Merkcurie

From the industrial heartland of Manchester, Merk Shaneley emerged as a formidable force who has captivated audiences worldwide. He’s the enigmatic frontman behind Merkcurie, a group that blends the raw energy of punk with the rhythms of electronic music.

During Year 7, Merk was already cutting his teeth as, literally and figuratively, behind the decks of local clubs as a DJ. These formative years saw him neck-deep in Manchester's vibrant music scene, studying legends and up-and-comers alike. Soon, he too would be a regular fixture in local punk bands as well as contributing to avant-garde art collectives. It was always his 'thing' to push boundaries and question norms.

You can't build a revolution without breaking a few things... sometimes including yourself. It builds character and helps to reveal who you really are.

Merk's charisma, movie-star looks, sex appeal, and late hours have fueled whispered rumors about his nocturnal lifestyle—some joke he might be a vampire. Urban legend has it that the marks that bless his handsome mug are the battle scars of a particularly feverish performance that left his audience with a major case of The Swoons, and riled to claim his very face as a keepsake. Merk himself just shrugs and smiles, implying it was a creative sacrifice.

Merk remains a fixture in the underground scenes of Manchester, Los Angeles, NYC, and Boise, Idaho (he loves a good potato dish), and is renowned for his eclectic DJ sets that can veer from thumping techno to obscure funk.

People always say, 'What's next, Merk?' My answer's always the same: 'Whatever feels right. And whatever shakes things up. You bring your fire and I'll bring mine. You know who I am and what I do.'

During his transatlantic adventures, a partnership blossomed with Jammes Luckett of Poperratic. Together, they penned the 2008 anthem "Right-o". Much like a Merk himself, the track pulls no punches in its call for awareness and action. Their duo's creative synergy also led to a memorable cover of The Stranglers' darkly humorous classic, "Everybody Loves You When You're Dead," a fitting choice for two artists who navigate the fringes happily.

Merk Shaneley remains a figure, a true original who continues to evolve and challenge expectations. And if you happen to know him, well, you know.