Meaghan Smith [animated biography]

Summary

Megan Smith shares her journey as a singer from a musically rich family in London, Ontario, where she developed a love for music despite not being able to read it. After studying animation, she overcame stage fright by performing secretly and eventually recorded her first demo. Collaborating with producer Les Cooper, Megan created a unique album inspired by the music of the 1920s to 1940s, featuring a mix of vintage and modern sounds. Her songs reflect personal stories and relationships, inviting listeners into her whimsical musical world filled with heartfelt emotions.

Takeaways

• 🎤 Megan Smith is a lifelong singer, raised in a musically inclined family with a piano teacher mother and a father who played bass.
• 🎶 She learned to play music by ear, despite not being able to read sheet music, and pursued her passion for singing throughout her life.
• 👧 Growing up in London, Ontario, she often avoided homework by engaging in drawing and singing, influenced by animated movies and classic musicals.
• 😱 During her teenage years, Megan experienced stage fright but later overcame it by performing secret concerts for friends.
• 🎓 She studied animation in college but could not resist her urge to sing and began using the school's recording studio to create a demo CD.
• 🌊 After graduating, Megan moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where she began performing locally and tackling her fear of the stage.
• 🎼 Collaborating with producer Les Cooper, Megan aimed to create an inspiring album using a mix of vintage and modern musical elements.
• 🎻 Her music draws inspiration from the 1920s to 1940s, featuring a whimsical sound created with a string quartet and a horn section.
• 💔 Notable songs include 'Heartbroken,' addressing heartbreak, and 'Poor,' recorded with T-Bone Burnett, conveying hope during tough times.
• 💌 Megan's songs often reflect personal experiences, with themes of love, nostalgia, and friendship, allowing her to connect with listeners on a deeper level.

Q & A

What is Megan Smith's background in music?

Megan Smith grew up in a musical family in London, Ontario, Canada. Her mother was a piano teacher, and her father played bass in bands. Despite not being able to read music, she pursued a career in singing.

How did Megan's childhood influence her musical career?

Megan's childhood was filled with music and animated movies, which inspired her love for singing. She often occupied herself with drawing and singing when she couldn't watch TV, shaping her artistic expression.

What challenges did Megan face regarding stage performance?

Megan struggled with stage fright during her teenage years. However, she eventually overcame this fear by performing secret concerts in the stairwells of her college's animation building.

Who produced Megan's album, and what was their approach?

Megan's album was produced by Les Cooper, who suggested using a horn section instead of the typical modern band setup. They aimed to create a colorful, whimsical musical experience that blends vintage and modern sounds.

What musical influences does Megan draw from?

Megan is particularly influenced by the music of the 1920s, 30s, and 40s, appreciating the simplicity and purity of that era while also incorporating her contemporary style.

What is the significance of the song 'Heartbroken' in her album?

The song 'Heartbroken' represents Megan's fusion of modern and vintage recordings, combining old dusty strings with shiny new beats and guitar riffs, aimed at resonating with those who have experienced heartbreak.

What personal themes are explored in Megan's songs?

Megan's songs explore themes of love, heartbreak, nostalgia, and personal relationships, often reflecting her own life experiences and emotions.

What role did T-Bone Burnett play in Megan's music?

Megan had the opportunity to record her song 'Poor' with legendary producer T-Bone Burnett, who helped capture the hopeful essence of the song during the recording process.

How does Megan describe her musical style?

Megan describes her musical style as a blend of old and new, combining elements from different eras to create a unique sound that is both nostalgic and modern.

What does Megan hope to achieve with her music?

Megan hopes to create an inspiring musical experience that invites listeners to reflect on their past and look forward to their future, fostering a connection through her songs.