merk

“The challenge was to find the balance of humor, darkness and sincerity,” says Auckland, New Zealand artist, multi-instrumentalist and producer Mark Perkins (a.k.a. Merk) of his new single/video “GOD,” premiering today, here on SPIN. “It had to come across as, not ironic, but playfully self-aware of the weirdness of this song while also being profoundly heartfelt. Fun but touching was the goal!” Perkins honed his producing skills under the mentorship of Crowded House’s (now Fleetwood Mac’s) Neil Finn while working at Auckland’s Roundhead Studios. His 2017 debut album Swordfish went on to win Best Debut Album at the Taite Music Prize (New Zealand’s equivalent of the Mercury or Polaris Prize) and led to tours with Cub Sport, Marlon Williams and Julia Jacklin in both Australia and New Zealand...