A modern day Fleetwood Mac with the edge of No Doubt and the depth of Train
Perfect Mercy emerged into the music world January 2000 in Knoxville, Tennessee. In their time, the band honed a sound that was described by fans as the next magnetic prototype for modern music. The band originated as a five piece group that formulated an eclectic mix of rock, blues, funk & reggae. Though each style was only recognized as an influence, it lended to a sound that grasped music lovers young and old. The all-embracing mix of inspiration for the members of Perfect Mercy produced an unequivocal style that proved to not be restricted or pigeonholed.
Shannon Lindsey was born and raised in North East, Pennsylvania; a small town just outside of Erie. Since the age of four, she has graced the stage with her talent as an entertainer. In 1999, Shannon won Western Pennsylvania's Female Vocalist of the Year and later moved to the south in search of a better venue for her distinctive sound and song writing skills. The engaging search for an esteemed guitarist/songwriter led to Knoxville native Justin Parker.
Parker had recently left Box Wagon Candy Band (now known as Jag Star) to pursue different musical tastes and was searching for musicians for a new project. When he and Lindsey met in January of 2000 for a jam session, they knew immediately that they were on to something. “Everything just clicked from the first note,” says Parker. “By the end of that session we had already written three songs and I knew the moment I heard Shannon sing I had to be in a band with her. I had just hoped that she liked how I played guitar."
They began building a reputation for being one of the area's hardest working bands. Crafting a different sound and dedicating themselves to their performances has paved a path to opportunities such as performing with artists like Dexter Freebish, Pat McGhee Band, American Bang, Seven Nations, and Tinsley Ellis. Perfect Mercy has also supported local charities such as Relay For Life, Children's Hospital Dance Marathon, and Second Harvest Food Bank. The band organized an annual multi-band concert, Jam For Cans, which benefited Second Harvest Food Bank.
In an effort to expand the band's sound, they searched for a second female voice for harmony. Susie Haas answered the call in 2003 and opened a whole new dimension for the band, creating a "cinematic sound" that demands to be experienced. "I've always enjoyed singing and finding someone like Shannon that I can harmonize with is what makes music so fun and such an integral part of my life" says Haas.
Perfect Mercy’s process of writing music consists of only one equation: collaboration. While inspiration for a song may present in different ways, their key to success is input from each of the band’s members. “We don’t have one particular formula for writing the song. Sometimes I’ll have lyrics or a melody line that Justin adds a guitar part to. Other times, the band will just start jamming and I’ll hear the vocal in my head,” says vocalist, Shannon Lindsey. The band’s open approach allows a multitude of musical influences to shine through. "We try to capture everyone's ideas and creativity into everything we write. When we've accomplished that, we end up with a song that means so much to all of us," describes Haas.
In 2006, the band called it quits as they took time off to deal with interpersonal problems. During this hiatus, Shannon and Justin moved to Nashville and built Crocus Lane Studios where the band would begin writing, recording, and preparing to hit the stage again. An integral ingredient to the Perfect Mercy Sound was the signature percussive work from Perfect Mercy veteran, Phil Tremblay on the drums and the solid, motown influenced grooves of bassist, Chris Rogers. Together, the band was a cohesive powerhouse of infectious hits.
Perfect Mercy offered their fans a new performance each show, creating a unique experience every time they took the stage. They were in their truest form live, connecting with the audience through emotion and energy.
The band's members have since parted and gone on to pursue other interests. Chris Rogers is actively demonstrating his talent as a gifted artist. You can see his work at his myspace page. Phil Tremblay continues to work and tour as a professional drummer hailing from the Nashville area. Susie Haas is still singing and aspires to join another band someday. Justin & Shannon have recently received a bundle of joy; their baby Everhett.