Alice Merton

Alice Merton (born September 13, 1993) is a British‑based German‑Canadian singer‑songwriter known for her powerhouse voice, catchy indie‑pop hooks, and deeply personal songwriting that often reflects themes of identity, belonging, and movement.

🌍 Early Life & Background

Alice Florence Clarissa Merton was born in Frankfurt, Germany, to a German mother and an Irish father. Her family moved frequently due to her father’s work as a mining consultant, so she spent her childhood in places like Connecticut (USA) and Oakville, Ontario (Canada) before returning to Germany as a teenager. This constant moving shaped much of her artistic voice and the themes in her music.

She learned classical piano and singing as a child, wrote her first song while living in Germany, and later earned a bachelor’s degree in composition and songwriting from Popakademie Baden‑Württemberg in Mannheim.

🎶 Breakthrough & Music Career

Merton burst onto the international scene with her debut single “No Roots” in 2016/2017, a song inspired by her nomadic upbringing and the sense of not having a permanent home. The track became a global hit, reaching the Top 10 in numerous countries and topping the Billboard Alternative Songs chart in the U.S., while going platinum multiple times internationally.

Following that success, she released:

• No Roots (EP, 2018) – featured her breakout single. Wikipedia

• Mint (debut studio album, 2019) – showcased her blend of pop, indie, and alternative sounds and included hits like “No Roots,” “Lash Out,” and “Why So Serious.”

• S.I.D.E.S. (second studio album, 2022) – further expanded her artistic palette with introspective lyrics and diverse production.
  

In 2024, she released the Heron EP, and in 2025 announced her third studio album Visions, set for release on January 16, 2026, featuring the lead single “Ignorance Is Bliss,” co‑written with Dan Smith of Bastille and Jennifer Decilveo.

🎤 Musical Style & Themes

Alice Merton’s music blends indie pop and alternative pop with energetic rhythms, strong vocal hooks, and introspective lyrics. Her songs often explore identity, home, self‑discovery, and emotional resilience—reflecting a life spent between cultures and countries. The Line of Best Fit

📈 Live Performances & Recognition

She has performed at major international music festivals including Coachella, Sziget, and Lollapalooza, and has toured across Europe and North America, connecting with a growing global fanbase.

🌟 Legacy & Impact

Alice Merton is best known for turning personal experiences into powerful pop anthems, with “No Roots” becoming one of the defining breakout tracks of the late 2010s. Her DIY approach, including founding her own label, has allowed her to maintain artistic control and shape her career authentically.