Pre-lockdown, Merk was a week away from attending SXSW - a big milestone in any musician's career, and an opportunity to meet influential people in the industry. Then, Covid-19 and a nationwide lockdown set in. From his Karangahape Road flat, Merk shares how he is gutted but not wallowing, and how he hopes to carry on performing the job of an artist.

Sound Check is a series where we check in with musicians who were on the verge of breakthroughs... before a global pandemic happened.

Animation by Parallel Teeth. Made by Four and Five Films, with support from NZ on Air.