Q&A: Mercer Henderson On Her Latest Single “Hypocrite”
Written by Claire Hookstra
Indie pop artist Mercer Henderson is known for her authentic lyricism and her ability to turn utter heartbreak into powerful anthems. After receiving viral praise for her 2025 single, “Almost, So Close, Maybe,” which has now surpassed 10 million streams, Henderson is evolving into a new era of creativity. This new chapter was marked by the release of “Casually Complicated,” which spent a deserved two weeks as the cover of Spotify’s Pop Sauce playlist, and now Henderson has shared her next single, “Hypocrite,” with the world.
Before her Los Angeles headline debut, Slipfast got the chance to learn more about what inspired “Hypocrite” and what’s next for Mercer Henderson.
Slipfast: For our readers who may not be familiar with you or your music, would you introduce yourself and your sound?
Mercer: I’m Mercer Henderson, a pop artist with bangs I’ve had for as long as I can remember. I write about the messy, complicated sides of relationships, from situationships to ugly-cry love. My songs are honest, emotional, and a little playful, made for anyone who’s ever felt everything at once and needed a song to sing along to.
Slipfast: Your songwriting is known for being deeply personal; what drew you to write in this confessional style?
Mercer: Honestly, I don't know how to write any other way. I have always been an observant and open person, which helps me to write with a personal narrative and authenticity. Since music is such a healing process for me, making my songs as personal as possible helps me work through my chaotic love life.
Slipfast: Congrats on two weeks as the cover of Spotify’s Pop Sauce with “Casually Complicated”! What do you think gives your music that special “sauce”?
Mercer: I hope my “special sauce” comes from the messy, honest, and relatable stories in my music, along with the way I make them my own within pop.
Slipfast: Your new single, “Hypocrite,” definitely follows the trend of introspective lyricism found in your writing. What made you decide to tell this story through song?
Mercer: It was about time I was more introspective about the complexities of relationships, and that I, too, play a role. This one is definitely a little confessional!
Slipfast: Did you draw any inspiration from any specific artists for “Hypocrite”?
Mercer: Sonically, I pulled a lot of inspiration for "Hypocrite" from my own catalog, because I wanted it to feel like it fits right in with everything I've already put out. As for other artists, "To Love Somebody" by Holly Humberstone and "Stupid Song" by Olivia Rodrigo were big influences on it too.
Slipfast: How does it feel to have your first headline show in Los Angeles coming up? Is there anything specific you are looking forward to?
Mercer: I’ve been looking forward to playing my first headline show in LA for a long time. The music culture there is so special, and I’m excited to share this moment with everyone who comes out. I’m hoping to get back to California soon and explore more cities along this coast.
Slipfast: What song are you most excited to play for the LA crowd?
Mercer: I am putting together a really fun setlist. Every single song is one that fans either DM'd me about playing or are the ones that my audience scream-sings the loudest. It is fair to say that this is a fan-driven show.
Slipfast: Anything else you can share about this new era?
Mercer: I am just generally excited about every evolution of my music. I am always pushing to become better. I hope listeners hear something new but also something a little familiar, intentional banger production mixed with my lyrical style. Just wait for my next release, ahhh!!
Listen to “Hypocrite” on Spotify and Apple Music
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