Mermaid Man
Robin Heller
Berlin-based musician Robin Heller, the restless force behind Mermaid Man, has built one of the most intriguing new voices to emerge from Europe’s underground these past few years. Born out of lockdown isolation, his songs carry that unmistakable mix of psychedelic garage, soul, and cinematic pop that first took shape between Czech Republic and Berlin. His debut album "Let’s Dance To The End Of The World" (2024) marked a turning point: written and performed almost entirely by himself, it opened the door to a new artistic chapter and a wave of touring across Europe. As he told me, the record became “a new era as an artist… a chance to start touring again”, proof of how naturally he thrives on stage.
And now, for the very first time, Mermaid Man brings all this momentum to Thessaloniki, teaming up with Greece’s Bhukhurah for a truly special night at Soul SKG on December 3rd. Their paths crossed years ago in Berlin and their musical chemistry feels effortless, something Robin describes as “clicking on many levels”. With a solid live lineup that pushes the songs even further, plus two new singles pointing toward his upcoming "Salt" EP (2026), this show feels like a perfect moment to catch an artist in full forward motion.
Below, you can dive into our conversation with him…
Let’s Dance To The End Of The World (out 1/9/2024)
The Basement: Mermaid Man began in Berlin and quickly developed a very distinct blend of psychedelic garage, soul and cinematic pop. How did this project first take shape for you and what felt urgent to express when you started writing under this name?
It started in the pandemic when we were in lockdown in Czech Republic. I asked my friend to send my guitar and bass and recording gear over the closed border and started writing the first songs. At the end of 2020 we started recording the first tracks at Fonojet Studio in Berlin with my good friend Richard Zurke. I felt the urgent need to have some kind of goal to work on as the times were so uncertain and I just missed live music and playing concerts more than anything else. When music is your greatest passion, you are actually grateful for moments like these - although it has never been like that before in human existence I guess. It felt weird and shaky but it brought a lot of different feelings and thoughts to the songs.
The Basement: Your debut full-length Let’s Dance To The End Of The World came out in September 2024. Looking back now, what does this album represent to you, both musically and personally?
It represents a new era as an artist for me and a new chapter and development as an experienced musician. It became a challenge for me to record all instruments myself in the studio, mainly because I wanted to see what we end up with and if it is worth involving other people in. The album gives me a new personality as an artist and I have to say I am positively surprised how well it was already received and how many opportunities to play it in front of audiences around Europe we already had. So personally, it gave me the chance to start touring again, which is my favourite thing to do, and I am very grateful to everyone that made this possible.
The Basement: You’re playing your first show in Thessaloniki at Soul SKG. How did this date come together, and what drew you to performing in Greece at this moment?
Thanks to my friend Christos aka Bhukhurah, who booked both shows in Greece for us. I have a long history in Greece that developed over the years and there has always been interest in the music I am involved in, both with Mermaid Man as well as my former band Sir Robin & The Longbowmen. I just feel that Greece has a big interest in actual Rock music still and I always wanted to come and play, so now we get the chance to do so and I hope it is just the beginning.
The Basement: Bhukhurah will also be performing on 3 of December. Did you know his work beforehand and who brought the two of you into contact for this event?
I knew him already before from playing bass with Chickn, a band that I have booked tours and promoted shows for in the past. We met at a music conference in Berlin and realized we know each other, so it became a reignited friendship and the reason we play together. Musically, we fit well together and we click on many levels, so it will be an absolute pleasure to share the stage in Thessaloniki for our first show in Greece as well as Athens.
The Basement: What can people expect from your live set here, is it closer to the album’s cinematic atmosphere, or do you approach the stage with a different kind of energy?
I had several different musicians playing the songs since we started performing live and have now settled with a solid lineup that turned out to be taking the songs to the next level in a live context. I think soundwise we are really close to the album but each personality adds a different energy to the songs. I really enjoy expressing myself on stage and I am not shying away from interacting with our audiences, so we will have a lot of fun!
The Basement: After the release of your debut, are you already working on new material? Is there something forming for the next chapter of Mermaid Man?
I released two singles this year. "Definitely Possible" in September and "I Get Laid (So Late At Night)" in October. Both songs are pointing into a diverse musical direction that I will keep working with because I love nothing more than the fusion of different styles, energies and vibes in music. So "Definitely Possible" for example is a pretty basic and simple punk song whereas "I Get Laid" is more of a sexy Funk Groove. Both songs are laying the foundation for the upcoming "Salt"-EP that will be released in 2026 after we fly over to Brazil for our first tour outside of Europe.
We are really excited to come to Greece for the first time, thanks a lot again for the chance to shine a light on Mermaid Man!
The Basement: Thank you so very much you Robin, It was a pleasure having with you. Can't wait for your live gig in Thessaloniki!
