MRCY

Biography

MRCY is a British soul duo formed in 2021 by producer Barney Lister and vocalist Kojo Degraft-Johnson, both hailing from different ends of England and bringing together a rich tapestry of cultural and musical influences[1][4]. Barney grew up in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, immersed in the town’s vibrant soundsystem culture, which shaped his rhythmic sensibilities and production style[1][3]. Kojo, raised in South London, was steeped in gospel and choral music from his father’s Catholic church and his mother’s Ghanaian ministry, while also absorbing the legacy of soul icons like Aretha Franklin and Sam Cooke[1][3]. The pair first connected online during the pandemic, after Barney was struck by Kojo’s live Instagram performance; their chemistry was immediate, and their first session produced the track ‘R.L.M.’, which became the opening of their debut EP, VOLUME 1[1][2]. MRCY’s music is a blend of retro soul, R&B, funk, and psychedelia, characterized by Kojo’s commanding, gospel-inflected vocals and Barney’s lush, cinematic production—a sound that nods to classic soul while incorporating modern sensibilities reminiscent of artists like Khruangbin and Anderson .Paak[1][4]. Their lyrics often reflect on social and political turbulence, but the overarching message is one of unity, hope, and the power of shared experience[1][4]. Since their formation, MRCY have earned critical acclaim, touring Europe with Black Pumas, selling out London’s Jazz Café, and being named among DIY’s Class of 2025 and Rolling Stone’s Ones to Watch[3]. They are currently working on their debut album and continue to expand their reach with live performances and new releases[3][6].

Fun Facts

• MRCY’s first meeting was entirely virtual—Barney discovered Kojo singing live on Instagram during lockdown and reached out, leading to their first studio session in Brixton[1][4].
• The duo’s name, MRCY, is a play on the word ‘mercy’, reflecting their ethos of compassion and unity in turbulent times[1].
• Despite being a duo in the studio, MRCY expands to a seven-piece band for live performances, delivering lush, ensemble arrangements[2].
• Their debut EP, VOLUME 1, was released on the influential indie label Dead Oceans, home to artists like Phoebe Bridgers and Mitski[3].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Aretha Franklin - vocal inspiration (Kojo cites her as a major influence) [childhood–present]
• Sam Cooke - vocal and stylistic influence (Kojo references his catalogue) [childhood–present]
• Marvin Gaye - songwriting and social consciousness (cited as inspiration for lyrical themes) [ongoing]

Key Collaborators

• Olivia Dean - both Barney and Kojo have collaborated with her (various UK soul projects) [pre-MRCY]
• Jungle - Kojo provided vocals (Jungle albums/tours) [pre-MRCY]
• Cleo Sol - Kojo provided vocals (Cleo Sol projects) [pre-MRCY]
• Little Simz - Kojo provided vocals (Little Simz albums) [pre-MRCY]
• Liam Gallagher - Kojo provided vocals (Liam Gallagher projects) [pre-MRCY]
• Obongjayar - Barney produced and collaborated (Obongjayar releases) [pre-MRCY]
• Rina Sawayama - Barney produced and collaborated (Rina Sawayama albums) [pre-MRCY]
• Joy Crookes - Barney produced and collaborated (Joy Crookes projects) [pre-MRCY]
• Celeste - Barney produced and collaborated (Celeste albums) [pre-MRCY]
• Joesef - Barney produced and collaborated (Joesef releases) [pre-MRCY]

Artists Influenced

• Emerging UK soul artists - MRCY cited as part of a new wave of UK soul (DIY Class of 2025, Rolling Stone Ones to Watch) [2024–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Lorelei (VOLUME 1)
2. Man (Man)
3. California (VOLUME 1)
4. R.L.M (VOLUME 1)
5. Angels (Angels)
6. Lorelei (Lorelei)
7. R.L.M (R.L.M)
8. Sierra (VOLUME 2)
9. Purple Canyon (VOLUME 1)
10. Angels (VOLUME 2)

External Links

• Spotify
• [Wikipedia](Not found)
• MusicBrainz