Interview with MEGG

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today? 

I’ve been singing and performing on stage since I was 6, I think I always knew this was my path. In terms of what got me into music, definitely my parents. They always had music blasting throughout the house every morning, took us to see live bands when we were kids, always went to restaurants with live music (I was always the little girl dancing on stage with the bands), we’re a big music loving family. Once my mom had an idea that I could sing, she was great about putting me in anything possible to get me on stage whether it was community theatre, singing recitals, bought me a karaoke machine to perform for the family - all the things. She saw that gift in me from a young age and was really incredible about supporting that. Her dream was to have a family band LOL - got one brother a guitar, one a bass, one a drum kit and me a piano… my brothers couldn’t have cared less but I was obsessed. 

If I wasn’t doing music, I’d still work in some form of entertainment - I’m in love with creating and performing in any capacity but if entertainment didn’t exist like at all, I would probably open up a preschool or do something with kids.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

When I’m not playing music, I’m usually in the studio writing or creating something in some capacity but I work really hard to make time for my friends and family, the beach, going to see live music and ya girl always finds time to party. I only write about shit that’s true to me, has happened to me or something I’m currently going through so I think living in the moment and making time to experience all that life has to offer is important for anyone’s artistry. It also helps that my family and my friend group are SO supportive… I’m so lucky to have a community that fucks with me and my music HARD and continually gasses me up. They have such a positive impact on my creativity.

How long have you been making music?

I wrote my first song when I was like 10? My hometown friend and I wrote and recorded an entire album acapella on a fucking cassette tape… I found it recently and its hysterical. Started there, put out some stuff with a girl group in high school and then started writing and putting out the first like MEGG stuff in 2010 when I was in college and never stopped. 

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

I was born and raised in Redondo Beach so my brand and music are both heavily influenced by the South Bay. If you’ve ever spent any time here, you get it. 

Tell me about your most memorable shows, if you haven’t played live what is your vision for a live show?

OOO, I’d have to say my most memorable shows are opening for The Used and Hot Water Music at Muzink, singing the national anthem at The Dodgers Stadium and playing a sold out show opening for Tomorrow’s Bad Seeds at Saint Rocke. Those shows were sick.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

I’d say one of my favorite venues to play at is Saint Rocke in Hermosa Beach. It didn’t quite make it through COVID, I believe it’s still up for sale but I loved played there. OH, I also love playing the Troubadour. I’d love to play The Wiltern and at some point in my career, the 5 Point Amphitheater and Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Dude, honestly I don’t care - just put me on stage.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

K.Flay, FIDLAR, MOD SUN, Taking Back Sunday, Rancid, Upsahl, The Distillers and No Doubt. Omg and queen Britney Spears. Fuck it, let’s bring the Spice Girls in too.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into making music and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

I was just talking about this with a friend! I would say to make music YOU fuck with. Not music that you think you should be making or that people around you tell you to make or music that you think will “hit” based on any current trend - it only matters if you yourself are obsessed with it. That’s what resonates with people and that’s ultimately gonna make you the happiest and most fulfilled as an artist. Write songs for YOU.

As for my younger self, I would tell her to lean more into herself and not care about what other people think. Everyone is so up their own asshole anyway that they’re more focused on themselves than anything you’re doing so might as well be exactly who you are and do what you want with your art.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why? 

Probably "Disney Shit”. I was in a really loving relationship when I wrote it and felt so safe and accepted which was something I had never really felt before in a partner. Although him and I didn’t end up working out, he was the first boyfriend I've ever had that really loved and celebrated all parts of me, especially the ones that I was taught or brought up to believe were unlovable. I wrote it as a reminder to myself and everyone else that ALL parts of you are worthy of love. I learned a lot from that relationship, still makes me smile when I listen to it.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

Right now, Hitting Nicotine has been my favorite to play. We’ve tested it out at a few shows recently and I can’t get enough of it. Off the last EP, I’d say Disney Shit. I Feel Good gets requested the most for sure.

What is your creative process, and what inspires you to write your music?

I don’t know that I have a process per say but there are like 2 ways I write:

1.A melody or lyric idea pops into my head (usually both at the same time) and I throw it in a voice memo on my phone, pick up a guitar or sit at the piano and flesh it out or take the idea to a buddy and we work it out together.

2. I go into a writing session and start from scratch with whoever is producing it or whatever writers are in the room with me. Usually starts with a tempo and guitar and the rest flows from there.

This is so corny but life is the biggest inspiration for my writing. Writing has always been a sort of therapy for me to understand how I really feel about something or someone so when I’m falling in love or going through a break up, fighting with a family member or friend, when life is fucking great or when I’m really going through it - I write about it as a way to process. It really helps me sort through my own head. I only write what I know and what I’ve been through.

Do you have messages that you like to get across in your music, if so please tell me about them?

Not really, I just like making music that feels good. If there were a message, it’d probably be to not take yourself too seriously. In the end, who cares - right? 

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

I’m dropping a new single “Hitting Nicotine” with the music video on September 16th so look out for that! This is definitely some of my best work and a new favorite of mine so I’m stoked to get it out there and share it with you. Planning to release an EP in the new year followed by a tour - SO ready to get out and play these new songs live! 

How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?

Insta for sure @meggmusic and my website www.meggmusic.com. Anything that’s going on will be posted there ;)