Releasing a solo EP during a pandemic takes extra time, work, and creativity to get the word out about new music. When Audubon Park resident Christy Merry decided she wanted to record a solo album, she did not realize its release would be completely virtual. Her five-song EP, here for you, encompasses different periods in Merry’s life, and includes post-modern folk-rock, hip hop, electronic, and acoustic flares throughout the song set. Each song is unique, but all have an overarching set of themes.

Most people who frequent the Coffee Shop Northeast at 2852A Johnson Street NE, especially pre-COVID-19, probably know and have talked to Courteney Ross, who managed the shop. Ross, who has worked at the coffee shop through changing ownership and locations for 22 years, has lived in Northeast most of her life. She was also the partner of George Floyd, who was killed at the hands of police on May 25, 2020.