“His songs are novels, his chords are stories.” - the band half·alive
"Echos of the 70s West-coast rock sound" Robert Elms on BBC Radio London
"Just stunning - The California Zephyr is something you really need to get into. [...] Absolutely chef's kiss." Shell Zenner on Amazing Radio
“Deft, distinctly 21st Century folk songwriting” - The Line of Best Fit
“A songwriter and producer to watch” - NOTION
"A great folk-rock feel, with Paul Simon’s lyrical approach. [...] This EP is a delight, and Winter should become a star with his observant eye, absorbing lyrics, his ear for melody and his talent as a guitar player." - Americana UK
“Winter weaves a sonic story rich with longing, movement, and fragile memories” - Creative Executive Lens
Merrick Winter is a London-based songwriter and guitarist whose music bridges contemporary folk-rock with the classic American songbook. Born in Fairfield, Iowa—home of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s Transcendental Meditation—Winter was raised in an Anglo-American family in an alternative spiritual community. He learned to meditate at the age of 10, and early musical influences like The Beatles and Donovan were soon joined by more esoteric figures such as David Lynch, Paul Simon, alongside unexpected love for Irish traditional music.
While studying English Literature at King’s College London, Winter began writing and performing, first making a name for himself as a producer before releasing his debut solo recordings in 2022, which drew from his eclectic upbringing and literary background. Though he leans away from the mainstream in his own work—favouring intricate guitar work and story-rich lyrics reminiscent of Randy Newman—Winter has written and produced for major artists including half·alive and Ivor Novello Rising Star winner Victoria Canal.
His solo sound, shaped by influences like James Taylor and Ry Cooder, has earned him a growing fanbase in London, Los Angeles, and Nashville, where his intimate, compelling live shows continue to resonate. Having sold out London’s iconic St. Pancras Old Church in November 2024, he has toured globally with BASTILLE, opening for the Ampersand album campaign in Paris, and recently toured the EU and UK, opening for half·alive with a full band, at iconic venues like Manchester’s O2 Ritz, Glasgow SWG3, and London’s Roundhouse. Winter’s sophomore EP, The California Zephyr, arrived May 9 via Tone Tree Music.
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