Merpire

Rhiannon Atkinson-Howatt, known professionally as Merpire, is an Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist based in Melbourne. She began releasing music independently in 2017 and has since released one extended play, Endless Chatter, and two studio albums, Simulation Ride (2021) and Milk Pool (2025). She is also a touring member of indie rock band Rat!hammock.

Career Rhiannon Atkinson-Howatt grew up in Sydney and began writing songs in high school. In 2015, she won the Telstra Road to Discovery talent competition, being awarded a trip to Nashville, Tennessee and a marketing arrangement with Mushroom Records. She moved to Melbourne a few years later to be surrounded by a more dedicated music scene.

In the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic, Atkinson-Howatt founded Isol-Aid, a live-streamed music festival on Instagram which 80 artists participated in over one weekend in its inaugural year. and has regularly joined them on stage since 2022. Its title is in reference to a gag on The Simpsons. Her lyrics are inspired by experiences with social anxiety and her relationships.

Discography Studio albums

Simulation Ride (ADA, 23 July 2021) Milk Pool (Self-released, 4 July 2025)

Extended plays

Endless Chatter (Self-released, 22 June 2018) After the Party (Live) (ADA, 23 September 2022)