Irish singer-songwriter Megan O'Neill has released her new EP, The Questioning Type. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
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Megan's music has featured on Netflix’s Firefly Lane, and ABC’s Nashville, and she has toured internationally, opened for artists including Tom Jones and Lighthouse Family.
Speaking about her new EP, she says, The Questioning Type, "All three songs were written during a period of change and grief, while I was slowly losing someone very close to me to a long-term illness. That curiosity and restlessness threads through every track."
Photo credit: Roisin Murphy O’Sullivan
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I’m an Irish singer-songwriter based in Co Kildare. My career started out in Nashville, then London and now I’m back home (and loving it!). I believe strongly in the power of storytelling through music and its ability to connect us all.
How would you describe your music?
Rooted in folk/americana storytelling but with a contemporary, cinematic edge. I always tend to write from an autobiographical standpoint when it comes to my own music but I also write for other artists and TV/sync projects.
Who are your musical inspirations?
I grew up listening to strong songwriters - Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Freddie Mercury, etc - and I think that shaped my desire to tell stories from early on. Now I listen to a lot of different artists, like Brandi Carlile, Sarah Jarosz, Sam Fender… And of course the amazing music that’s coming out of Ireland - so much good stuff!
What was the first gig you ever went to?
5ive at the Point. I think I was eight or nine! I was lucky enough to play there a few weeks back as part of the Hot Press History in the Making Gig, which was a real bucket list moment for me.
What was the first record you ever bought?
The first record I remember having and playing so much that the disc actually wore out was the Dixie Chicks album Home. What a record!
What’s your favourite song right now?
Can’t stop listening to People Watching by Sam Fender.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Honestly, I adore all the lyrics in Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell. Since having my daughter and losing a parent, those lyrics have become so much more poignant. Especially: "I've looked at life from both sides now, from win and lose and still somehow, it's life's illusions, I recall, I really don't know life at all". The older I get, the more I realise control is such an illusion. I feel like I really do see life from both sides now - the beauty and the brutality of it.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Oh, tough question! Probably something that keep revealing new meaning over time - like A Case of You by Joni Mitchell. Or if I need to let some heavy emotions out, it would be If Christopher Calls by Foy Vance or Ships in the Harbour by Tommy Prine.
Where can people find your music/more information?
You can find my music on all streaming platforms or Bandcamp for physical copies. Tour dates, new releases, and more you’ll find at my website. I’m also active on Instagram mostly (@meganoneillmusic), so come say hello!
Alan Corr
