Introducing the Music and Stories of Val Merza
The music of Val Merza combines heartfelt lyrics with captivating stories and production. This avid singer-songwriter has overcome many obstacles in life, and she has lots of beautiful music to share. Merza can engage any crowd with her authentic voice, and she has an intrinsic ability to connect and inspire. With an insatiable curiosity, boundless energy, and an inspirational story, Merza is ready to take on the world.
Let’s discover more about Val Merza and take a look at her recent releases.
Val Merza’s life-affirming story
Val Merza hails from Bergen County, New Jersey. She has endured more than her fair share of challenges, being raised in an abusive home and dealing with numerous mental health issues. Merza faced abuse from both parents, and she tried to end her life multiple times. At just 14 years of age, she was checked into the first of many treatment homes.
Merza discovered the keyboard during this period, learning pop songs from artists like Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, and Shawn Mendes. While she avoided guitar — her father’s instrument — for a long time, she picked it up after hearing “Therapy” by All Time Low. Whatever instrument she was playing, music helped Merza to escape, heal, and look toward a brighter future.
In 2016, when she turned 18, Merza moved out of her parents’ house for good. The next few years were unsettled, with Merza moving between homeless shelters, friends’ couches, and the streets. She filed a restraining order on her parents during this time, as they were harassing her and making life very difficult. Merza experienced profound emotional distress during her childhood and adolescence, but her inner light never faded.
Wanting more from life, Merza earned a Social Science degree from Ramapo College. She wanted to continue studying and was interested in studying law until her life took another dark turn. Despite her young age, Merza suffered a stroke due to a traumatic family event, which affected her ability to play guitar. Despite this setback, she found a “normal” job in wealth management and started playing open mic nights across New York and New Jersey.
Val Merza picked up her life and moved to Charlotte in June 2022, but she couldn’t find a job in Queen City due to financial licensing regulations. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as Merza turned to music to make ends meet. With her trusty guitar by her side, she put everything into becoming a professional performer and recording artist.
Making music her career
Music had nourished Merza’s soul for many years, and she was ready to make it her career. She played open mic nights across Charlotte, including venues like The Great Wagon Road Distillery, Smokey Joe’s Cafe & Bar, and The Evening Muse. Merza played original songs alongside covers by Ed Sheeran and Halsey, and before long, she was booking her own shows. She was developing quickly on stage, but she knew very little about the recording and production process.
Fellow Charlotte musician Zac Robins of Mirror Game convinced her to hit the studio. The result is her debut single, “This Is My 23.” Robins mixed and mastered the final song, and he also performed on it. When it came time to record the follow-up single, “Hey, Stranger,” Merza brought the song to Chris Suter at his Ginger Cat Sounds studio. One song expanded into five, and Merza’s debut EP, Colors, came into being.
The Colors EP
The Colors EP by Val Merza will be released on May 10, 2024. It features five songs, including the recent single “Hey, Stranger.” The EP will include a re-recorded version of her debut single “This Is My 23” and a collaboration with Emanuel Wynter. “This Is My 23” is a big favorite among Merza’s local fans, and it received over 14,000 streams within six months of release. Colors will also feature Merza’s upcoming single “Could’ve Been Me,” which is another big hit on stage.
Merza is currently on tour to promote the EP, with The Colors Tour finishing off at Petra’s Bar in Charlotte on May 11, 2024. Just one night after the EP’s release, this special night will feature guests from Lisa DeNovo Band and Dahmon McCoy.
‘Hey, Stranger’
This song came out on 6 January 26, 2024, and it’s been getting love ever since. “Hey, Stranger” is about meeting someone new, highlighting the full range of emotions that arise. From initial excitement to anticipation and insecurity, it explores the complex feelings and pitfalls of relationships.
“Hey, Stranger” has the soul of a pop song, with a dry drum beat setting pace against a lush harmonic backdrop. Merza voices the anxiety of new love and potential regret, as the orchestration is stripped back to showcase vulnerability within. “Hey, Stranger” encourages listeners to take chances, reminding them of the potential of each human interaction.
Neither Colors nor “Hey, Stranger” will be available on Spotify, after a disagreement between Merza and the streaming giant. Current and future releases can be purchased on Bandcamp and heard on other streaming services. If you want to discover more about Val Merza, information on upcoming shows and merchandise can be found on her website.
Streaming now on 25/8/366 Global Radio at rBeatz.com.