On The Rise: Shreddie Mercury

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Jonathan Kane is a 24 year old music producer from Columbia, MO, who is most recognized by his stage name, Shreddie Mercury.

Shreddie Mercury has only been producing electronic music for just under a year now, all from his own home studio - but you would never guess from the insane talent and complexity of his work.

He is on the rise and being recognized by big names in the EDM industry, including Zedd, who chose Shreddie's remix of "Spectrum" as the best out of over 2,500 entries and submissions.

Shreddie Mercury took some time to talk with us after his performance at Tomorrow World about his quick rising success, along with some future tour and release plans we should look out for.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: So, how did you first get your start in music?
SHREDDIE MERCURY: I've been a guitarist since I was eight years old.

My parents sort of threw me into music, and I am so glad they did when I was so young.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: How did you get your start in electronic music, specifically?
SHREDDIE MERCURY: A little over two years ago, I was playing in a band and "said band" broke up.

I have always been into electronic music, but that was kind of the moment when I decided to take to YouTube and various forums to try to learn just how all of it was actually made.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: How did you come up with the name "Shreddie Mercury"?
SHREDDIE MERCURY: It was honestly just a random put I thought would be funny to produce under before I took anything seriously, and it did turn out to be funny. What it truly says about me, I do not know.

While I do really love Queen, there's no tribute aspect to it. My real name is Jonathan Kane, you'll be seeing that more from now on.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: Who do you consider to be your musical influences?
SHREDDIE MERCURY: Sigur Ros, MONO, Justice, Between The Buried And Me, Prince.

I just realized how strange it is to group those together - and too many more to rattle off.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: In your spare time, who are some bands and artists you listen to?
SHREDDIE MERCURY: Definitely the ones I just listed, but lately its been Siriusmo, Armin, Aphex Twin, Dillinger Escape Plan, M83 and Washed Out as well.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: What about your most memorable touring experience you've had?
SHREDDIE MERCURY: Kind of a tie between the tour I got to do with Infected Mushroom and performing TomorrowWorld. Both were experiences that I will look back fondly on when I'm old and wrinkly. Infescted Mushroom were the first guys to ever reach out and ask me to go on tour purely from hearing my music off Soundcloud. That struck a big chord with me. they took me out on six dates to cities I had never been to and all of a sudden, here I was playing in front of 2,000 people.

It was surreal. Opening up for Zedd in Mexico during spring break is up there too.

It was the first time we met face-to-face after the remix work I did for him. We actually went bowling after his St. Louis show last month.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: And what about TomorrowWorld?
SHREDDIE MERCURY: It summed up this past year of working hard in the most incredible of settings. It was definitely the largest crowd I've ever played to and I had no idea all these amazing fans would be there for me.

I met many of them, as well as many artists I've come to deeply respect. It's definitely a festival not to miss.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?
SHREDDIE MERCURY: I think Sigur Ros would be amazing. They write some of the most beautiful music I have ever heard.

Also, it doesn't hurt that Iceland itself is such a magical place. I would love to go there.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: If you were stranded on an island, what three things would you bring?
SHREDDIE MERCURY: A Snuggie, portable DVD player and my copy of Encino Man.

EMPTY LIGHTHOUSE: What can we expect in regards to some of your upcoming plans for touring, releases and more recordings.
SHREDDIE MERCURY: I will be releasing new music under my name instead of Shreddie Mercury from now on. I am also excited for your guys to hear this new stuff.

I think its definitely getting outside of my comfort zone without abandoning why people listen to me in the first place. New material coming super soon, I promise.

Because this young talent has shown he has what it takes to make it big in the industry, be sure to stay up-to-date with Jonathan Kane by visiting his website and Facebook for tour date announcements and news on his latest releases.