Merce Lemon Showcases ‘Watch Me Drive Them Dogs Wild’ Standouts At KEXP

Merce Lemon recently brought her band to the studios of Seattle-based independent radio station KEXP for a live session. The Pittsburgh-bred singer-songwriter performed songs from her latest album, 2024’s Watch Me Drive Them Dogs Wild, as well as an older tune.

Watch Me Drive Them Dogs Wild marked Merce Lemon’s third full-length album and first in four years. She decided to take a break after releasing Moonth in 2020 to recalibrate her career. “I was grappling with what kind of relationship I wanted with music in my life. It was just something I’d always done, and I didn’t want to lose the magic of that – but I was just having less fun,” Lemon said.

“I got dirty and slept outside most of the summer. I learned a lot about plants and farming, just writing for myself, and in that time I just slowly accumulated songs,” Lemon added regarding what turned into Watch Me Drive Them Dogs Wild. Merce produced the nine-track collection with Alex Farrar and Colin Miller.

Lemon, on guitar and lead vocals, was backed at KEXP by bassist Benji Brody, guitarist Reid Magette, drummer Pat Coyle and violinist Justin Long. Troy Nelson hosted the set, which was recorded on May 23, 2025.

The quintet opened with the simmering “Backyard Lover” and then offered “Sunflower,” an unreleased track. Merce Lemon followed with the earnest “Foolish And Fast” before closing the session with the title track from Watch Me Drive Them Dogs Wild.

Watch Merce Lemon go Live On KEXP below: