Born and raised in West London, Rukhsana is a product of the contemporary cultural and musical melting pot provided by her surroundings, as well as being influenced by US performers ranging from Kanye and Frank Ocean, to Haim and John Meyer.
Her parents’ record collection also left its mark: ‘I grew up listening to Fleetwood Mac, 10cc, Karen Carpenter, or Joni Mitchell. Joni was when I found out that you can write about anything.’ Merrise's poetic heartfelt lyricism and pop-tinged vocals continue to enable her to stand out.
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September Songs was released in September 2015 via Communion Records, followed by acclaimed single ‘Money’. Alongside September Songs’ two million Spotify plays, it has also been heard half a million times via Soundcloud and been played on BBC Radio 1 and Radio X.
Rukhsana has also provided support slots for James Bay, Oh Wonder and Bear’s Den on recent tours and has performed at several festivals including Glastonbury, Citadel, BST and Latitude.
The audience in Ho Chi Minh City will meet her at Soul Live Project stage 214 – 216 Pasteur District 3, at 20.00 on October 20 alongside Vietnam Idol star Bich Ngoc.
The event is included in the SOUL Live Project - which aims to facilitate the growth of the music and the performing arts in Vietnam.
In Hanoi, the British Council is proudly presenting Rukhsana Merrise at the Monsoon Music Festival at Hanoi Thang Long Citadel, joining established Vietnamese and international artists.
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