The truth is, pain and grief are often convectors for deep and meaningful art. We like to think we can engineer the creative process, and in some ways, we certainly can. Eventually, though, work that shakes, impresses and hypnotises people is always the one that draws from personal experience, the one stemming from the depth of human nature. Shannon Hawley knows it very well, championing a project that’s the opposite of ‘superficial’: it’s a deep dive into human consciousness and life, partly using her eventful and painful family history.
‘Mercy’ is Hawley’s latest effort, an anthemic, rock-infused anthem developed with good friend Nekter Gun, himself a gifted songwriter and producer – also lending his vocals to the track. It delves into challenging themes, drawing on the heartbreak of Hawley’s ancestors, including her paternal grandmother who died young with her two sons, and her father who died at 42, leaving behind five young daughters.
Even in the face of the above tragedies, Shannon Hawley still manages to shine with her own bright light, showcasing powerful vocals and refined songwriting. Her ability to convey the lyrical message in such fiery settings is astonishing and speaks volumes about the level of maturity and growth she’s reached through the years.
Recommended! Discover ‘Mercy’ on Spotify:
