Summer is a busy time for Megan Anne (MA) and that’s the way the ukelele-playing singer-songwriter likes it. A series of upcoming gigs will see MA playing shows from the GTA to Muskoka along with plenty of local venues as well.
Music may not be full time venture yet but she’s well on her way. MA released her debut EP “Phoenix” last fall. It is her first major release since her single “Stay Out All Night’. Studio recording costs for the single were part of her award for winning Local Live V, an original music competition created by local recording artist Steve Major.
Since then she has developed a unique indi-pop sound. She enjoys performing regularly as a duo with guitar player Russell Jackson-Wyatt or as a trio, with percussionist Matt Dunn.
“We’re all on the same page. I love it,” she said. “I like pop music and the form, structure of it (and) I’m into real instruments rather than electronic (music).”
She is mostly self-taught and plays the ukelele. She did take some vocal, keyboard classes at Innisdale Secondary School where she also learned theory and songwriting in a creative music class.
MA wrote all the music for the Phoenix EP and she also enjoys writing songs with other musicians. She is currently excited about an in-process song with Astin Clark that includes a bit of rap.
“To me, a song is like a story. If I try and capture it in a story it’s like a little time capsule. They’re all true stories,” she laughed. “I love songwriting - it’s my favourite part. It’s so authentic.”
MA’s award winning ways started in high school when she took home the "T.A. Leonard Memorial Music Award” from Innisdale Secondary School. In 2017, she attended York University’s Vocal Music program where she the recipient of both the Sterling Beckwith Award and the Imasco Performing Arts Award. Last year, she won the Emerging Artist award at the Barrie Arts Awards.
MA recently graduated from Seneca College's Independent Music Production Program.
She plays the British Arms in downtown Barrie on Thursday, July 11 starting at 10 p.m. For more local shows, click here
