“3, 2, 1 … BANGS!!!” Mercer Henderson, a rising singer-songwriter, screams this cheer with her team right before getting onstage at Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn. You may know her from her recent single “Ruin Me,” but how did she get to perform her music live in New York City?
Henderson started out her career at six years old, performing in musical theater productions before transitioning into songwriting at 13. She draws inspiration for her songs from “personal experiences, observations and stories shared to her by her close friends.” Despite writing for so long, she recently decided to pursue music as a full-time career, citing that, “it’s only now that I’m truly realizing I can build a career in music—and that’s all because of the incredible support from fans.”
When asked about her experience performing, she shared, “Performing live is my favorite experience because it allows me to connect with fans in the most genuine way possible. I love feeling the energy of the audience, hearing their engagement and meeting as many people as possible.” On the financial side of performances, those who know or have had experiences with the notoriously awful Ticketmaster should note that Henderson’s ticket prices for her Brooklyn show were $18, and this isn’t for lack of engagement. One of her other most recent shows in London sold out completely! “As an independent artist, I carefully select venues and tours that align with my vibe and resonate with my fan base in each market,” she said. “My goal is to make my shows accessible—both affordable and easy to attend—so that more people can share the experience.”
Henderson’s setlist for her “Not Really Strangers Tour” comprises her album by the same name as well as several of her singles, including her most recent song, “Ruin Me.” When talking about her current setlist, Henderson shared the method of how she picks her songs: “My setlist is a mix of released and unreleased music. My goal is to meet my audience where they first connected with me—whether through older songs like ‘Strangers’ or newer tracks from my EP.” Henderson also explained that when choosing songs and their order in her setlist, pacing and storytelling are extremely important. “I structure it to maintain energy while allowing moments to breathe and engage with the crowd. Slower songs create space for reflection, while high-energy anthems are essential for kicking off and closing the show on a powerful note,” she said.
Similar to many emerging artists today, social media plays a large role in Henderson’s career. “Social media is both a blessing and a challenge. It’s incredibly rewarding when my music gains traction, but it can also be frustrating when things don’t take off as I hoped,” she said. “Still, self-promotion is essential—in today’s industry, it’s not just encouraged, it’s expected.” In discussing how she promotes her music through social media, Henderson shared her process: “Before every release, I tease clips and read every comment to see how the song is resonating with my audience. I adjust my content approach based on their engagement and feedback.”
For her most recent song, “Ruin Me,” Henderson put out only the bridge on her Instagram in a video of her dancing around on a road, lip-synching passionately. During her interview, Henderson gave some insight into how she wrote her hit single. “The ‘Ruin Me’ process was similar to my usual approach in that I don’t go into the studio with a fixed idea. Instead, I liked to keep an open mind and talk through ideas with the producer,” she said. “For this song, I was incredibly fortunate to work with Mickey Brandolino and Savannah Sanabia. The idea was actually sparked when I showed up at the studio ‘not looking my best’ after a team bonding tennis match with my management. I was a mess… thinking, ‘This is going to ruin me.’”
Henderson also shared her reflections on performing live. “I’m always amazed when people know my songs and sing them back to me—it’s an incredible feeling to connect on that level. It makes every performance special and reminds me why I love doing this,” she said. Henderson does acknowledge that her choice of smaller venues comes with its challenges, often requiring her to be quick in adapting and adjusting her performance. However, the occasional difficulty makes her into a stronger performer: “Those experiences have made me more adaptable and confident on stage.”
Henderson also noted that performers are only part of the experience, explaining, “concert goers should know that they are an essential part of the show. Their energy and engagement fuel the performance. The first time I heard the audience singing with me, it changed everything—it’s an incredibly powerful experience. I’m deeply grateful for every fan who shares that connection.”
When discussing the connection she has with her fans, Henderson expressed the continuation from the shared experience of the show to the more intricate feelings that only music is capable of arising in people. “I believe my fans go through similar moments in life, and through music, we find a deep connection. It’s a way for us to relate, heal, and navigate life together,” she said. This connection is similarly powerful to performing: “My energy comes from knowing that we’re all experiencing these life moments together. The thought that my music resonates with someone’s life is both inspiring and humbling.”
While reminiscing on her career so far, Henderson put a strong emphasis on her fans and the impact they have on not only her career, but her life as well: “Their belief in me fuels my confidence, and I couldn’t be more grateful for this journey.”
