Merk is the solo project of New Zealand songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Mark Perkins, which began when Perkins recorded 2016’s Swordfish (winner of Best Debut at the Taite Music Prize). His debut album showcased a knack for melody, based around guitars strummed to catchy perfection. While Swordfish introduced many of the qualities that Merk continues to cultivate, it’s on Infinite Youth that he comes fully into his own.
On Infinite Youth, Merk examines the blurry line between adolescence and adulthood, and all the clarity and mess that accompanies that blurring. This is a record that thrives on a certain simplicity of rhythm, melody, and lyric, and is compelled by contrast: pop songs influenced by art music, an album about adulthood that reflects heavily on what it is to be young, and a sonic world that is both expansive and deeply intimate.
Perkins has an understated, commanding presence, a playful intensity, as well as an ability to simply let go.
15Jul2021
2021 Silver Scroll shortlist includes both Merk and Reb Fountain
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The APRA Silver Scroll Award celebrates the very best songwriting New Zealanders offer up each year.
The 20 finalists for New Zealand’s biggest songwriting honour this year have been selected from over 250 entries. Entries have been judged by fellow songwriters, who have each made their own contribution to the NZ music community.
We are proud to say that both Merk and Reb Fountain have been included in the shortlist of 20 works for this years award.
Below are the works shortlisted
Hey Mom, written and performed by Reb Fountain.
Laps Around The Sun, written by Mark Perkins, performed by Merk.
09Apr2021
Merk unveils sophomore album Infinite Youth
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On his new album Infinite Youth, New Zealand artist Merk examines the blurry line between adolescence and adulthood, and all the clarity and mess that accompanies that blurring. This is a record that thrives on a certain simplicity of rhythm, melody, and lyric, and is compelled by contrast: pop songs influenced by art music, an album about adulthood that reflects heavily on what it is to be young, and a sonic world that is both expansive and deeply intimate.
Infinite Youth is an album that is on its most basic level homemade: iPhone voice memos abound, Perkins’ aunt’s voice lingers in the background of one track, a crappy USB interface and borrowed gear make up so much of the work’s foundation.
An album that will capture you on first listen and then reward your every repetition, Infinite Youth reintroduces Merk and invites you, warmly, into his orbit.
In celebration of his new album, Merk is heading out on tour in New Zealand.
Saturday 1 May – Jam Factory, Tauranga Saturday 15 May – Cassette No. 9, Auckland Thursday 20 May – Meow, Wellington Saturday 22 May – Loons Theatre, Christchurch Sunday 23 May – Dive, Dunedin
Native Tongue signs Merk to global publishing deal
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Native Tongue Music Publishing has today announced the signing of Mark Perkins (pka Merk), coinciding with the news of his second album Infinite Youth.
Merk is the musical moniker of Auckland, New Zealand artist, multi-instrumentalist, screen composer and producer, Mark Perkins, who began his career as a touring member of Tom Lark and Fazerdaze before releasing his debut album Swordfish in 2017. 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 Australia and NZ, as well as signing to Australian-based management company Heartstop Music, which is home to Marlon Williams, Julia Jacklin and The Weather Station. Mark has also recently worked with Williams, composing the score for feature film Juniper.
Mark Perkins said of the signing: “After having been adjacent to Native Tongue for many years playing in other bands who worked with them, it feels really great to officially be adopted into the family. I’ve known the team for a long time and so working together feels like a very snug, natural fit. I’m looking forward to seeing what we get done!”
“Having known Mark for many years, it’s a pleasure to be working together in an official capacity. We look forward to helping Mark achieve great heights as a songwriter, producer, artist and screen composer,” added Native Tongue’s Managing Director Jaime Gough.
On Infinite Youth, Merk examines the blurry line between adolescence and adulthood, and all the clarity and mess that accompanies that blurring. This is a record that thrives on a certain simplicity of rhythm, melody, and lyric, and is compelled by contrast: pop songs influenced by art music, an album about adulthood that reflects heavily on what it is to be young, and a sonic world that is both expansive and deeply intimate.
Infinite Youth is out April 9th 2021 via Humblebrag Records/AWAL, pre-order here. New single ‘Laps Around The Sun’ is out now – watch the video or stream here.
