Meghan Patrick has a brand new album on shelves, she's on tour with the James Barker Band, and she's got a lot of feelings about it.
We had the chance to catch up with Meghan for a Q&A that touches on her sophomore record, Country Music Made Me Do It, the Game On Tour, her latest music video, busking to make money for boots and beer, and more.
Get ready for Meghan Patrick to come to a venue near you on the Game On Tour, and as shes adds more live shows to her 2018 schedule.
Related: Game On Tour Preview, Interview and 5 Quick Questions with James Barker
If you've never had the chance to see Meghan live, we highly recommend that you take advantage of any chance you have to do so. It's a kick ass show that blends energy, hit songs, fan favourites, and everything we love about live music!
We've seen photos and reviews of early shows on the Game On Tour, and so far it looks like the Bowmanville, ON native is doing exactly what we know she can. We can't wait to see the show with Jojo Mason, Meghan Patrick and headliners, James Barker Band when it comes to Toronto on Friday, January 19.
Thanks again to Meghan for taking the time to catch up with us. Check it out now, and listen to Country Music Made Me Do It today.
Meghan Patrick Q&A
Q) How does it feel to have Country Music Made Me Do It as a follow-up to Grace & Grit ready to share with the world?
Meghan) As with Grace & Grit, it's a mixture of excitement, anticipation and anxiety haha. I'm really proud of this record, as I feel like I've grown a lot as a writer and artist, and I just hope my fans love it as much as I do.
Related: Country Music Made Me Do It, Meghan Patrick Album Review
Q) Going into the writing and recording of Country Music Made Me Do It, did you find yourself making an intentional effort to try new things, explore new ideas, etc.?
Meghan) Definitely. But I also wanted to be cognizant of what my fans responded to on the last record, so that I could give them more of what they love. It was extremely important to me to be really honest and real on this record... both in the way I deliver my music sonically and in my lyrics. I think it's something my fans expect of me and love about me, and as an artist and writer, it's the most fulfilling (and only way in my opinion) to make music.
Q) Was there anyone new that you got to work with on this record that you were really looking forward to, either on the writing side or production?
Meghan) When I met Jeremy Stover (my producer) that was a huge part of how this record came to be. It started with us writing together, and lead to him setting me up with some of his writers at Red Creative such as Kelly Archer and Adam Hambrick. There are so many talented songwriters in Nashville, but it's all about finding the ones you have chemistry with and Stover and I definitely hit it off when it came my music and the vision we both had for it. I loved that he was as passionate about making this record as I was and he really brought out the best in me throughout the whole process. Kelly was a big part of this record too, she co-wrote nearly half the record with me, including Feel Me Gone which is the only song on the record I didn't write. Every writer I worked with on this record brought something amazing to the project and helped me further find out who I am as an artist and a writer and I have so much love and respect for them all!
Q) The reaction to Country Music Made Me Do It has been positive so far, including for the video. What was it like to have the streets of Nashville act as your set when you think back to first getting to town and walking them as a visitor and new-comer?
Meghan) It was a pretty incredible full-circle moment for me shooting that video on Broadway. The first time I came to Nashville was about 8 years ago... I was broke and trying to make it, and I had paid a lot of my bills through gigs and busking. We were heading to Bonnaroo and I could barely afford the trip to begin with, but when we got down to Broadway I saw this pair of cowboy boots that I loved. So I stood on the corner and busked for a few hours till I made enough money to buy the boots and a few beers (which is basically what I still spend all my money on haha). To go from that moment where I had no money, no record deal, nothing... to having Broadway shut down to shoot my video was huge, it's a moment I'll never forget.
Q) We remember shows and albums from The Stone Sparrows, how important do you feel those years and experiences have been to you as you've built your solo career?
Meghan) Every single thing I've done, and every band I've played in has had an influence on who I've become as an artist today, as well as influencing my writing. I am so grateful to have worked with so many great musicians over the years and I've learned something and been inspired by every one of them.
Q) You're not the new kid in town anymore after the success of Grace & Grit, the CCMA Award, etc., has that changed the way you approach making new music or putting on a show?
Meghan) I wouldn't say it's changed me, if anything I just feel more pressure sometimes as if there are more expectations of me now. But regardless I am always trying to top myself... write better songs, put on a better show, and connect with my fans. To have the recognition I received this year at CCMA's and CMAO's just gives me the boost I need on the hard days to keep pushing, and know I'm doing something right.
Q) The Game On tour is ready to go, what are you feeling as you get ready to cross the country and play some of these new songs for country fans?
Meghan) I am so excited. A little anxious, because of course I'm curious as to how my fans will respond to the new music... but I'm very proud of this record and I'm excited to finally play some new tunes!
Q) In 50 words or so, can you share some thoughts about what Country Music Made Me Do It means to you as a collection of songs at this point in your life?
Meghan) For me this record represented a few things. It represented some more freedom, but also higher expectations. As I said before, I want every record I put out to be better than the last. I want to keep trying new things and growing while remaining the Meghan that my fans love.
As with my last record, it's a collection of stories... my hurt, my happy, and everything in between. I hope it serves as further insight into who I am, because it's really important to me to be approachable and relatable to my listeners... I hope they love this new music as much as I do!
