It’s usually pretty easy to tell when an artist has lived the music they perform. And oftentimes, that personal connection to the music leads to listeners connecting with it as well.
With the release of his debut album, Raised in the Stx, Nathan Merovich injected plenty of his native Dillsburg, PA and the life he lived, and continues to live. Equipped with ten originals and a countrified cover of Journey’s “Faithfully,” Merovich has come out of the gate swinging, and we’re honored to bring it to you a day before its release! You can listen to the album here.
In addition, we chatted with Nathan all about Raised in the Stx, many of the songs on it, the success he’s had with the album’s three singles, his big plans for 2021 and more!
Pro Country: “90 Proof Pour,’ the first single from your new album, Raised in the Stx, was released in 2019, and has since earned over 170,000 streams on Spotify. Is there a sense of validation that comes with tangibly seeing that success and the support you had on your debut single?
Nathan Merovich: Absolutely, releasing my first single was a huge deal, and having written it about actual life events in the place I grew up had so much more meaning when people ended up loving it. People still call out for at shows.
PC: “Mama’s Song” is our favorite song on Raised in the Stx, and was released in August of 2020. Can you talk about the inspiration behind the song?
NM: My mom wrote this song about the struggles we’ve both faced with depression and just making sure we are helping each other stay on the right path as we wade through our emotions, thoughts and experiences.
PC: What went into the decision to release “More Like Midnight” as the newest single from Raised in the Stx?
NM: I loved the story behind “More Like Midnight.” My team and I felt like it was a great Spring into Summer song to get people pumped up for the warmer weather, and new summer love that always seems to follow that.
PC: “Raised in the Stx” is the final original tune on its album. Why did you decide to have it serve as the title track?
NM: “Raised in the Stx” is who I am. This song is a reflection of my life, but using it as a title track is also saying that all these songs on the album have some sort of part in who I am or where so come from, it’s two-fold, really.
PC: The closing song on Raised in the Stx is a cover of Journey’s “Faithfully.” What went into the decision to record the song and why did you decide to have it close the record?
NM: “Faithfully” was a song I grew up hearing my parents listen to, and I wanted the chance to bring it into today and give it a country feel. I’m really excited for people to hear my version of the song. We left a lot of the original parts of the song that make it known as it is, but there’s some special Nathan-ness added to it for everyone.
PC: What do you hope listeners take away from Raised in the Stx after listening all the way through?
NM: There’s definitely a song/something for everyone on this album. It’s also a large reflection of who I am and where I come from, so I hope it leaves people feeling closer to knowing who I am.
PC: You’ve opened for major artists already, including Big & Rich, Chris Janson and Dylan Scott, among many others. What can you take away from those experiences that you can use moving forward with your career?
NM: It’s been cool to see how each individual artist interacts with the crowd, what they do during pre and post shows with their fans, and it’s also showed me how I want to treat upcoming artists when I’m in their shoes meeting the up and comers.
PC: Along with promoting Raised in the Stx, what are your plans for the rest of 2021?
NM: We have a couple trips back to Nashville planned. We will also be hitting a few more out of state shows that I’m super excited for. I have a few songs in the works and I definitely see growth in my songwriting, so I’m really excited for all of you to hear what’s coming next!
PC: Is there anything you’d like to add?
NM: Fun fact: If I’m not singing I’m hunting! My favorite hunting season is water fowl! I can also call for a turkey with my mouth, without a turkey call.
*Listen to Raised in the Stx Here*
Pro Country 
This is our grandson. Great article. We are so proud of his accomplished.
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So awesome Nathan.
So proud of you and all of your accomplishments..
You have worked and the day has finally come for your album release..
Like I always say you are a Rising Star 🌟🌟🌟
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