About
Biography – Merilyn Steele
Her style could be loosely described perhaps as Americana but certainly not limited to that. Merilyn is a continuously evolving and inspiring artist. Intelligent lyrics, killer hooks and memorable melodies only begin to describe her writing and musical talents.
The brand new single written and performed by Merilyn Steele, ‘Kinder (Be The Love)’ is a song that urges us all as humanity to be kinder and more compassionate to each other.
It’s about realising that we all go through hard times, trauma, loss and trying times in our lives but don’t always reveal that to others. It’s also about lending a helping hand to those less fortunate and not judging people for either their looks or their situation.
“I feel this song is needed right now. There are people out there doing some very hurtful things to others whether strangers, family or friends. Many are suffering unnecessarily. There is also now a homelessness epidemic in this country like never seen before. We need to do what we can to help our fellow man/woman”.
Kinder is the first single off the upcoming album, ‘Making Memories’. Available on all digital platforms and her website from 7th August.
Sydney born and bred, it’s hard to figure where Merilyn’s influence to be a singer/songwriter came from. Although both her Mum and Grandmother played piano, it was only for a hobby. It was Merilyn’s Dad who bought her first guitar when she was just 12 and began taking her to music lessons. From there her love of music developed. She wrote her first song at 14 and has continued ever since.
Her musical influences vary with time but include Bernard Fanning, Kasey Chambers, Powderfinger, Alanis Morissette, Bonnie Raitt, Amy Shark, Lauren Daigle to name a few.
A seasoned performer, she has been working successfully for many years in varied lineups including with resident club bands, solo and with her duo, Alter Ego. She is also a key member of The Pink Chevy’s band.
She has performed in shows all around Australia and internationally in clubs, hotels, private functions, festivals, weddings, and cruises.
Some performance highlights include Sydney’s ‘The Basement’ with her band, Tamworth Town Hall, Rooty Hill RSL Auditorium, Mounties Club, South Sydney Juniors, Blacktown Workers Diamond Auditorium supporting Normie Rowe, New Zealand’s Bay of Islands Country Rock festival and an award for best Rockabilly song at the Canberra Country Rock & Blues festival.
Today Merilyn continues to perform on a regular basis in local venues around Sydney and the East coast and also teaches singing, guitar and songwriting at her home studio.
She also has the need to write and create music so with more singles coming to the fore in the next 6 months expect the long awaited new album to follow soon!
“You’ll understand why Merilyn Steele is more than just another girl singer.”
Rosie Adsett, Country Update
“Love the roots-rock, soulful texture of “While You Can” by @merilynsteele” – Getty Images Music
Milestones and Awards
- 2020 – ‘Millionaire’ named semi-finalist with TSA Songwriters contest
- 2015 – ‘Whirlwind’ listed for APRA/AMCOS Song of the Year.
- 2015 – Semi-finalist with TSA Songwriters contest for ‘Whirlwind’ as Best Alt Country Blues/ Bluegrass song.
- 2013 – WINNER – Best Rockabilly song ‘Millionaire’ (CRS169) at Canberra Country Blues and Roots festival Nov 2013.