that feels like the path I’m on, the twisting, winding road to my highest good.”
The broader 10-track album seamlessly blends alternative soul, pop, and electronic textures, all anchored by Merce’s signature vocal harmonies and plainspoken lyricism. ALIVE stands as her most introspective work to date, written in the aftermath of profound personal tragedy following the loss of her life and musical partner, Richard Nichols. Navigating life as a solo parent caring for their son with autism, Merce channeled her journey through grief and uncertainty into a powerful statement of transformation and renewal.
Merce, born Mercedes Martinez, has been a formidable underlying force in the music industry for decades. Raised in a musically rich environment by her Cuban salsa musician father, she formally entered the professional landscape at 16 under the mentorship of acclaimed producer Reggie Andrews.
In 1992, she became a founding member of The Jazzyfatnastees. Operating at the very genesis of the neo-soul movement, the group eventually relocated to Philadelphia to collaborate heavily with The Roots. Evolving into a highly sought-after vocal duo alongside Tracey Moore, they provided essential background vocals for industry heavyweights including Stevie Wonder, De La Soul, Meshell Ndegeocello, and Eric Benét.
The Jazzyfatnastees went on to release three critically acclaimed albums—including their Motive Records debut, The Once and Future—and performed internationally at prestigious venues like the Montreux and North Sea Jazz Festivals.
Beyond her expansive vocal catalog, Merce played a pivotal role in cultivating a creative community for emerging female artists. Alongside the rest of The Jazzyfatnastees and manager Richard Nichols, she co-founded Black Lily, an influential, women-centered live music series.
Originating at New York’s Wetlands in 1999 before establishing a renowned residency at The Five Spot in Philadelphia, the platform featured a house band and a signature open-mic format. Black Lily quickly evolved into a vital cultural hub, eventually expanding into film and music festivals that nurtured the early careers of icons like Jill Scott, Amy Winehouse, Alice Smith, and Kindred the Family Soul.
With the release of ALIVE, Merce is taking full creative control as an independent artist and producer, actively shaping her own sound, visual multimedia components, and live performances. The project marks a definitive turning point, establishing a new era defined by clarity, authenticity, and the bold embrace of creative freedom.
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