Q&A: Magi Merlin Reminds Us We Can Change the World on ‘POWER HOUSE’
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
☆ BY NATALIE D.C. ☆
Photo by Sophia Perras
“BROKEN RNB” IS A BOLD NEW GENRE—pioneered by Montréal-based musician and actress Magi Merlin. In July, the Canadian singer-songwriter released her debut album, POWER HOUSE, a 12-track project like no other that explores a wide range of relatable and timely themes—from self-confidence to queer love to capitalist critique—all under a highly personalized sound that will get any and all listeners both moving and thinking.
This electrifying feeling is expertly captured in the music video for lead single “SpiceKick” as it’s filled to the brim with colorful visuals, stunning production design and contagious choreography. Conversely, “So Smart” slows down the album with vulnerable, tender lyrics and a warm, intimate visual companion co-directed by Merlin herself.
When she isn’t crafting hits or singing her heart out on stage, Merlin can also be found acting—specifically as Chloé in the indie coming-of-age gem Mile End Kicks (available to stream now on Netflix), starring Euphoria’s Barbie Ferreira and written/directed by Roommates director Chandler Levack.
In the midst of her POWER HOUSE Tour, Luna caught up with Merlin to discuss her musical identity, her artistic vision as well as her anticipations leading up to an upcoming show in her hometown of Montréal on September 17.
Read Luna’s conversation with Merlin below.
Photo by Sophia Perras
LUNA: Congratulations on the release of your debut album POWER HOUSE! You’ve described this album as an introduction to your self-coined genre of “Broken RnB.” For readers who may be unfamiliar, could you elaborate on this description of your work?
MERLIN: Yes! “Broken RnB” is literally any and every genre I, my collaborators, my friends, my family have been exposed to (punk, electronica, pop, R&B, Soul, Jazz, rock, alt, etc). “Broken RnB” is just a term that describes what many people have already been doing for decades. It is my sneaky way of removing myself from the boundaries of any genre because if you're working from a boundaryless place, what you can create is limitless.
LUNA: POWER HOUSE explores a variety of timely, relatable themes—from self-confidence to queer, female identity to disdain for our capitalist, misogynist society. What is the origin story behind this project, and what do you hope listeners take away from your lyrics?
MERLIN: POWER HOUSE's origin really came from a lot of thinking, pondering and wondering. Many, many questions that I have and continue to ask myself and the people around me—and now the world. I want to know why the world looks the way it looks, why we all now follow scripts that we never consented to but we participate in anyway. I hope that anyone listening to this record takes time to ask themselves questions. Do they want to exist in this world as they have been told, or do they want to change it? I hope people feel powerful after listening and are reminded that the world is malleable—so it's time to start molding, baby!
LUNA: The music video for your lead single “SpiceKick” is a visually stunning, bold companion to this flashy anthem of “plastic confidence.” Similarly, the music video for “So Smart,” which you co-directed, offers colorful visuals alongside its tender ode to finding empathy for oneself. What inspired the artistic direction of these dual visual companions and what role did visuals play in your creative process while crafting this 12-track album?
MERLIN: I really do feel like “So Smart” and “SpiceKick” are two sides of the same coin. Both deal with similar questions and difficulties in different ways. “SpiceKick” is a representation of trying one's best to be self-assured without really doing the work, and “So Smart” is there when you're ready to be honest. I find the duality between the visual worlds of these two tracks really represents that. When it came to the artistic direction, these themes informed the tone of both visuals.
As a musician and an artist, the visual world of any project is so important for me, so the visual universe attached to POWER HOUSE was essential to me. I thought a lot about the general aesthetic of the record, the clothes, the album cover art, the single covers, the music videos. I spent time thinking about everything because I've always admired artists that build their worlds with music as a foundation for other art forms. It's not so revolutionary though, as everything is connected. It's also so exciting as a listener to be able to explore the world even further by diving into the visual language associated with the record (according to the artist).
LUNA: In 2025, you made your acting debut in the Canadian film Mile End Kicks which stars Barbie Ferreira as a 22-year-old music critic trying to make it in Montréal. What drew you to this indie ode to music, love and friendship and what was it like working on your first ever feature film?
MERLIN: The script was so fun and funny, and on top of that, being able to visit a peak time in Montréal's indie scene—as a musician coming up in Montréal right now—was very interesting. I wasn't fully there during the indie sleaze era in the city's history, so it was really fun to do some cosplay. I had a really nice first experience, honestly; the cast was so welcoming, and I feel like I learned a lot just [by] being around them for the little time I was there. It was a lovely experience.
LUNA: You’re currently on the POWER HOUSE Tour throughout North America, the UK and Europe. What has been your favorite moment from this tour so far, and what are you most looking forward to as you prepare to perform in your hometown of Montréal on September 17?
MERLIN: I love that I am really coming into myself. I feel like I am caring less about being a perfect musician and performer and caring more about riding the wave. I feel like because I care less, I'm able to care so much more about things that matter. I honestly feel the most powerful I've ever felt in my life. I think that's how I know we can all change the world. Sometimes you have to care less to care more. I'm most excited to play for my friends and my city. I'm also hyped to continue to collaborate with my talented ass friends and to be able to play a show that feels fresh and punk as fuck!
LUNA: Finally, what are some pieces of media (music, film, literature, etc.) you’ve been drawing inspiration from recently?
MERLIN: I've started reading bell hooks' All About Love: New Visions. After starting the book, I found a lot of the ideas seemed familiar to me, so initially I didn't feel like I was really learning anything new. But after talking about this feeling with some friends, I realized the reason these ideas felt familiar is because bell hooks wrote this book in the first place. I was taught by the people who did the reading before I even knew of bell hooks at all. I was hit with the realization that that is quite literally how people can change everything. Nothing exists in a vacuum, and one conversation can result in the shifting of entire belief systems. It's literally so dope; I got a huge kick out of that realization, so now I feel even more sure that everything can change for the better if we continue trying.
