Alice Merton
Alice Merton – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes
Alice Merton is a German-Canadian singer-songwriter celebrated for her hit “No Roots.” Explore the life, journey, philosophy, and timeless quotes of this nomadic artist and hear what she teaches us about belonging, identity, and creative freedom.
Introduction
Alice Merton (born September 13, 1993) is a singer-songwriter whose musical voice captures the feeling of being unrooted yet longing for home. Often described as a global citizen, she has drawn acclaim for her breakout hit “No Roots”, which resonated with listeners across cultures and nations. Although her background spans Canada, Germany, and the UK, her art speaks to universal questions: Where do I belong? What shapes home? Her emotional honesty, genre-blending sound, and lyrical introspection continue to make her one of the most intriguing voices of her generation.
Early Life and Family
Alice Florence Clarissa Merton was born in Frankfurt, Germany, to a German mother and an Irish-born (British/Irish heritage) father.
When Alice was only three months old, the family relocated to Connecticut, U.S., and shortly thereafter moved to Oakville, Ontario, Canada — where she would spend the next decade of her childhood.
At the age of thirteen, the family moved again, this time to Munich, Germany.
Through her childhood she also lived in cities such as New York, London, and Berlin, which deepened both her musical exposure and her emotional sense of rootlessness.
Youth and Education
Alice’s youth was marked by cultural shifts. In Germany, she attended a German-language high school, mastering the language to communicate with her maternal grandmother, whom she had only seen occasionally.
In 2013, she enrolled at the Popakademie Baden-Württemberg in Mannheim, Germany, majoring in composition and songwriting.
Her diverse upbringing—across North America and Europe—gave her not only fluency in multiple cultures and languages, but a keen sensitivity to movement, identity, and belonging. These themes would later infuse her songwriting.
Career and Achievements
Beginnings and Breakthrough — No Roots
Alice Merton’s early artistic contributions include work as a songwriter and vocalist on the album The Book of Nature by the German band Fahrenhaidt (2015). Paper Plane Records International and released her debut single — “No Roots”.
The song’s lyric, “I've got no roots, but my home was never on the ground,” captures her feeling of displacement but also belonging everywhere. It resonated widely: the track rapidly soared on Spotify’s Global Viral charts and Hype Machine, and was later licensed to multiple radio playlists.
In 2017, she formally released the No Roots EP, and “No Roots” charted at number two in Germany, number three in Austria, and gained radio traction across the U.S. alternative airwaves.
Mint and Expansion
Following her breakout success, Alice released her debut full-length album Mint in January 2019.
From Mint came singles like Why So Serious, Funny Business, and Learn to Live. Tom Odell, contributing vocals on Half as Good As You.
In 2019, Alice also took a role as a coach on The Voice of Germany (season 9). Her contestant, Claudia Emmanuela Santoso, won — making Alice the first female coach to secure a victory on the show.
S.I.D.E.S. & Recent Works
In 2022, Alice Merton released her second studio album S.I.D.E.S., on June 17.
Leading up to S.I.D.E.S., Alice released singles like Vertigo, Hero, Island, Same Team, Blindside, and Loveback.
In 2024, she released an EP titled Heron, and later a deluxe edition Heron II. Run Away Girl, the lead single for her upcoming third studio album, Visions, scheduled for release on January 16, 2026. Ignorance Is Bliss, co-written with Dan Smith, and announced the Visions project.
Live Performances & Recognitions
Alice Merton has performed at major festivals including Coachella, Sziget, and Lollapalooza. She continues to tour internationally, bringing her emotional, high-energy performance style to audiences around the world.
Historical Milestones & Context
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The rise of streaming and social platforms in the 2010s gave Alice Merton space to express her borderless identity through music.
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“No Roots” became an anthem for those who feel unanchored, resonating in a time when global mobility and diaspora stories are more visible.
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By founding her own label (Paper Plane Records), Alice exercised control over her work in an industry often structured around gatekeepers.
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Her transition from the debut to a darker, more experimental second album mirrors many artists’ journeys of self-reckoning amid fame and personal evolution.
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In her role on The Voice Germany, she stepped into mentorship and broadened her influence beyond just songwriting and performance.
Legacy and Influence
Though still young, Alice Merton’s influence lies in the emotional authenticity and genre fluidity of her work. She challenges the notion that artists must be confined by place or identity. Her music is often invoked by listeners who feel transitional, unsettled, or culturally blended.
She has inspired a generation of artists to explore themes of displacement, identity, mental health, and belonging in modern, borderless contexts. With each release, she continues expanding her sonic palette and narrative depth — and her upcoming album Visions promises to further shape her legacy.
Personality and Talents
Alice Merton brings to her music both vulnerability and resolve. She has spoken openly about her anxiety, self-doubt, and the conflict between artistic integrity and commercial expectations.
Her talents go beyond vocals: she is a composer, lyricist, and producer. She stands firm in creative autonomy, refusing to release music merely to chase hits.
She often refers to her songs as “notes to self,” deeply personal, yet universal. Her life trajectory — moving across continents, adapting to cultures, and learning multiple languages — equipped her with a rich emotional palette. That breadth of experience becomes fuel in her songwriting.
Famous Quotes of Alice Merton
Here are some of her most resonant statements — reflections on identity, belonging, and creativity:
“When I was thirteen years old, and we had just moved to Germany, I definitely felt I was missing out on normal teenage life... I was watching my old school friends from Canada grow up without me while I was in Germany trying to learn the language…”
“I make music… and it helps me figure out life.”
“Every time someone asks me where I’m from, I’m not sure how to answer that question… so I say I have no roots.”
“At the end of the day, it’s not the labels buying the music: it’s the people out there… you’re the one representing it…”
“You don’t really learn how to write songs; you learn to develop as a writer… you get to meet lots of musicians and figure out what kind of sound you want.”
“I’m not going to release something just because they think it's the next hit. It’s not what everyone wants to hear, but that's the way it is.”
These quotes underscore her commitment to authenticity, self-discovery, and creative integrity.
Lessons from Alice Merton
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Home is wherever you make it
Alice’s life shows that “home” need not be tied to a single place. She teaches us that belonging can be internal, shaped by memory, identity, and emotional roots rather than geography. -
Creative control matters
Rather than letting industry pressures dictate her path, she co-founded her own label and guards her autonomy. That stance shows how self-trust and courage can carve new spaces for artists. -
Embrace uncertainty
Her music often explores tension between comfort and instability. She reminds us that growth often requires moving through discomfort. -
Tell your truth, even if it’s not universal
Some of her songs may not be radio formulas, but they resonate because of honesty. Her journey affirms that authenticity can build deeper connection than chasing trends. -
Identity is fluid, not fixed
Alice’s multilingual, multi-cultural background allows her to explore identity as evolving, layered, and dynamic. In a global world, this flexibility becomes a strength.
Conclusion
Alice Merton stands as a compelling model for artists and listeners alike. Born September 13, 1993, she has created music that bridges borders, emotions, and identities. Her breakout hit “No Roots” launched her global presence, but her ongoing work Mint, S.I.D.E.S., Heron, and the upcoming Visions reveal a deepening introspection and musical evolution.
She teaches us that it’s possible to feel untethered and still belong, to question “where am I from?” and redefine roots on one’s own terms. Her voice — honest, restless, unafraid — continues to challenge and inspire.
Explore her discography. Let her quotes linger. And ask yourself: What does “home” mean to you?