MRCY – Man

On VOLUME 2, Barney Lister and Kojo Degraft-Johnson evolve beyond their 2024 debut.

“We’re fighting fear with hope, worry with love,” explains Barney. “VOLUME 2 breaks boundaries—with edge, surprises, and guts.”

“Man” confronts modern masculinity through afrobeat and jazz flute, with Kojo singing about the struggle “to stay open and kind”—”Move out the dark and lead with light/Fight for the love a thousand times.”

MRCY partnership began in 2021 when Barney discovered Kojo on Instagram. “It’s the most natural music I’ve ever made,” Kojo says. “With Barney, ideas flow effortlessly—we follow our instincts for authentic music.”

Both have impressive backgrounds: Barney comes from Yorkshire’s sound system scene (later producing for Rina Sawayama and Mercury nominees), and Kojo comes from South London’s church circuit (later working with Little Simz and Liam Gallagher).

After VOLUME 1’s success on Dead Oceans, they toured with Black Pumas and sold out London’s Jazz Café.

“2024 felt dreamlike,” reflects Barney. “We’ve grown closer, and seeing our music take on life pushed us to make a stronger statement with VOLUME 2.” With 2025 tour dates and a debut album planned, MRCY crafts vital music that addresses contemporary existence. As Barney puts it, “The world’s broken, but let’s dance through it.”

VOLUME 2 arrives May 30.