Singer-songwriter Jess Merritt describes her music as “folk-soul” — a blend of heartfelt lyrics and soul-driven sound—and she’ll bring that unique style to The Ark on May 18.
“I describe my music as ‘folk-soul,’ using elements of the singer-songwriters who tug at your heartstrings and make your eyes well up with emotion, combined with the big sounds and driving beats of soul that make you want to move your body and connect with others,” Merritt said.
For Merritt, music is more than performance — it’s healing.
“I write for myself as a way of ‘healing through feeling,’” she explained. “I spent much of my life trying to follow the path I saw laid out before me instead of making my own way… So I’m learning to inquire from within, to honor and learn from my reality, and to respect my internal wisdom, even when I don’t know where it’s leading me. This is serving me much better. I think my music appeals to others who share in this struggle to know and trust themselves — who have learned these lessons the hard way and who see the value in truth over comfort.”
At The Ark, Merritt will take the stage after fellow artist Chris Dupont opens the evening with a set of original music. Merritt’s performance will include a mix of arrangements: full band, solo pieces and collaborations with special guests.
“I hope people leave feeling in touch with something they didn’t realize they were still carrying,” Merritt said. “The cathartic release of something they’re ready to let go of, a renewal of trust in their heads and their hearts to guide them forward — and in their feet to carry them.”
Merritt’s new EP, “Wild In Me,” features four songs written over the past five years — a period marked by personal transformation through a divorce, the pandemic and ultimately a journey toward healing and new love.
“As a songwriter, there’s sometimes a long arc between writing, perfecting, recording and releasing. It felt really important to me to release this as a collection — these tunes feel like they belong with each other” she said. “But I also hope to capture live recordings of some newer songs so I can release them as singles.”
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The EP was produced by Chris Dupont, who will also open the May 18 show. Merritt will perform with a full band that includes TJ Zindle (guitar and backing vocals), Jon Brown (drums), Tommy Reifel (bass), Jenny Jones (backing vocals) and Josef Deas (keys).
“They are all excellent musicians in their own right, but developing original music with a band is such a trust fall. There have been times I bring the band an idea, and by the end of rehearsal, we have a true song! I’m lucky to have this group of talented and tender hearts to help me bring this music to fruition,” Merritt said.
A longtime Washtenaw County resident, Merritt studied at the University of Michigan, pursuing a dual degree in engineering and music. Nature continues to inspire much of her songwriting.
“I am very much connected with the seasons and the outdoors and find so much peace, learning and inspiration in the woods and waters that surround us,” she said. “‘Stones Alone’ originated from a bonsai class at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, the chorus of ‘Wild in Me’ came to me during an early morning kayak ride on Argo Pond and ‘Lakeside’ was co-written with my sister Michele on the shores of Lake Michigan during a family vacation. Michigan is my muse.”
Merritt often performs at The Ark and will include songs beyond those featured on her EP during this performance.
“There is a lot in flux in my life right now with some recent career changes and uncertainty for the future, but I’m glad I had the opportunity to focus on getting this EP out and know that music will always be a part of my life,” Merritt said. “I’m so relieved and proud to release this EP. I couldn’t do it without the love, support, and inspiration of my partner Julia and our kids — Grace, Willa, and Michael.”
Donna Marie Iadipaolo is a writer, journalist, and State of Michigan certified teacher, since 1990. She has written for national publications like The Village Voice, Ear Magazine of New Music, Insurance & Technology, and TheStreet.
She is now writing locally for many publications, including Current Magazine, Ann Arbor Family, and the Ann Arbor Independent. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she graduated with an honors bachelor’s degree and three teacher certificate majors: mathematics, social sciences, English. She also earned three graduate degrees in Master of Science, Master of Arts, and Education Specialist Degree.
