Merril Collins
Merrill Collins, a versatile and accomplished musician, has captured the hearts of audiences in the Bay Area and Los Angeles with her exceptional musical talent and heartfelt performances. Trained classically with a master's degree from the San Francisco Conservatory, Merrill possesses a deep understanding of music that enables her to craft harmonious atmospheres and emotionally resonant events. Her music is not just entertaining; it's transformative. Renowned for her original and improvisational compositions designed for meditation and healing, Merrill's work has played a significant role in aiding trauma patients' healing processes and has added grace and depth to workshops and retreats. Whether she's performing on grand piano and keyboards or guiding dance accompaniments, her music brings joy to the elderly and peace to the bereaved. Merrill's remarkable versatility and profound musicality make her a highly sought-after artist for a wide range of events, and her impact on her listeners' well-being is truly exceptional.
For fans who have never heard your music, can you pick three words to describe it?! If three words just aren't enough, then tell us more!!
The majority of my original recorded tracks are acoustic neo-classical and calming. The C.A.R.E. Channel plays my instrumental music in hospitals all over the world. In 2019 I decided to branch out into a variety of genres which included the hip hop version of Every Man, Woman and Child. The collaboration with my friend Austin Starchild, a DJ who lives in LA, was my first venture in the world of hip hop. Awesome that Austin managed to get all 30 articles of the UDHR into the short song!
What is your favorite part about being an artist? Is it songwriting, performing, recording, something else? Tell us why.
I enjoy the whole creative process. As a performer I am known for improvising, which is somewhat like composing on the spot. I enjoy making the music to suit the environment. Of course, when I play for dancers, the music is rhythmic and energizing. When I play for public events, I usually play calming music to help the audience settle in. I love to record because later I can listen back and be the recipient of the vibrations. And then I can share recordings with listeners around the world.
Can you tell us what being in the recording studio is like for you?
To begin with, I always have the acoustic grand piano freshly tuned, because that sets up a way to play the soundboard that opens interactions with the harmonics. When I play with other instruments we usually insist on being in the same room rather than in divided cubicles. That is because we are connecting in the moment co-creatively. The engineers mic each instrument and also have one overhead mic. My musicians usually choose to stay for the mixing and we work as a team. In the case of the hip hop , Austin recorded himself in his home studio.
Okay, this a fun question. When you are not doing music, what else do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy cooking. I consider that a hobby. My family appreciates. I have two grandsons; one is 2 and one is 4. I enjoy hanging out with them and going places like Berkeley Lawrence Hall of Science, SF Academy of Science, Chabot Space Center, and the Oakland Zoo. We also make music together and sing many songs.
Who do you admire most in the music scene today and why?
I admire Wouter Kellerman, awesome flute player. He has many wonderful projects and recordings. I admire Ricky Kej, who also does a lot of global peace projects and music. Recently I took an interest in following John Legend who has such a wonderful voice and musicianship and also addresses social justice. Raz Kennedy is a fantastic vocalist and coach, and we are currently working on a project together.
Can you tell us what song you've written that is the most emotional and describe the meaning behind it?
I have a piece "Help Them Live" that was written during the Ethiopian Famine to help KRON TV raise money for the Airlift to Africa fund. It was originally recorded by children in an after-school program where I worked. It is very emotional and has been known to make people cry.
Are you working on any new material right now or what's in the works for the upcoming year?
Right now, I am working on promoting musical participation in the 75th Anniversary of the UDHR. I am a member of Human Rights Educators USA (www.hreusa.org) and have recently been given the title " Senior Fellow Musician". Also, I have been working on promoting my book, "We Declare!" Songs, Chants, and Dances based on the Global Ethic". The next book, UDHR scores and curricula, will be published on Ingram Spark next month. (in the works as we speak)) and have recently been given the title " Senior Fellow Musician". Also, I have been working on promoting my book, "We Declare!" Songs, Chants, and Dances based on the Global Ethic". The next book, UDHR scores and curricula, will be published on Ingram Spark next month. (in the works as we speak) (www.hreusa.org) and have recently been given the title " Senior Fellow Musician".
Also I have been working on promoting my book, "We Declare!" Songs, Chants, and Dances based on the Global Ethic" . The next book , UDHR scores and curricula, will be published on Ingram Spark next month. ( in the works as we speak)) and have recently been given the title " Senior Fellow Musician" . Also I have been working on promoting my book, "We Declare!" Songs, Chants, and Dances based on the Global Ethic" . The next book , UDHR scores and curricula, will be published on Ingram Spark next month. ( in the works as we speak) (www.hreusa.org) and have recently been given the title " Senior Fellow Musician". Also I have been working on promoting my book, "We Declare!" Songs, Chants, and Dances based on the Global Ethic" . The next book , UDHR scores and curricula, will be published on Ingram Spark next month. ( in the works as we speak)
Tell us where fans can access your music.
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