Rock & Blues Sensation Merv Pinny Releases Funk Infused Single ‘Shake For Me’

From the rolling farmlands of rural New Zealand to the global music stage, Merv Pinny’s story is one of grit, resilience, and raw rock ‘n’ roll spirit.

New Zealand’s own Merv Pinny, a five-time semi-finalist of the Nashville based ‘International Songwriting Competition’, most recently in 2024 for, is set to surprise fans once again with his latest single, “Shake For Me”, released on September 5th. Fusing rhythm and blues with funk-infused rock, Pinny channels the musical spirit of icons like Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie, James Brown, and Van Morrison

With deep roots in live performance, Pinny has always blurred genre lines—his newest work is no exception, offering a rich blend of rhythm, soul, and guitar-driven grit. This latest release is also an exciting taste of what's to come later this year, with ‘Shake For Me’ being the first release off his forthcoming album, due for release later in 2025. 

“This song is a celebration of the music I grew up on. I wanted to create something that nods to those legends while bringing my own edge to it,”

Merv Pinny is a Kerikeri based, New Zealand-born rock, blues, and roots artist with over 30 million views/streams and a global fanbase of 340,000+ followers of his music and videos. From surviving life-altering injuries to turning his back on farming and fully embracing music, Merv has become a powerful voice for change, blending emotionally charged lyrics with gritty rock energy. His music tackles global issues like war, inequality, and the digital divide—earning viral traction, critical acclaim, and international awards.

Once a hardworking dairy farmer originally from the King Country & Waikato, to being one of Northland's largest dairy farm owners, Merv’s life has been marked by dramatic twists of fate — surviving being run over by a truck as a child and later defying the odds after a motorbike accident left him with a broken spine and doctors questioning if he would ever walk again. Not only did Merv walk again — he soared, transforming himself into a powerhouse rock and blues artist whose soulful voice and infectious, rhythm-driven sound have captivated audiences worldwide.

From becoming a viral sensation in 2016 with his single/video for ‘O.B Can You Hear the Children Cry’, to winning accolades in the USA, NZ & beyond in recent years, to performing at renowned events such as the LA Music Awards, Australia's Tamworth Festival, The Brew of Islands Festival in Kerikeri, and countless other festivals across New Zealand, Merv continues to evolve and push the boundaries with his music!

Merv also champions emerging talent in New Zealand’s Far North through his M Music Studio & his initiative, The Local Launch Pad.

Merv Pinny’s latest single ‘Shake For Me’ is released on September 5th via digital retailers.

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