Following the release of her debut single After River, Scottish singer-songwriter Megan Airlie makes a welcome return through her alluring follow up single Honey, available to stream and download now via Bloc Music Records.
Showcasing her charming jazz/blues vocals, Honey accentuates Megan’s breathtaking natural talent as well as her ability to transmit intense, personal vignettes through her music. Measured, laid back guitar segments are accented beautifully by the shimmering rich texture of Megan’s chanteuse style vocal, neatly brought together by the gorgeous tone of twinkling piano.
In this interview spotlight, I speak with Megan about her latest release, motivations, challenges and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
I think my style has been generated from listening to a multitude of genres since I was a kid. I was obsessed with Michael Jackson from a really young age which lead me onto Motown and that ultimately turned me onto all styles from the 60s and 70s.I’ve always adored Judy Garland and I can thank her for introducing me to the likes of Billie Holliday and Ella Fitzgerald. It seems the internet and I grew up together so I, like all of us now, have been lucky enough to access an incredible range of music so I think this is why I don’t like to stick to just one style.
What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?
I’ve always adored music. I’ve always wanted to sing. It’s the thing that makes me happiest in life so I’ve known for a while It’s what I should be doing. Even when I was dreadful at it. It’s a very brilliant and cathartic way in which to express myself fully, and being outrageously introverted, it’s a great release. A main factor that pushes me forward is the friends in music that inspire, encourage and pester me to do more.
Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?
Influences flow from family and friends to anything that’s on my mind. I have written about the darkest periods of my life, but I’ve also written about mangos. Sometimes you don’t realize how much your surroundings affect you.
My music taste mostly seems to grow rather than change. I will still on occasion whip out records that my 13-year-old self would listen to religiously. Whether it be nostalgia or not, I have appreciation for any music that’s pulled me in somehow.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
I was just trying to get a part of me out there in hopes to reach new people and be able to play more and more gigs.
What was the last song you listened to?
Don’t Worry ‘Bout A Thing – Stevie Wonder
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
I stream most of my music but I will use vinyl a lot in the house.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Spotify is a great way to find new music if you can ignore the ads or afford to buy premium. However, I lose Soundcloud because you can hear a lot of people’s weird creations.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what is the biggest challenge you face when trying to connect with or find new fans?
It’s a very busy industry and you’re not going to connect with everyone. A lot of people are quick to dismiss you, especially with me being a young and quiet female, it’s easy to get a bit lost. However, if you absolutely love what you’re doing and are having an amazing time doing it, people are going to get attracted to that.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are great ways to connect with me and anyone else. We’re in a world of constant updates, especially in the music industry.
Anything else you’d like to add before signing off?
I have released a video for my single “Honey” which you can view on The Line of Best Fit(s) website just now.
