San Diego Reader

Scott Mercado: Vocals

Genre: Acoustic, Lounge, Noise | Xprmntl

Sound description: Mellow alt-lounge.

RIYL: Tristeza, Via Satellite, Mr.Tube, Black Heart Procession, Devics, Trost

Upcoming Local Shows

Discography

Related Links:

• http://www.manuok.com/

• Blurt: "Scott Mercado's Revenge-a-Roni" · Oct. 13, 2010

• "The Musician's Musician" · April 15, 2009

• Blurt: "You Say Mercado, He Says Macaco" · April 8, 2009

• MySpace page

Synoposis

Influences: Sigur Ros, LowCloudCover, Goodbye Blue Monday, Black Heart Procession, Cocteau Twins, the Cure, Three Mile Pilot, Helmet, Portishead, My Bloody Valentine, Heavy Vegetable

Background:

Manuok is Scott Mercado of Via Satellite. When touring as Manuok, he’s usually accompanied by backup players. Scottish-born (but Mexican-Ukrainian by blood), Mercado works by day as a web designer.

In 2009, Mercado’s music took him to Europe four times, an experience that he calls “a dream come true.” He puts Berlin’s music and art scene on par with that of New York in the ’70s and still pines for the streetside Turkish döner kebabs.

Both Manuok and Via Satellite are signed to San Diego-based Loud and Clear Records. Mercado toured as a member of the Black Heart Procession, but did not formally join that group, and he's also performed with the Album Leaf, Mr. Tube and the Flying Objects, and Tristeza.

He also produces other acts. Mercado met French folk-rock group Grimoon in 2005 while touring Europe with the Black Heart Procession. Five years later, the multi-instrumentalist produced Grimoon’s third album, Super 8.

Manuok’s full-length The Old Horse was released in August, 2010, with an August 5 release party at downtown’s Wonderhaus Building. Grimoon members Solenn Le Marchand, Alberto Stevanato, and Claudio Favretto released The Old Horse on their Italian-based label Macaco in August. Both Mercado and Black Heart Procession founder Pall Jenkins (who created Grimoon’s album art) appeared on the band’s previous album, Les 7 Vies du Chat.

“I just arrived in Milan for two month tour in Europe,” emailed Mercado in early 2011. “One tour playing with Sara Lov of Devics, then one month with Manuok and Grimoon. Craziness. While I’m here, I’m mixing my new rock record on my laptop. I can’t wait to finish it when I’m home in May.”