Mermaid Island has been brewing chaos in the underground LA punk scene since the fall of 2022. Founded by Canadian vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Allie MacDonald, the band quickly became known for their high-octane performances. Mermaid Island's sound blends early 2000s pop-punk energy with heavy east-coast Canadian influences, melodic vocals, and folk-tinged chord progressions.

In October 2022, MacDonald met fellow Canadian multi-hyphenate Rowen Kahn and asked him to join before even hearing him play. Their first acoustic show at Hollywood's Hotel Café made it clear they had something undeniable. But recording could wait - "It was always about the shows. We have as much fun playing for no one in our lockout as we do for a crowd." says MacDonald. They solidified their live set list and their presence in the LA scene before ever setting foot in a studio.

They finally tracked most of their debut album live off the floor in two days, holding onto the same energy that keeps their shows magnetic. Mermaid Island isn't chasing a hit record - just creating a space where people feel inspired to pick up their own instruments. "We just want to play shows with our friends so we can remember what joy feels like on this shit show planet."

FREAKS (single)

Freaks is for the outsiders, for the misfits and for everyone who ever felt like they didn't belong. Fuck making ourselves and our dreams smaller in order to fit into some kind of mold that the world wants to put us in. Hopefully this song reminds you to trust yourself and your values, and live your own truth, regardless of what you think anyone else expects of you or wants from you. It's also just fun, and shouldn't be taken too seriously, because life is weird and complicated and sometimes you just want to yell about it.

Alex MacDonald - Vocalist, Guitarist, and Songwriter
Rowen Kahn - Bass, Backing Vacals
Jenna Terranova - Drums

Instagram: @mermaidislandband
Facebook: /mermaidislandband
tiktok: @mermaidislandband
Website: linktr.ee/mrmdisland