NBC’s Songland winner Madeline Merlo today debuts the official music video for her energetically catchy song “Slide” from her critically acclaimed new EP Slide. Directed by Preston Leatherman and filmed in Nashville in Charlotte Park, the fun-filled video puts Merlo’s good-feel vibes on full display, featuring the incredible roller-skating talents of Push, Dylan Sorrows and Boardwalk Clay.
“I am elated to have the video for ‘Slide’ out in the world today,” says Merlo. “The director, Preston Leatherman, captured the essence and joy of the song perfectly. It features incredible skate performers, some good friends, and even my dog, Ellie. We had the vision for the video while creating the song, so it’s extra special to have that vision come to life today!”
“…already proven her songwriting chops…This feisty, flirty cut vibrates with youthful charm, and highlights the narrative flair in Merlo’s writing, but also her engaging vocal.” – Billboard on “Slide”
“NBC’s Songland winner is celebrating the release of her four-track EP with powerful female stories. If there’s one song you listen to, make sure it’s the playful title track co-written by Sam Hunt.” – E! News on “Slide”
The award-winning songwriter “has long made a career by telling big emotional stories in the span of 3 minute or so songs” (American Songwriter). The title track “Slide” – written by Merlo, Sam Hunt, Zach Crowell and Jerry Flowers (Jason Aldean, Billy Currington, Sam Hunt) – was originally a song Hunt was writing for himself. As the song developed though, Hunt and Crowell knew the song would be better suited for a female artist, and Madeline was invited into the writer’s room to finish the playful tune.
Produced by Zach Crowell and co-written by Merlo with prolific No. 1 powerhouses like Ashley Gorley (Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Thomas Rhett), Hillary Lindsey (Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Lady A), Jerry Flowers (Jason Aldean, Billy Currington, Sam Hunt) and more, her “fun and vibrant new EP” (PopCulture) also includes the Shania Twain-inspired “YOUNG-ish,” the “pure, honest, and catchy” (Country Swag) “I Need A Drink” and honestly mature “Girl Where He Grew Up” that “certainly stands out” (PopCulture).