Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared on the Ann Arbor District Library’s Pulp blog.
Jess Merritt no longer silences her inner voice.
The Ann Arbor singer-songwriter follows her instincts and unleashes her authentic self on Wild in Me.
“It’s been a big journey,” said Merritt, aka Jess Oberholtzer, about her new folk-rock-soul EP.
“Over the past five years or so … I went through a divorce, the pandemic, and coming out. It’s been a real transformative time. I look back, and I’m so grateful that I took those steps because I feel so much closer to my true self now. Even though things are a little bit scary as far as what the future holds, I just feel solid in myself.”
Merritt embraces that bold mindset through an honest and inspirational collection of songs about self-discovery, growth, and freedom. The four tracks on Wild in Me come to life through soulful vocals, cathartic lyrics, and soaring instrumentation.
“I tend to write about things that are closely held and deeply felt,” said Merritt, who previously performed as Jess McCumons.
“I feel happier after I feel something intensely, even if it’s challenging. To me, revisiting and sitting in those feelings, even if they’re not sunshiny all the time, actually does feel very healing, cleansing, and empowering.”
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