Review Fix Exclusive: Kristen Merlin Talks ‘Don’t Call It a Comeback’ And More

Review Fix chats with singer/songwriter and former “The Voice” contestant Kristen Merlin, who discusses her new single, “Don’t Call It a Comeback,” as well as her influences and goals for the future

Review Fix: How did you get involved in music?

Kristen Merlin: My very first performance was in the first grade – singing “Never Never Land.” I can still remember how awkward I felt – hands in my pockets, extremely nervous as everyone watched my every move, squeaking out the high notes, but there was a rush I’ll never forget and I loved it. I was a sophomore in college when I truly realized that I wanted, more than anything, to make singing my profession. I went to a concert where Wait Until Dark was performing and I was hit with and overwhelming feeling of knowing, in my heart of hearts, I needed to peruse music as my career. So, I took my guitar and started playing for as many people that would listen and to this day I haven’t stopped.

Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?

Merlin: Every day brings new emotions, new observations and new life experiences and with that comes great sources to pull from for new material. The process of formulating all of that into a song can sometimes comes quickly with a melody or a title. Other times it comes slowly and may require bouncing ideas off of another songwriter or two. Whenever I sit down to write, I always feel a great sense of accomplishment when I’m able to weave those experiences and emotions into into a 3.5 minute musical exposition. 

Review Fix: How did being on “The Voice” affect you?

Merlin: I feel as though being on The Voice helped me grow tremendously as an artist. Not only did I come away with some pretty amazing friendships with the other contestants, I learned how to walk a red carpet, interview on the radio and perform on live television. Being on the voice also helped to grow my fanbase and it gave me an amazing platform to really connect with those fans, which is the part of my artistry that I love the most.

Review Fix: What makes this new single a special one?

Merlin: My new single “Don’t Call It a Comeback” spoke to me the moment I heard it. I immediately related to it, based upon personal experiences. I knew I would be able to emote this song’s emotion, because I had experienced it myself. Though I didn’t write this song, it felt as if it was pulled directly from my life. To me, those are the most powerful songs.

Review Fix: How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you?

Merlin: Music from the heart. 

Review Fix: How are your live shows different from your studio work?

Merlin: Live shows are my favorite! While studio work can be creative and more focused on perfection, live shows are where I get to really connect with my audience and let loose. When I’m on stage, I give my fans all of me and they give it all right back. It’s a blissful exchange of high energy and unadulterated fun. 

Review Fix: What are your goals for 2019?

Merlin: I am eager to hit the road this year and share my new music with everyone. I can’t wait to thank every single fan who has supported me thus far and to meet all of my new fans who are now joining me for this next part of the journey! I’ve been given a number of incredible opportunities and I am excited to share in them with as many people as I can possibly reach.

Music, whether it’s something I’ve written or it’s something from another artist, has always been a significant part of getting me through some of life’s biggest challenges.  It has been my remedy. I hope that this year, I can go out there and be a part of that remedy for others. 

Review Fix: What’s next?

Merlin: My new album – Humans Being – releases February 8, 2019. Touring with this new set of music means new places, new faces and new experiences.