IN CONVERSATION WITH FRANCIS MERCIER

interview by JANA LETONJA

Haitian platinum-selling artist, Hï Ibiza resident, producer, and cultural curator Francis Mercier has become one of the most distinctive voices in global electronic music. Known for weaving together the sounds of Haiti, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Levant, he has amassed more than 500 million streams, over four million monthly Spotify listeners, and performed at some of the world’s most iconic stages, from Coachella and Tomorrowland Brazil to the Giza Pyramids. Ahead of the 14th July release of his debut album, LAKAY (Home), he reflects on identity, cultural storytelling, building community through music, and why home is more than just a place.

LAKAY translates to “home.” What does home mean to you today, and how has that definition evolved throughout your career?

Home to me means wherever I am in the world on tour, when surrounded by my family, friends, or fanbase and community. That means home. Throughout my career, the breadth of ‘home’ has evolved and expanded to include the increasing number of cities, communities, and cultures I’ve grown fond of. LAKAY is my most personal musical statement yet. It is a tribute to every corner of the world that has welcomed me like home in Haiti.

This is your debut album despite years of global success. Why did now feel like the right moment to release a full-length project?

Right now is the moment to release a full-length album, as I’ve wanted to release a new type of musical work following the 75+ singles before this moment. The current stage of my career is also a melting pot of debut moments and milestones. I recently broke platinum for my record Premier Gaou, launched my debut full summer residency at Hï Ibiza, and just surpassed 500M streams across all platforms, so it felt like a celebratory moment to release a debut album as well.

Your music effortlessly blends Haitian, Caribbean, African, and Middle Eastern influences. How do you balance honouring these traditions while creating something contemporary?

I aim to honour the traditions of these cultures via the vocalists and native instruments of each region. With those elements, I then add my modern house music production touches and arrangements. 

Growing up with Haitian roots and living an international life, have you ever felt caught between cultures, or has that always been your greatest creative strength?

I’ve never felt caught between cultures per se. I have always found a way to seamlessly embrace and adapt to all cultures, making me feel like a citizen of the world without borders.

House music is becoming increasingly global. How do you see your role in shaping its future?

It is indeed. I see my role in shaping its future as doing everything I can to preserve the organic musical elements of cultures and nationalities in my music.

You’ve played everywhere from Coachella to the Giza Pyramids. Which performance has most changed your perspective on music’s ability to connect people?

Burning Man without a doubt. The radical presence of people in the crowd and around you creates a feeling of connectivity through music unlike any other venue, show, festival, etc., around the world. It’s difficult to find the right words to convey it properly. It can only be experienced.

Your sets often feel more like cultural journeys than DJ performances. What experience do you hope people leave with after seeing you live?

I just hope people can walk away from my sets with appreciation for global music, songs sung in languages and with instruments they might not have heard before, and a love for them in the presence of my set.

Deep Root Records has become much more than a label. What vision did you have when you founded it, and how has that vision expanded?

My vision when I founded it was to serve as a platform for DJs and producers in NYC to get their music heard internationally. Now that vision has expanded to my new record label, Solèy, where any artist around the world can get their music heard as widely as possible, especially at Solèy showcases.

Solèy Football Club is an unexpected extension of your brand. What inspired you to combine football, wellness, and community in Ibiza?

Football has always been a passion for me. Having fun off the dance floor with my peers is refreshing and exhilarating. Through Solèy, I aim to create moments that go beyond music, bringing communities together across cultures to be a force for positive community impact.

As a Hï Ibiza resident, how has the island influenced both your music and your outlook on life?

Island life has made me feel freer and more appreciative of Mother Nature’s beauty. Life is more colourful when surrounded by warmth, water, and sunlight.

Is there a collaboration—whether within electronic music or outside of it—that you still dream of making happen?

Yes, collaborating with PSG, the football club, on a Solèy FC event would be an unthinkable dream turned into reality.

After LAKAY, what excites you most about the next chapter—for Francis Mercier the artist, the curator, and the entrepreneur?

After LAKAY, I am most excited to see where my musical mind takes me next. I do miss producing more house music, which I mainly produced and played 10+ years ago as a local DJ in New York. Maybe I’ll do some more of that again.

TEAM CREDITS:

photography JOHAN RAMILTON