This month’s Peeled Back is with Merryn Jeann. Merryn has been a figure in music for a few years now, contributing to various collaborative projects, but last week she finally released her first full length album, DOG BEACH. Having been introduced to her sound via the curious but catchy ‘ME B4 U’ late last year, I couldn’t wait to hear more from this project, and fortunately the result meets expectations.
In amongst our thoughts on various songs from the album, Merryn also provides an insight into the creation of it as well as her creative process in general. If you’re a fan of music that dabbles in both simplicity and complexity, throwing predictability out of the window, then DOG BEACH might be for you.
Hi Merryn, how’s it going? hi hi hi! fab thanks.
How does it feel to be releasing your first full length album, DOG BEACH? I’m really looking forward to it. Will be a big release; it’s been a hot hot minute since the first song was written so I’m ready to take the music to the stage and give it new life again.
‘NUDE IN A WATERHOLE’ kicks things off and provides a perfect illustration of what to expect from the album. Its subtle, groove-ladened intro is met with Merryn’s crooning vocals, giving off a Western-esque sound that quickly sinks into the mind. Almost as if it knows it has caught your attention, it takes its time to get going, but once you hear the freefall of instrumentation, it is worth the wait. This jazz-infused spiral sends the music sprawling across the airwaves, pushing the boundaries as it injects its true personality into the mix.
What is your songwriting process like? With all of your influences and sound taking elements from Folk, Pop and Indie Rock. Does it come easy to you when it comes to creating instrumentals that span across multiple genres? Oh, I don’t really have a way I do it. Usually, they all come together. I hardly sit with anything for too long before another song comes out. I have about 15 going at once haha but will come back to the ideas months later once I’m actually ready to take the time to hash them out. Sometimes I write something on piano or guitar, then scroll through notes and diaries from as long as 10 years ago for words. Sometimes there’s something and I can somehow relate to it again and then go from there.
Which song from the album did you have finished first? And did it inspire the overall themes of the record? Hmmmm not sure which one but I believe ‘Talking to Angels’ is the most me song, which I kept referring to as the ‘vibe guide’. I recorded the original version – which is the version I play live -via my headphone microphones post smoking a joint that didn’t sit well. It was a spirit that came my way when I needed it, in the form of the song. I think about 5 of the songs all came within a week, I had just gotten a piano and an old synth organ that had a drum machine. It really helped to have more than one instrument and the songs just kind of came out one after the other.
As the ‘vibe guide’, ‘TALKING TO ANGELS’ is a real highlight on DOG BEACH. Merryn’s vocals are given complete control to take the song in any direction, resulting in a real display of her voice at its best. Its harmonies sound powerful yet filled with emotion, as they steadily rise and fall into the instrumentation. While there are no hooks or melodies from the instruments, they provide just enough variance and vibrancy to keep things moving nicely. Certainly passing the vibe check. It also leads nicely into ‘JUICE’, which sees the instrumentation stripped back even further to deliver a more atmospheric performance.
I really like the way you pair everyday observations with ambitious, larger-than-life instrumentals. ‘Pigeons Are Doves’ is a superb title but houses some beautiful moments from horns and harmonies. How good is it to be able to subvert expectations of certain songs?I guess that’s life! Little things are the big things. Lyrically, this song ended up pretty non sensical but musically I believe it’s one of the richest chord progressions and the title/opening line of the second verse “I know a secret pigeons are doves, they’re just grey from all of the dust” were political contemplation on humans in the world, particularly the majority of people in cities forgetting the Earth and just building on top of it…The pigeon is a dove, it’s us who have created this image of a pigeon, dirty in the bins and gutters, shitting on our window sills and we forget to remember that it’s us who make the rubbish and who built the roads and who make the bed for the pigeon to lie in.
‘THANK GOD! FOR ASTROLOGY!’ is a tongue in cheek take on astrology. How do you feel about it? I feel it’s tongue in cheek! I don’t really believe in astrology, but I appreciate its existence and get on board when I need a sign haha. I do find it wild how accurate some readings are though. When I read about being a Gemini, I was thinking my god I’m not alone and I’m apparently pretty predictable which can be relieving! This song was actually a substitute for one of the best songs I wrote for the album but couldn’t quite get in the studio so we made the decision to go with this one. The other song has become the mood setter of the next album.
I wanted to make sure there were songs on the album for me gal pals, for nostalgic road trip moments etc so this is for them. I also wanted music to play live that would bring a non-serious, silly and electric energy on stage.
This priority to maintain a level of fun really comes through on ‘THANK GOD! FOR ASTROLOGY!’. The shimmering synths and disco beats produce one of the most playful instrumentals on the album. Paired with the over-the-top, almost-sarcastic vocals and backing vocals really makes this a great listen.
The album utilises vocals for a lot of its songs. Are harmonies one of the first things that come to you when thinking up ideas for potential new music? I love harmonies, they usually are the first things I record once the basics are down. I found my love for music via being in a big choir for quite a few years as a kid.
Throughout my time as a songwriter, I’ve discovered that harmonies can become choirs that take on a persona of their own. This was first evident in my debut self-titled release. Especially in the song Home. They can very much inform the rest of the instruments and arrangements what to do.
Singing comes most naturally to me so the notes chosen feel the most honest and personal, which is a good place to go from.
What’s the plan for the rest of 2024? Tour in EUROPE in March then back to Australia to play more shows and write more music. I’m hoping to get back in the studio next Australian Summer.
And finally, what’s your favourite fruit? Mango.
Merryn Jeann has a great way of taking normal things and transforming them into soundscapes that are wondrous and larger-than-life, while making you appreciate the smaller things. Her ability to switch between the accessible and experimental throughout makes this a truly vibrant album. No longer will we underrate pigeons. They truly are doves.
The songwriting topics alone aren’t going to be replicated, but the album has a whole stands out from the crowd. For those who want to add some colour to life, DOG BEACH is an album that makes even the most everyday of days feel a little special.