Project Description
Interview with
MEGAN SIDWELL
Interviewer – Vicky Hebbs
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BIO
Megan Sidwell embodies the perfect balance of an edgy, chuck – wearing rocker with the pure heart of a country belle. Her music forms a unity between the sensibilities of rock and country pop. Her songs bleed infectious pop hooks and country harmonies, with an edge and a dramatic overtone uniquely her own. Sidwell’s musical identity has been shaped over the years by the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Lady Antebellum, Hayley Williams and Taylor Swift. She has also opened for international acts Tyler Hilton (US), Kate Voegele (US) and Big Country (Scotland) whilst on their Australian tours.
Born in Tauranga, New Zealand, Megan graduated with a Bachelor of Music from The University of Auckland in 2014 before making the move across the ditch to Melbourne which she currently calls home. Her debut 5 track EP, Forever on a Sunday, was released in October 2013. Produced and mixed by the multi – talented Ben King (Goldenhorse), the EP also features the likes of Nick Gaffaney (Cairo Knife Fight) on drums and Janek Croydon on pedal steel. Megan has since released multiple singles including the crowd-funded single Never Saw it Coming.
At the 2016 Tamworth Country Music Festival, Sidwell and band took out first place in the Coca-Cola Battle of the Bands and closed out their first appearance in Tamworth on the main stage in Toyota Park. More appearances followed throughout the year including the Emerging Artist showcase at the Gympie Music Muster.
2017 saw Megan as a finalist in the Toyota Star Maker competition in Tamworth. Later that year she travelled to Nashville to record her next album with Sam Hawksley which will be released in 2019.
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Where did it all begin? What was the motivation behind performing to an audience?
I had started learning piano in primary school but it all really started when I joined my first band in high school playing bass. I wasn’t really sure about playing in front of an audience but I loved the feeling of being a part of a band and creating sound. Our guitarist at the time accidentally heard me sing and when our singers left the band he encouraged me to give it a go. We did pretty well in a few of the big battle of the band competitions in NZ and I was hooked!
Have you always wanted to make your own music? When did you first start making music?
I had always been making melodies on any instrument available, but I started writing full songs when I joined my high school band. It was very punk/rock and during the emo phase, so a lot different to what I currently write!
Have you always written your own music? What was the first song you wrote?
I started writing by writing my own lyrics to songs on the radio when I was probably 12 years old. When I could play an instrument well enough, I started to add my own chords behind it.
Do you find the writing process “easy” or is it a “right time, right place” process for you?
For it to be “easy” I need to work on it every day, to have the creativity and process always there. Lately with other work and life etc, it’s more “right time, right place”. To clear my mind I will sit down with my guitar and play for hours, but even then it’s hard to put words down on paper.
How would you describe your sound?
Pop/Rock with a bit of Country.
What music did you listen to growing up? How has it influenced you?
At home my grandparents always listened to country or music with huge harmonies like Little River Band, Kenny Rogers, The Seekers. As a teenager I loved rock and punk music, some days something a little heavier. It wasn’t until I went to University and started analysing songs that I started to really appreciate pop music and how we all react it to. When I think about it, with my own music I have really just taken aspects of all of the above and created something that is personal to me.
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You just released single, ‘Piece of Me’. What inspired you to write the song?
All of my songs are written through experience or part thereof. It’s always been the most effective way for me to make sense of things. This song was inspired by a chain of events I experienced with someone really close to me and at the time I had struggled with the concept of being me. It was hard enough knowing who I was let alone making sure I wasn’t giving a part of me away.
Can you share the origins behind your new album, ‘Right Kind of Wrong’?
These songs have been written since I moved here to Melbourne from NZ four years ago so there is a journey of emotions there. From the loss of my grandfather, the loss of love, finding love and finding yourself. I wanted to make an album that represented me, I didn’t want to change my style of music or any part of the creative aspect for anyone, because music has become the biggest way for me to express things.
Are there any topics or experiences that are off limits for you to write about?
If it’s in my head it will be written about eventually, whether anyone else hears it or not.
You have a few gigs coming up – what can we expect at a Megan Sidwell show?
Most of my shows are currently solo or duo, so it is stripped back and acoustic, just how my songs are written.
If you could perform live with any musician, who would you choose? And why?
I would love to just stand on the same stage as Bonnie Raitt, she is a massive idol for me, as a woman and a musician.
What’s next for you in 2019?
I really just want to play more, so I’m trying to book as many shows as I can!
Finally, a few questions for some quick answers –
FAVOURITE:
Album – Currently “Girl” by Maren Morris
Artist – Bonnie Raitt
Movie – All of the Toy Story’s
Place to visit – Recently went to Cradle Mountain and now that is definitely up there!
Venue to play – Tamworth Town Hall
Food – Pepperoni Pizza
Drink – Fanta
Tattoo – (If you don’t have one, what would you get?) Woody from Toy Story
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Grab your copy here – Spotify iTunes. Google Play or purchase physical copies HERE
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Check out MEGAN SIDWELL below
Website|Facebook|Instagram
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