Lorena Mercedes Owns Her Power in “Pieces”

NYC’s own Lorena Mercedes is back, and she’s not playing nice. Her new single “Pieces” is pure heat, a Pop-R&B confession that flips heartbreak into desire and pain into power. It’s that late-night, lights-down-low kind of track that makes you remember what self-worth feels like.

Recorded at the iconic Quad Studios (yeah, that Quad, Mariah, Cardi, the greats), “Pieces” is Lorena’s statement piece, bold, confident, and dripping in feminine energy. Produced by Alex Houton, the track pulls from her Hip-Hop and R&B roots but glows with modern Pop polish. From the jump, it’s smooth, sultry, and self-assured, like the soundtrack to your best revenge era.

What started as a heartbreak ballad evolved into something far more dangerous. “There’s raw emotion, love, lust, desire… paired with a melody that makes you want to pounce on the dance floor, or on a lover,” Lorena laughs. But “Pieces” isn’t just sex appeal; it’s about taking back your power, demanding more, and refusing to settle for crumbs. “We don’t want scraps, we want it all,” she declares, and you can feel that energy in every note.

Vocally, Mercedes glides between smooth vulnerability and sharp confidence, flexing precision and control learned under vocal coach Max Lawrence (yep, son of Don Lawrence, who trained Whitney and Gaga). But make no mistake, Lorena’s not imitating anyone. Her tone is all her own: fearless, fluid, and full of intent.

After pulling inspo straight from the 2025 MTV VMAs, seeing her idols rehearse up close, Lorena hit the studio hungry. “Pieces” is the result: a sonic glow-up for anyone rediscovering their power, pleasure, and self-respect. Her message? Simple. “Go for what you want. Don’t accept anything less. Feel sexy. Feel seen. Feel heard. Life’s too short to wait.”

“Pieces” began as a heartbreak ballad but evolved into a sensual anthem. What shifted in your creative process to make that transformation?  

As a singer-songwriter, you naturally start to write about your real-life experiences. I was dating this guy I was really into & there was always this sense of me never being fully let in. I started to write as if I were talking to him, begging and pleading, expressing my craving for more love and attention. I've had a disastrous love life, so writing heartbreak ballads comes easy to me. On this journey of growth & self-love, I started to view myself differently. I'm powerful, intelligent, sexy, and fun! I know what I want & what I have to offer. I'm no longer begging, I am claiming!  The seductive, sensual vibe with scatto strings is purposeful. It's meant to make you feel ready to pounce on whatever it is you desire.

You recorded at the legendary Quad Studios. How did being in that space influence your energy and performance? In all honesty, I was so nervous! I hadn't recorded in a professional studio in years, and it definitely affected my confidence. But once I got there and saw the walls covered with plaques from some amazing artists, I felt "this could be me." "The only one in charge of my success and happiness is me. The only person feeling these nerves is me." I definitely still feel this track could have been even more powerful with some added vocals, but hey, as an artist, you always look back and see things you could've done differently. The only thing to do is accept, give yourself your credit & be even better next time.

How has working with vocal coach Max Lawrence changed your sound or confidence as an artist?                                           

Life-changing. Absolutely blessed to have found him. I've had numerous vocal coaches & though they have taught me the basics, Max really dives into the talent as an individual. I've always felt I had this fire in my belly and never knew how to access it. He explains technique in a way that's tailored to the specific artist. He pulled all these buttery tones & belts I've been trying to access for years. It honestly made me wanna re-record every song I've ever released! Breathing has always been an issue for me as a wordy songwriter, which added to my fear of the stage. All gone. After just a few months of one-on-one sessions with him, I'm practicing some covers of songs my little 5-year-old self dreamed of singing, and doing it effortlessly.

You’ve been open about facing self-doubt and rebuilding your career. What moment made you realize you were ready to come back stronger?  The ache in my heart that never left. It's true what they say, you really love something when it's all you think about. I look back at when I was making music and realized I haven't really ever been as happy as I was all those years ago. I take the subway to and from work with headphones in and just daydream of me being on stage. Ever since I started putting myself out there again, these wonderful things have been happening. The wonderful people I keep meeting, helping, and pushing me along the way. The final straw was definitely watching the artists at the VMAs behind the scenes. Everything that goes into it, the energy, I want it all. Most artists start just like me. It's not just about talent but persistence and allowing yourself to fail. No one knows what you're capable of until you SHOW them.

You tell fans to “feel sexy, feel seen, feel heard.” What does that mantra mean to you personally?                                           Being a "heartbreak" artist was a real-life phase of life I went through. Not just romantically, but with my passion. I was living with a broken heart & it really made me feel worthless. I was sick of living in that state, and something had to change. I'm the type of person to uplift those around me with inspirational talks & I wasn't even taking my own advice. I know we can all relate to those creepy little, insecure whispers. Insecurities are normal, but internal. Just like you made them for yourself, you can take them away just as fast. You're not alone. Everything you want is already out there waiting for you. Go for it. "Feel sexy, feel seen, feel heard." Eight billion people in the world, and you were born unique for a reason.