With over two million plays on Spotify for her debut EP September Songs, Rukhsana Merrise is a name to watch in 2016. This British singer-songwriter will perform at the SOUL Live Project in Ho Chi Minh City on 20 October and at the highly-anticipated music event in Hanoi this autumn – Monsoon Music Festival on 22 October 2016.
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.
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 20 October alongside Vietnam Idol star Bich Ngoc. This event is included in the SOUL Live Project - which aims to facilitate the growth of the music and the performing arts in Vietnam. Go here for tickets
In Hanoi, the British Council is proudly presenting Rukhsana Merrise at the Monsoon Music Festival (Lễ hội Âm nhạc Gió mùa) at Hanoi Thăng Long Citadel, joining established Vietnamese and international artists. Please go here for tickets.