Mallory Merk - Thorns (2022) Hi-Res

Rising alt-pop artist, Mallory Merk has returned with her jubilant new single, “Thorns.” The empowering track, which rails against the expectations placed upon women, is the first taste of Merk’s upcoming project of the same name, due out later this summer.

In many ways, “Thorns” is a modern protest song. On it, Mallory rebukes societal norms in a disarmingly jubilant and carefree way. “Maybe the world is changing, I know I’m sick of waiting,” the Louisiana-born, New Jersey-bred newcomer chants on the chorus. “All the things they tell ya that ya should be, ‘stead of all the things u know u could be — never listen to it!” It’s the kind of rousing declaration that lodges in your brain from the very first spin.

“I wanted to bring people back to the music that we all grew up on, to songs where the lyrics are real and raw,” Mallory says, before adding that it’s a “song for people to shout from their rooftops.”

In just two years, Mallory Merk has grown from an upstart pop star into a confident singer-songwriter whose singular life experience results in songs that vibrate with energy and leave an imprint on listeners’ ears. And she’s only getting started. “Thorns is my story,” she says. “And telling your story, sharing your truth—that’s the most important thing you can do as an artist.” Particularly when it has the potential to resonate this widely.