About
Biography – Merilyn Steele
Her style could be described as Americana or alt country 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.
Her latest album being her fourth, Making Memories, released in April 1 2024 is long awaited. It has been just over ten years since her last full body of work.
Produced by Michael Carpenter who also engineered her previous 2 albums and numerous singles, all instruments were played entirely by Michael and Merilyn. Artwork also by Michael Carpenter.
The CD is a tapestry of songs of varied moods and styles, a window to her soul with songs depicting her life journey over the last few years including the covid period and lockdown, the loss of her long time partner and betrayal by a new one.
Making Memories is about living life now to the fullest. An upbeat, positive song with a summery country vibe. It speaks about letting people and things of the past go in order to move on with life. Something Merilyn certainly knows from experience.
If I Could is a re-recorded love song from previous years but now with a bouncy latin country vibe, while Things Ain’t Always (What They Seem) is a fitting tribute to lost colleague, Glen Hannah.
Kinder (Be The Love) was the first single off the album and is Merilyn’s plea to humanity to be kinder to everyone. Described as ‘ a song for the modern age’ by Tom Hilton of Aldora Britain Records.
Diamonds and Dust is a cracker country song of betrayed love and I Deserve This is the self-help anthem of the fallout during lockdown declaring everybody needs to be loved.
I Wish carries the scars of betrayed love until the dog lovers song, My White Shadow brightens things up totally as a dedication to her loyal dog, Gizmo. One every dog owner will understand!
Days Like This recalls the joy of her time in Japan during cherry blossom season in 2023 and life is looking bright once again.
The album finishes on a high with Position Vacant (P.S. Must Love Dogs). A toe tapping country rock song about Merilyn’s search for a new partner and the desired checklist. Of course they must love dogs!
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, George Ezra, Alanis Morissette, 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 the front woman 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.
“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
Nominations and Awards
- 2024 – Nominated semi-finalists in TSA awards ; ‘Kinder (Be The Love)’, Gospel/Spiritual category; ‘If I Could’, Alt Country section; ‘Diamonds & Dust’, Country Rock section; ‘Days Like This’ – Alt Country section
- 2021 – Tamworth Songwriters Assn semi finalists: “Things Ain’t Always (What They Seem)” & “If I Could” (Country Ballad of the Year); ‘When It Rains’ (Salute 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’ at Canberra Country Blues and Roots festival