Drummer and percussionist Scott Mercado was raised in Seattle, Washington, with his brother. He started playing the drums at age 11, as well as the dulcimer and the bohdran.



Scott's musical influences are Neil Peart, Terry Bozzio, Jack DeJohnettea and Jimmy Chamberlin.



Scott Mercado was part of the original Candlebox line-up. The drummer co-founded Candlebox in Seattle in December 1991 along with singer/guitarist Kevin Martin. Scott met Kevin Martin while they were both working on a project with Southern rock roots, called Uncle Duke.



Scott Mercado left the band in 1997 in order to pursue his first love, jazz. He was replaced by former Pearl Jam member Dave Krusen. Krusen later left the band in 1999 and was replaced by Shannon Larkin of Ugly Kid Joe.



After his departure of Candlebox, Scott showed up in Devachan, a progressive "Celtic flavored" acoustic quintet, and played with Korby Lenker, and Euro-traditional folkrock band Crookshank.



Scott Mercado and Candlebox reunited in 2006. Scott quit the group again in 2015.



Scott Mercado has also performed with Johnny Graham (Earth, Wind & Fire), Living Colour, and most recently, Brandi Carlile. Known for his unique blend of jazz drumming elements into rock and roll and use of the Open-handed drumming technique.