Meris Gantt

The story of Meris Gantt is one of a journey mired in strength – a tale of perseverance, passion, and a deep connection to the power of music. Her songwriting is honest and to the point, exploring life’s journeys with longing, regret, and the silver linings that lie in between.

Gantt began her journey as a young girl, fascinated by the Appalachian Mountain sounds that echoed through her coastal North Carolina home. Growing up playing with her mom and uncle, Gantt was drawn into the world of music, immersing herself in the stories and rhythms that have sustained generations of musicians before her. Gantt bought her first “real” guitar with lemonade stand money when she was 13, a Yamaha with mother-of-pearl inlays, playing versions of Nirvana songs and classic 60’s tunes like “American Pie” and “Knocking on Heaven’s Door.” She furthered her enrichment through an exploration of music theatre and opera, bringing out a kaleidoscope of colors and styles to her voice and a seamless flow through varying genres within her songwriting.

But no journey is without its challenges, and Meris faced hers with courage and determination. She says, “With anything emotionally difficult, you can’t see the forest for the trees until you’re out of the situation and your nervous system feels safe enough to come out and explore and seek healing.” A few years after losing her father, she started getting migraines, a byproduct of her unprocessed grief. That led her down the road towards giving up alcohol, something that was written in her DNA as clear as her green eyes. “Giving up alcohol was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it cracked my world wide open,” Gantt says, “I’m inspired by cycle breakers, and anyone who has the courage to peel back the layers and seek a different way than those that came before them.”

Gantt has faced countless obstacles, overcome difficult trials, and emerged victorious on the other side. And like all great journeys, her story is far from over – for wherever there is music, there will always be a journey waiting to be taken up by the next adventurous spirit who dares to follow in her footsteps.