Merritt Whitley

Sweet, courageous, talented, beautiful- only four of many words to describe Next Women of Country’s next featured artist, Merritt Whitley. Born on September 16, 1991 in Kansas City Missouri, where she currently resides today, Merritt has never been a southern country girl. Believe it or not Merritt grew up as an athlete, picking up her first tennis racket at age four and invited to play professional tennis at the  age of 13. In fact, though always in love with music, Merritt kept her music secret from her parents until high school. When she began to share her songs, Merritt received much positive feedback and found the confidence in herself to fully pursue music.

Taking the college tennis path, rather than the professional one, gave Merritt the time to record her first album in 2010. Merritt was offered a full ride scholarship to Eastern Illinois University for tennis and majored in journalism, taking public relations and advertising as a minor. Unfortunately Merritt's scholarship forced her to put aside music for awhile. Merritt was told that if she wanted to keep her scholarship that she would have to give up her music promotion, due to a NCAA rule stating while under contract an athlete can’t have their photos associated with anything other than their sport. Eventually Merritt graduated with a bachelor's degree and began pursuing her music again with the support of her friends and family.

From movies to just life in general, Merritt finds inspiration for her music everywhere. Merritt strives to stay true to herself similar to artists Tori Kelly and Colbie Caillat, who Merritt looks up to as she continues to further her music career. Merritt writes her songs to follow a story, something women in country do best. Recently Merritt released her second album “Wait for Me” and she hopes to simply keep making music with a goal to heard.

Merritt is an inspiration to dream chasers and all the artists out there scared of sharing their music with the world. She advises to just “be who you are, and never compromise that for anyone. I think it's important to realize that not everyone is going to support your dream, or even like the music you make, and that is okay. It doesn't mean that you don't have talent, it's just part of life! Music is subjective, and people will find ways to discourage your dreams. Don't let them. Believe in yourself, and believe in what you are doing. Also, be good to people. Be nice, and responsive to the people that do support you! These are the people you need to remember, and thank regularly!”

Working with Merritt myself and hearing her perform live has shown me that this girl has a big future in front of her and I can’t wait to see Merritt go all the way. For all those who haven’t heard Merritt’s music yet, you can find her songs available on iTunes, Spotify, Soundcloud, YouTube, and on her website at www.merrittwhitley.com