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Debut mixtape/album
from Gold Coasts
Alt-Underdog-Newcomer-Drummer
MERCHNTS.

MERCHNTS. Makes a bold entrance with his debut 9 track mixtape/album ‘NEVER GOING TO FIT IN’ which will be available worldwide on MAY 2nd – Listen HERE

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Liam Michel-Robert Chapman is an Australian/French Musician hailing the city of Gold Coast. Despite coming from no musical background, he still went on to make a name for himself in the underground music scene as “Liam the Drummer” after working with a wide range of acts across the SEQ region. His most notable performances have been alongside acts such as

PRCHR.

(F.K.A We All Drive), The Hitmen, Bobby and Angus Holmes (of Australian Idol 2023), Bligh, Bella Paton, Dracula’s Cabaret, Harry J Hart and various other tribute/cover bands.

Even though Liam was more recognisable behind a drum kit, he always took an interest in various art forms such as music, film and digital design, which led him to conduct his own experimental ALTERNATIVE ROCK music project – MERCHNTS.

Over the course of 4 years, Liam has collaborated with many talented musicians across the Gold Coast to hop into the studio and record a 9 track Mixtape/Album where each song provides a unique energy with confronting – yet fun and thought-provoking lyrics while still remaining engaging and inclusive to bang your heads to.

‘NEVER GOING TO FIT IN’ contains notable sounds from many genres such as Rock, Hip Hop, Nu Metal and Punk, with recognisable influence from artists such as: YUNGBLUD, Grandson, KoRn, Linkin Park and Deftones. This record is a reflection of how difficult it can be to fit in with society in your late teens and early 20s and find your tribe with a fun and edgy twist.

The record is set to include 2 music videos, 4 lyric videos, 1 featured artist (Nikk Jacobs of Hanlon School of Music) and plenty of themes and settings which may be familiar to Gold Coast locals. The record features their recently released lead single ‘HEY KID, LOOK ALIVE’ as well as heavy-hitting anthems ‘HOLD A GRUDGE, PRETTY BOY, HOLLYWOOD and their poetic emo epilogue ‘END OF JULY’ featuring Nikk Jacobs.

“Realistically MERCHNTS. is still in it’s infant years and I’m happy to keep evolving and trying new things, sounds and styles – just as long as we can keep things interesting” – Liam Chapman (Vocals & Drums)

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Before MERCHNTS:

MERCHNTS. (Liam Chapman) was born and raised on the Gold Coast and he started learning drums at 12 years old and took an interest in songwriting at 18 while studying for his Diploma of Music Performance at Tafe Queensland.

After graduating from Tafe, Liam focused on drumming for many other artists and tribute bands in the SEQ region and would later find himself working for Triple M Gold and SeaFm radio in the promotions and events department.

At an early age, Liam’s father would introduce him to artists such as Megadeth, The Doors, Beastie Boys and AC/DC, whereas his sister would expose him to the rap scene and Nu Metal scene with the sounds of Tu-Pac, Jay-Z, Gorillaz, KoRn and Limp Bizkit.

Liam claims his favourite artists to be Bring Me The Horizon, Blink-182, Nothing Nowhere, Twenty One Pilots and YUNGBLUD and praises them for their originality, unique identity, and ambitious sounds.

All of these artists sat in Liam’s core when creating MERCHNTS and during the writing process of  ‘NEVER GOING TO FIT IN’.

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The Meaning behind MERCHNTS:

“My last name is Chapman. The name ‘Chapman’ is a synonym for a “merchant” according to the surname dictionary. (Ironic since I used to work in retail for 7 years)

I believe that the value of some things can’t be bought or traded with just money. Everything and everyone has their value and as life goes on; some memories and people in our lives are worth more to us than we can comprehend – and we don’t realise the value of something or someone until it’s gone… The best we can do is give the best we’ve got and enjoy some things while they last.

I want to be able to let people come and go into my life as they please and create memories that hold value to them and myself. My vision with MERCHNTS. is all about sharing valuable times, lessons and reflections with those we care about; even with people we only meet once.

I had another music project before MERCHNTS. but over time the project shifted and warped into something that I didn’t feel like was able to maintain a sustainable identity.

As an artist, I want to be able to have an original identity which reflects who I am, what I advocate; and to have an outlet for my creativity with the help of my friends and family and those who support me doing what I love doing.” – Liam Chapman

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What’s Next?:

“For the next few months I’m going to be living in America around the upstate New York area and I’m set to come back home in October.

While I’m overseas, I’ve made a playlist supporting upcoming Australian artists and I’ll be sharing and promoting it as well as my album while I’m travelling the USA. I’m currently brainstorming ideas on how to bring MERCHNTS to the stage. All my friends want to see me perform these songs live (and go nuts while doing it) so I don’t want to disappoint them. When I’m back from overseas I’ll have a new mind and will put that into creating my next record as an independent artist.”

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Listen HERE

NEVER GOING TO FIT IN
Track List:

Hey Kid, Look Alive
Hollywood
Black Hearts & Hexes
Little Devil
Pretty Boy
Bloodscukers
Beni, you’re on the wrong side of the river
Hold A Grudge
End of July ft. Nikk Jacobs

MERCHNTS. release their revival debut Mixtape/album ‘NEVER GOING TO FIT IN’ on May 2nd Globally on all streaming platforms.

Keep connected with the artist via social media HERE

LISTEN TO ‘HEY KID, LOOK ALIVE’ HERE

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Follow MERCHNTS
Instagram – Facebook – Spotify
 Youtube – Personal Youtube

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AMNPLIFY – DB