A.K.A. Belle

Led by multi instrumentalist/artist/vocalist Catherine Merrick, this band mix genres with traditional instruments - the band are known to rock heavily, swing with retro jazz grooves, and create unhinged sounds that will melt you with their undercurrent of bittersweetness. Part sultry performance art/part spiritual experience, a.k.a. Belle's recent live shows have been described as "freaking epic!"

The seedlings of a.k.a Belle began in a land far, far away called Los Angeles, CA, where Sam and Catherine Crooks Merrick, Boise, ID natives, found themselves sharing a flat in pursuit of musical greatness. They didn't know it then, but their paths would cross many times over subsequent decades and eventually their lives would converge in a very personal and musically magical way. In 2008, after Catherine returned home to Boise, ID from living and performing under the moniker of Belle of Les Bois in Manchester, England, she reunited with her former roomie (and soon to be husband) and a.k.a. Belle was born.

Catherine grew up in Boise, ID amongst some major musical talents. She played alongside Doug Martsch (Built to Spill) in Suiciety and in the B-sides with Curtis Stigers. Merrick's overflowing with instrumental chops and is most often seen wailing on guitar or banjo, but it's her voice that audiences find most captivating:

"... when you are blessed with a vocalist like Catherine Merrick, you're light years ahead of the game. The Singer and multi-instrumentalist for a.k.a. Belle has an alluring, lovely voice – the kind that stands out in any genre." - Michael Deeds, The Idaho Statesman

Between LA and 2008, Sam was met with major musical success. He toured the US and Europe with The Leaving Trains (SST Records) and signed a multimillion dollar contract in blood with LA band The Nymphs (Geffen Records). He's also played bad-ass guitar and lent vocals to a variety of of musical projects based in the US.

a.k.a. Belle's eclectic sound is elevated by the creative musical minds of John Townsend (percussion) and Michael P. Waite (stand up bass), who hear and interpret Merrick's songs intuitively, not to mention the sweet backing vocals provided by "Cousin Mollie" Long Williams, Catherine's real life cousin!

In March 2018, they released a single (and coinciding video, directed by local musician/videographer, Ryan Bayne) called "War On Love" - a sentiment for our times, a rallying cry for the world to activate their voices and create harmony.

In March 2017, the band released a single "Remembering the Sound," a moody jazzy-rock-n-roll number featuring guest musicians Ken Stringfellow and Jon Auer from The Posies.

The 4 track EP, "I Hear It Now" came out the same year, and features the crowd pleaser, "Crooked Path," featuring a guest, as well (you'll see a pattern developing here) - Brett Netson from Built to Spill/Caustic Resin/Snakes.

"The Devil Loves You," a.k.a. Belle's second full-length record was released in February 2014. It is darker and more experimental than their debut album, exploring themes of time travel, serial killers, losers in love and evil trees. (It also features a guest appearance from internationally acclaimed saxophonist, Curtis Stigers.) Tracks from "Devil" (the album nickname) are championed by many DJs on local radio stations such as KBSU and KRBX.

Their debut album, "Disappearing NIght" released in 2012, spent several weeks on the Top 20 best sellers at Boise's independent record store, The Record Exchange, and came in at #6 for best selling records there in 2012. "Austin Calling", from their debut CD, continues to get air play in Boise and it's environs.

a.k.a. Belle is a rock band that's not afraid to play with different genres to get the desired effect in creating well-crafted, thoughtfully constructed songs.


Catherine Merrick: vocals, guitar, banjo
Sam Merrick: guitars, vocals
Michael P. Waite: stand up bass, vocals
John "Bongos" Townsend: drums/percussion, vocals
Mollie Long Williams: backing vocals