There’s something quite animalistic about Merpire’s music - the moniker of Naarm/Melbourne-based Rhiannon Atkinson-Howatt - whose huge, gritty voice, whimsical turn-of-phrase and inimitable chord choices seem impossible to tame, were it not for a sobering honesty that could heal even the most stoic crowd. Merpire’s songs aren’t just effortless, catchy dark-pop anthems deserving of a home in the 90s Garbage or Caroline Polachek canon - soaring through every track is a subtext profound enough to stop you in your tracks, like the whistle only a dog can hear.  

On this episode we spoke with Merpire just before the release of her album Milk Pool, about discovering new meanings in her songs as they were being released and her journey as a fully independent artist. We also spoke about how misinformed the stereotype of the lazy musicians is, when often they’re working multiple jobs as well as making music.

Merpire shared her recipe for Mangocado salad - sure to impress at any potluck dinner!

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