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Newbie or not, Mercer Henderson has delivered one of the most delicately balanced, irrepressibly catchy projects this year in Not Really Strangers, and the fact that it is her debut EP makes it even more stunning. Replete with vibrant but soft love ballads, folk-pop drifts, and sing-along singles, Henderson’s songwriting prowess is impressive for such a nascent artist. Wanting to know what well she’s pulling from we reached out to find out what this big sister, student, and impressive musical talent is up to. 

OnesToWatch: Who is Mercer Henderson?  

Mercer Henderson: I feel most like myself when I’m on stage, performing live. The music I write is meant to be experienced with friends—screaming, jumping, and reliving the highs and lows of relationships, with all their nuances and complexities. Beyond music, I'm a full-time student at NYU, a big sister (my younger sister even runs my merch when she's not in high school), an avid sports and musical theater fan, and a Bay Area native. When I'm not on stage or in class, you’ll often find me in the studio, writing and creating almost nonstop.

What is Not Really Strangers all about? 

The EP name is a nod to when I first went viral two years ago with my song "Strangers," and since then, I've released 11 more songs, 7 of which are on the EP. With each release, I open up and share another piece of myself—another story, another heartbreak. I believe this makes me more relatable and less of a stranger to my listeners. My hope is that with every new song or live show, my audience gets to know me a little better, and I become more woven into the fabric of their lives– no longer just a stranger.

What, for you, makes someone no longer a stranger?  

Great question. We're not strangers when we share common experiences, like those I write about in my music. Every time I release new music, I hear from people who say, "You understand me," or "I'm going through the same thing." Even though I may not know these people personally, these moments of connection show that we're not really strangers after all. We've found a shared understanding of life and relationships through music.

We love the tunes. Do you have any collaborations or features? Who produced the EP? 

I do have some collaborations coming out in the next few months. I was fortunate to work with some really amazing people in London and Los Angeles and have so many contributors on this EP. The feature track, “Lock Me Up” was produced and co-written by Jules Konieczny earlier this year. A couple of the tracks on the EP were produced by Jack Riley and some by Alec Zeilon as well. I also have worked with so many other great producers and writers like Travis Heidelman, Jesse Blu, Lucas Sim, and Dallas Caton. My mixing/mastering is done by the amazing Matt Wolach, and I’ve been fortunate enough to have a few records mixed by Grammy Award winner Mark ‘Spike’ Stent. 

 How do you describe your sound?  

My vibe is very much a blend of Gracie Abrams meets Fletcher, but still distinctly my own. What I mean by that is I strive to create music that combines honest, authentic storytelling with infectious, banger choruses that you can't help but sing along to. I draw inspiration from the emotional depth and introspective lyrics of Gracie Abrams, mixed with the boldness and energy that Fletcher brings to her music. But I always make sure my own voice and experiences shine through in everything I write. My favorite part of any song is the second verse or the bridge—that’s where I get to dive deeper into the story, shift perspectives, or add a twist that really brings the emotion home. I believe a great bridge can change the entire feel of a song and make it unforgettable.

Can we expect more of this style in the future? 

I think so, but I’m constantly learning and evolving as an artist. For example, I never thought I’d write a love song like "Lock Me Up," especially when most of my songs have focused on heartbreak or the complexities of relationships. It’s exciting to discover new sides of myself creatively and explore different emotions and themes in my music. What will always be true, though, is my commitment to crafting relatable, lyrical narratives that have a kick—stories that resonate deeply but still have a sense of energy and drive. I believe that songs can tell sad stories without necessarily being sad songs.

Besides this excellent EP, what else should we be on the lookout for? 

I hope more live shows. Coming off my UK tour with G-Flip, I have booked a small headline show in the UK. I am also doing some openings for artists I love, which will be announced soon. Honestly, if it were up to me, I would be on the road performing live and meeting new people every day when I am not in the studio. Also, very eager to keep the music coming - keep an eye out for another release announcement soon! 

What's inspiring you right now outside of music? 

I'm incredibly inspired by the people around me—most of us are seniors in college, standing at this pivotal moment where our dreams start to meet reality. Everyone is stepping up to their unique challenges and figuring out who they want to be and how to make that happen. For instance, one of my friends is a playwright who just secured her first Broadway reading, another is diving deep into crime documentaries for a major network, and others are pushing the boundaries of their artistry, business ideas, or different passions. There’s this sense of hope and ambition that’s contagious, and we’ve become each other's support system, pushing one another to reach for our dreams and make them real.

Food group or activity best suited to enjoying your work? 

The best activity for enjoying my work is hanging out with friends. I love going to Central Park with my friends: a Bluetooth speaker, picnic food, and frisbees.

Who are your OnesToWatch?

There is so much good work happening; I really enjoy paying close attention to Spotify’s “Fresh Finds” playlist when I am eager to find new music. I have really been enjoying Remy Bond, Gigi Peretz, and LAUNDRY DAY.

Mercer Henderson's debut EP Not Really Strangers is available now.