Acclaimed Alt Music --Singer- Songwriter | MEG MYERS Release New Single 'ANY WAY YOU WANNA LOVE' | We Talk Crossing the Pond, Camping and Nunchucks
Meg Myers is an acclaimed alternative singer-songwriter, recently signed to Sumerian Records. Already big over in the States with mega-hits such as ‘Numb’ and 597k monthly Spotify listeners. Last year she released a cover of 'Running Up That Hill' that topped the Billboard alternative charts, and performed for Jimmy Kimmel Live earlier this year, as well as doing a concert for NPR Tiny Desk last year.
Fitting in the same realms as powerful females in the left-field like Angel Olsen and Christine and the Queens, recently dropped her anthemic new single 'Anyway You Wanna Love' - taken from her two new EPs ‘Thank U 4 Taking Me To 2 The Disco’ and ‘I'd Like 2 Go Home Now’, incoming Nov 13th.
Following her 2018 sophomore album ‘Take Me to the Disco’, Meg found herself overwhelmed by disconnection, depression and having suicidal thoughts. Instead of giving up, she followed her instinct toward self-salvation, quitting drinking, ending a toxic relationship and soon experienced a spiritual breakthrough that would prove to be monumentally life-changing. Throughout the new EPs, she taps into her newfound boldness and lucidity of vision, revealing her gift for alchemizing even the most deep-rooted pain into catharsis.
Originally from Tennessee and raised in a Jehovah’s Witness household, Myers first began channelling unbridled emotion into song form as a kid in South Florida, where she played in a punk band with her brother. At age 19 she fled to L.A. to pursue music and quickly began opening for such seminal acts as Pixies and taking the stage at leading festivals like Lollapalooza.
You recently dropped your anthemic new single 'Anyway You Wanna Love' – (which we love by the way) How are you finding the label change?
After my last record deal, I was considering becoming an independent artist. However, when I met the team at Sumerian I soon realized that they were in alignment with my vision and message. They have been supportive and understanding of my work, and with that level of synergy, I feel like I’ve finally found a home.
Having success over in the USA already, is crossing your music over into the European market something you’re looking to achieve?
I’ve always had a deep respect for European artists and they have greatly influenced me and helped me find my own voice. I would be honoured to be received and have a European audience enjoy and relate to my music.
As a Tennessee native, how do you find the UK culture?
I feel drawn to the energy, culture, and fashions of the UK and can’t wait to get over there and experience it. I love how quick-witted English humour is, and the way British people express themselves.
Could you tell us what 'I Hope You Cry' ft? Morgxn and 'Anyway You Wanna Love' is about and how did the collaboration with Morgxn come to be?
'Anyway, You Wanna Love' is about freedom of expression and going beyond stereotypes, expressing personal power and becoming your true and authentic self.
Morgan wrote 'i hope you cry' on my home piano in an intimate moment exploring the release of trauma through an emotional breakdown. It’s a deeply moving song that brought us closer together as friends. I look forward to collaborating more with him.
How are you coping with the lockdown, what has been your experience?
Lockdown has given me an opportunity to go within and mine my creativity. Since the lockdown began I’ve almost completed writing my third album. I think the lockdown has been a catalyst for deep introspection for us all.
What strategies have you learned to put into place to maintain good mental health?
I do yoga, meditate, hike, therapy, reiki and have a deep respect for indigenous spiritual practices.
Do you have any pets? As you said in another interview you love animals.
I don’t have any pets currently but I’m thinking about getting a cat. I’m not sure if I’ll have time to take care of it though, so I might start with an earthworm.
Have you been practising with your nun-chucks lately, what are some of your other hobbies?
I’ve been enjoying practising with my nunchucks and hope to audition for Teenager Mutant Ninja Turtles the musical if they ever write it. I also love painting as a new way to express creativity.
What do you do for fun?
I love to escape the city camping and spend time by ocean connecting with nature.
What question would you like to be asked and answer that you have not already covered in an interview?
This one nailed it. You’ve left me speechless.
What’s next on the horizon for you, any socially distanced gigs or live streams planned?
I will be performing a song for Cindy Lauper’s "Home for the Holidays” charity event, and I also have a Patreon community in which I do live streams once a month and share videos of my writing process and clips of my third album in development.
Connect With Meg Myers
Interview by Emily Burbidge