Q: Q: You have a very authentic and soulful sound. There are many musical twists and turns in your single, “Still Here.” And they really work. Who are your musical influences?
MEAGAN: Some of my biggest musical influences would have to be Bill Withers, Bonnie Raitt, Sara Bareilles, and India Arie.
Q: Was there a certain “a-ha” moment when you realized you wanted to have a career in music?
MEAGAN: From a young age I knew I wanted to be a singer and a performer, but it wasn’t until I was in high school that I started songwriting. I then realized that I could pursue a career as a songwriter AND an artist. Diving into other up-and-coming artists who wrote their own music, especially female artists, also really inspired me.
Q: I think a lot of us can relate to the lyrics of “Still Here,” especially with the events of the past year. What was your intention for writing this song, both lyrically and musically?
MEAGAN: Wow, good question – This song definitely took on a whole new life over the past year. I write a lot from personal experience. This song in particular was rooted in my own encounters with depression, but was also channeling a dear friend of mine that was going through a hard time. It became an anthem for myself and hopefully can do the same for others. No matter how rough, how dark, or isolating you may feel – you’re still here! You made it to the next day, the next hour, or next minute on your own two feet – that is a huge achievement. Not everyone can see the light at the end of the tunnel. We need to celebrate those simple moments and shout them from the rooftops.
Q: You’re a Berklee College of Music graduate. How did your Berklee education influence the music you create?
MEAGAN: Berklee definitely opened my eyes to more styles and genres that I had not yet explored. I also met so many incredible musicians and colleagues from all over the world that still inspire me today. Berklee gave me many tools that helped in my early years of songwriting and even now, I still use them to pull myself out of writers block.
Q: We’re all hoping live shows will be back soon. As an artist, what is one thing you really miss that the audience may not initially think of?
MEAGAN: I miss meeting people after shows and hearing their stories. My whole goal in performing music is to connect and relate to audience members. I always hope that they can interpret the song in their own way and feel validated from the experience. Can’t wait to perform again!
Interviewed by Sarah Scott
