“Nobody Really Knows” just how indie pop artist Mergui has succeeded in becoming a strong force in today's indie pop music scene.
Stream: “Risk It All” – Mergui
As 2025 was just beginning, Mergui kicked off the year with the release of his four-track EP, Nobody Really Knows, on January 17th. This marked the start of what promised to be a fruitful year for him, and he has upheld that promise with a series of singles launched in the months that followed. Notable tracks include “Purple Rose,” a song he wrote about four years ago and has been refining ever since; “Risk It All,” which he describes as “a reflection of all the times I’ve chosen love, art, and growth over comfort;” and a cover of “Say Something,” initially performed by the NYC pop duo A Great Big World.
Risk It All – Mergui
Let me express myself
I wanted you from the start
Too many mutual friends
So I played it cool
Your hands inside my vest
I’d never ask you to let go
Even though it may be a mess
We still can't resist
All the way to the 28th floor
And then we closed the door
– “Risk It All,” Mergui
This level of productivity has been typical for Jonathan Mergui, who performs under his last name. Since starting his music career with his debut EP, Ma Iyea, in 2019, he has continued to tour and create, even landing opening slots for Bruno Mars and Maroon 5, as well as having his music featured in the popular video game The Sims and on the NFL’s GameDay Morning Show. He is unafraid to reveal his vulnerability in his songwriting; he describes his latest single, “Purple Rose,” as exploring the efforts we make for love, even when it’s not reciprocated, and this authenticity clearly resonates with listeners.
Mergui shares insights about his prolific creativity with Atwood Magazine.
I wasn’t meant to
Take it off, but sometimes
Friends get lost
You have a quality
That makes me want to risk it all
You inspire me to take the risk, but it’s risky
Because I might mess this up
But there’s something about you
That makes me want to risk it all
You make me want to leap
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:: stream/purchase Risk It All here ::
:: connect with Mergui here ::
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‘Nobody Really Knows’ EP art – Mergui
A CONVERSATION WITH MERGUI
Atwood Magazine: What led you to become a musician in your formative years?
Mergui: It definitely began with my parents. My mom is a singer, so music was always integral to our household. My dad also made music and played guitar; we would often sing together. But a major turning point was when they helped me set up a small studio in my bedroom. It was then that I began producing and writing solo, and I would get completely immersed in it. I recall my mom knocking on my door at 3 a.m. because she thought I was lost, and I was surprised, thinking it was only 6 p.m.! I would forget to eat or respond to messages. That room didn’t just influence my sound – it truly shaped who I am.
Reflecting on the six years since your first EP, how would you describe your journey and the creative insights you’ve gained?
Mergui: Six years… that’s wild. I still vividly recall making that initial EP. Since then, I’ve experienced many phases, both personally and musically. The most significant lesson I've learned is about myself. Each project required me to delve deeper and shed some layers, prompting me to consider, “What do I genuinely want to express?” Each endeavor shifted my focus from impressing others to being authentic. There’s still much to learn, but I feel I’ve gained a lot already.
What do you think about your recent work, including Nobody Really Knows and the "Say Something" cover? What progress do these projects signify for you?
Mergui: I'm still really proud of Nobody Really Knows. It felt a blend of nostalgia and deep personal connection. During that time, I was contemplating various questions about my direction and the “right” decisions. Creating this EP was a way to process all of that. In our current social media-driven environment, it’s easy to get lost in the noise. Writing those songs helped me filter that out and concentrate on what truly matters to me.
“Say Something” has a unique backstory. It was among the first tracks that initiated my career. I recorded it in my bedroom studio and sent it to my dad, who unexpectedly shared it with several TV production teams. That led to my involvement in a music competition TV show that kickstarted my journey. Fast forward nearly a
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