Class Of 2025 Class Of 2025: MRCY
The sweet, soulful union of two industry pros, MRCY are bringing people into the fold in their droves – no begging required.
“There was this instant chemistry when we met,” beams Barney Lister, just moments after wrapping up the day’s sunglasses-clad photo shoot with MRCY counterpart and vocalist Kojo Degraft-Johnson. Given that the pair have managed to infiltrate playlists and festival main stages like a household name this year, the beauty isn’t lost on either that they first connected over a chance Instagram message only a few years back.
Chatting as they top off a triumphant first headline tour to complete this breakthrough period, it’s more than understandable that the two men of MRCY are all smiles right now. “It’s all very exciting,” says Kojo. “We could only hope to have done a fraction of the things we’ve experienced this far. Looking back on how it all started is a common occurrence, but it’s about taking the whole journey as a blessing.” However, given that the pair had both already enjoyed a wealth of success on their previous pathways behind the scenes, their trajectory is far from an instant one.
Hailing from Huddersfield, Barney picked up an Ivor Novello award for his work on Obongjayar’s 2020 track ‘God’s Own Children’, while South Londoner Kojo has collaborated with an array of game-changing talent including Little Simz and Cleo Sol. Yet together, they manage to cultivate a soulful sound that’s infinitely bigger than the sum of its parts. “Culturally speaking, we’re from two completely different places but we do have a common ground which is soul music,” explains Barney. “That’s what brought us together and we’re getting more of our personality into the music with every tune we make.”
Although there was an instant connection on the musical front, perhaps most vitally they found an immediate friendship. “We just have a lot of fun together,” says Kojo. “We’ve got the same sense of humour, we have such a good time; we couldn’t do this if we didn’t click like that.”
As they talk giddily about MRCY’s career to date, it’s instantly clear that stepping into the spotlight has come naturally, but Barney insists they’re learning each day. “We’re not only growing and taking from each other but also from the experience of being on the road and playing shows,” he nods. “That really informs what we’re doing next. There’s a lot of pressure on and a lot of work to do, but enjoying the process and having fun with it has been crucial.”
That sense of fun and freedom pulsed through May’s eight-track release, ‘Volume 1’. Just take breakthrough single ‘Lorelei’ which floats in its own timeless portal, the sweeping composition evoking the likes of Michael Kiwanuka or Khruangbin, while Kojo’s powerful vocal oozes with warming imagery: “The summer storm’s still on my mind / Still get lost on you from time to time.”
A sound totally unconcerned with current trends, Barney says the pair’s main goal is to unlock a feeling in their audience. “As soon as it moves someone slightly spiritually, the music takes on its own existence,” he says. “That’s all I’ve ever wanted to try and do as a writer.” He explains it’s something he admires in his own heroes. “When I hear the right music at the right moment, it does something to me that nothing else does. It’s all about the feeling you get, it alleviates everything else in the room and just moves you, that’s what I want to make happen.”
“We’ve got the same sense of humour, we have such a good time; we couldn’t do this if we didn’t click like that.”
— Kojo Degraft-Johnson
Evidently, MRCY have already been stirring up that feeling in some true legends of the game. As well as opening up for Loyle Carner at All Points East this summer, Elton John recently spun the duo on his Rocket Hour podcast. Kojo laughs modestly: “That was quite surreal. Getting encouragement from anyone is amazing because we’re baring our souls.”
His mind pivots to a more everyday connection. “We met someone at a show recently who got into a relationship because their common interest was ‘Lorelei’. That’s amazing to hear because that’s just real life shit. For us to play a part in the beginning of a beautiful thing like that is just crazy, it’s hard to fathom but music has the power to do that and it comes through us being honest and telling our story.”
“That’s been the point from the start,” continues Barney. “I wanted to find someone I could do this with because I wanted a vehicle to make music in our own way.” He says that remaining true to themselves has been important when it comes to crafting a timeless sound. “It’s hard to not think about trends and what’s cool, but you’ve got to shut that off. We’re developing all the time but sticking to your guns is key.”
As the operation scales up even further, the trust the pair have already found in each other is becoming more important than ever. “That’s getting stronger each day,” says Barney. “The more experiences that happen to us and the band, you can’t help but feel closer. It’s a special thing.” “It makes me less envious of solo artists who have to do it by themselves,” Kojo nods. “Although we’re experienced in the industry, I still think we’re lucky to be going through it together for the first time.” Barney picks up: “The most terrifying thing for anyone making music is actually releasing music. That’s the scariest bit. But once it’s in the world, it feels easier. Playing shows and connecting with people is just an absolute joy. It feels like you’re delivering something that makes people happy and, especially at the minute, that’s really important.”
“It’s hard not to think about trends and what’s cool, but you’ve got to shut that off.”
— Barney Lister
Being exposed to some trailblazing talent in their previous creative capacities, they explain, has helped hone their vision. Having worked with Obongjayar not just on that award-winning track but also on 2023’s Ivor-nominated ‘Sometimes I Dream of Doors’ LP, Barney pinpoints the genre-defying rapper’s “toughness and strength” as particularly inspiring. “I’ve always really admired him because he’s always been completely authentic and nobody could change the way he works,” he nods.
Meanwhile, in recent years, the UK’s contemporary soul landscape has been taken to another level. Just this summer, Michael Kiwanuka brought his own golden, era-defying voice to a sun-soaked Pyramid Stage for the first time. “Michael is a big connection for us personally because his music feels so real and so legit,” says Barney. “It’s very cool but also anyone can appreciate it. We’d love to be in his world; we both really look up to him.”
The key to cutting through the noise, he suggests, is in remaining authentic. “It’s a patience game and you have to be strong with your ideas and your intentions. Music is so easy to make these days; you can knock it out in no time. But to create a real sense of belonging it needs to be heard live and by as many people as possible, and I think performance is a huge part of that.”
With the scene in such rude health, are MRCY themselves daring to dream of one day reaching such lofty heights? Barney sounds serious about their own trajectory. “We’d love to get to a point where it’s connecting to that many people on stages of that size,” he nods. “You’ve got to have something to aim for, but you’ve got to make sure you don’t get lost in the ambition. We appreciate where we are now, but if that day comes our gratitude will be off the scale.”
Looking ahead to the new year, the pair are eager to take the next step on the ladder. Kojo crackles with excitement. “It’s going to be more music and more shows and trying to take as many opportunities to put ourselves out there doing this thing,” he smiles. Barney concludes: “It’s about moving forward while being honest and true to ourselves.”
Records, etc at
MRCY - Volume 2
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MRCY - VOLUME 2
3-5 Stars
They’re showing their working out in song form, and it’s a thoroughly pleasant journey to follow.
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