We were lucky to catch up with Mermaid recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Mermaid thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
Music has always been at the core of who we are as individuals, so in a way, we’ve been learning our craft our entire lives. Each of us came into this band with our own unique background—whether it was Brittany’s visual art and rich experience in the music industry as a songwriter, vocalist, and producer, Candace’s grounding in musical performance, passion for storytelling through song. Coming together as Mermaid was like piecing together a puzzle we didn’t know we were building.
We’ve also learned a lot by doing—writing songs, making mistakes, pushing ourselves to experiment. Every performance and recording session is a classroom in its own right.
Along the way, we’ve really come to realize that trusting the process is key. Sometimes we spent too much time second-guessing or trying to perfect things that didn’t need perfection. If we could go back, we’d give ourselves permission to take more risks earlier and lean into collaboration without fear. Trial and error taught us just as much as formal training, so embracing that mindset sooner might’ve sped things up.
Collaboration is the heartbeat of Mermaid. Being in a band means knowing how to listen—to each other, to your gut, and to the music itself. Communication is just as important as musical skill because that’s where the magic happens. Beyond that, adaptability has been huge for us. Whether it’s reworking a song last minute or navigating the ups and downs of the music industry, the ability to pivot keeps us moving forward.
As far as obstacles go, resources are always the biggest hurdles. As an indie band, we’ve had to be creative with a tight budget, balancing our artistic dreams with the realities of living in a city like LA. Making music is expensive. And being an artist doesn’t always pay well. So we’ve had to hustle for our vision to be as pristine as we desired it to be.
But every obstacle has shaped us. Without those struggles, we wouldn’t have the depth and grit that fuels our music.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
We are Mermaid. A Los Angeles-based duo formed by Brittany Campbell and Candace Quarrels, we create music that transcends genre and centers connection. We met in the Chicago production of Hamilton and quickly discovered a creative spark that led us to form Mermaid—a project rooted in harmony, storytelling, and experimentation.
Our debut LP, Iridescence, blends soul, R&B, alt-rock, jazz, punk, pop, and more, with every track reflecting our deep collaboration and shared vision. Whether crafting songs like “Find Me,” handpicked by Brittany Howard for NPR’s Tiny Desk Top Shelf Contest, or performing live, we aim to create experiences that resonate emotionally and transport listeners to another place.
Mermaid is a space of discovery for both of us. We both bring storytelling and songwriting from our musical theater background, while Brittany’s experience as a producer and musician shapes our sound. Together, we thrive on blending nostalgia with modernity, drawing from influences like Motown, indie rock, and the golden eras of music.
We’re proud to have built our artistry independently, navigating challenges like tight budgets while staying true to ourselves. For us, Mermaid is about creating music that invites connection and inspires listeners to embrace their own stories.
If you’re new to Mermaid, we hope Iridescence is the beginning of a journey into the world we’ve created—a world where music feels alive and limitless.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
A thriving creative ecosystem starts with valuing art as more than just entertainment—it’s the heartbeat of culture and community. One of the best ways to support artists is by providing the resources they need to create freely, without the constant burden of financial stress. Grants, residencies, and community programs can make a world of difference, giving artists time and space to experiment and grow. Also buying merch! Streaming the music!
Education plays a huge role too. When kids are exposed to music, theater, and art early, they carry that creativity with them into adulthood—whether they become artists themselves or simply passionate supporters. Schools should prioritize creative programs alongside academics, so the next generation understands that art isn’t just a luxury; it’s essential.
Representation also matters. The more we uplift underrepresented voices, the richer and more vibrant our creative landscape becomes. Diversity in art reflects the diversity of life, and it’s through these different perspectives that we grow as a society.
And of course, we can’t forget about one of the greatest struggles in the life of an artist…stability—fair pay, healthcare options, and protections that allow them to focus on their work without fear of burnout. These aren’t luxuries; they’re necessities for anyone trying to make a living through their craft.
Most importantly, there’s something so powerful about supporting local artists. Go to their shows, buy their work, share it with others—it’s such a simple way to foster creativity right in your own community. It helps artists feel seen and keeps the creative ecosystem alive and well.
At its core, supporting artists is about recognizing the way their work shapes the world around us. Art inspires, connects, and heals. When we invest in artists, we’re investing in empathy, imagination, and the beauty of being human
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the connection. It’s those moments when someone listens to a song we’ve poured our hearts into and tells us it resonated with them, that it made them feel seen or less alone. There’s something so magical about creating something from a deeply personal place and seeing it ripple outward, touching others in ways we never expected.
Being an artist gives us the freedom to explore parts of ourselves and the world that we might otherwise overlook. For us, Mermaid is a space where we can play, experiment, and uncover truths—both individually and together. Every song, every performance, every creative process feels like a chance to dig deeper and find something new.
And, of course, there’s the joy of working together with someone you love. It is its own special kind of magic. We bring different pieces of ourselves to the table, and are so vulnerable in sharing our love with our listeners…the process of blending those pieces into something cohesive and meaningful is endlessly rewarding.
At the end of the day, being an artist allows us to connect—to ourselves, to each other, and to the people who listen and share this journey with us. That connection is what keeps us going.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mermaidband.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mermaid.band/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVU29ykPeXPOLK3I7SBE7A
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mermaidsounds
- Other: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mermaidband?_t=8re67QefbSQ&_r=1
Bandcamp: https://mermaidband.bandcamp.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6NqrEAIWXubU9HxrnY0FI0?si=1LlVvG0dQieECIB2G-WZOA
Image Credits
Lucia Towers Le Doux