Exclusive Interview with Meg Ferrell

How would you classify your music?

I would say Americana. I do a lot of classic country but I feel like not enough to call it straight country. It’s also pretty folky/rocky as well so I think that would fall under Americana.

Who are some of your top 5 musical influences?

Emmylou Harris
Billie Holiday
Loretta Lynn
Gillien Welch
Sturgill Simpson

What do you want fans to take from your music?

I hope I can relate to them. I would love to connect to people in an emotional way maybe make them feel something that is soothing. I mainly want to spread joy. If I can put a smile on someone’s face and maybe make them wiggle then my job is complete.

How’s the music scene in your locale?

It’s amazing! I’m from New York City so I’m completely inundated with amazing musicians of all styles. I get to play gigs most nights of the week with all sorts of formations.  The live music in New York is incredible.  You often can walk into some small bar and happen across world-class musicians playing their pet project of funk music or old-time jazz or whatever while they are home from being on the road with some famous touring act. It’s a city full of working musicians so inspiration is always right around the corner.  I always find myself hearing something in New York that makes me want to be a better musician.

What is the best concert you have been to?

Hmmm lately. Ryan Scott. I love seeing him play at Sunny’s.

What do you like most about playing live?

So much. It’s my favorite part of life, performing. First, I just love singing out loud and when I perform I get to do lots of that. I like making people react and dance and getting people to connect with me. I also love playing music with amazing musicians and I’m lucky to always have great players in my band.  We improvise together and feel through songs as one unit. That sort of collaboration is incredible.  It’s a drug. I think that’s my favorite part. Working with other musicians.

Is there a song on your latest CD release here that stands out as your personal favorite, and why?

Lovesick Harmony. It’s funny because I almost cut this tune from the record because I didn’t think it had enough but now it’s my favorite. I like the way the woo woo’s came out and dynamic build.

How have you evolved as an artist over the last year?

I’ve evolved immensely I think. I’ve already written our next album and I think the writing is so much better.  I’ve been working hard on my writing and playing chops and I think it’s finally infiltrating my songwriting. I’ve also fully dived into classic country. When I recorded the album I was just on the cusp of learning that genre. Now I’m full steam ahead and have been frantically learning songs, listening to artists, working on my country singing and researching the genre. I’m fallen in love with this genre and am excited to see how it infiltrates the next albums

If you could meet, play a gig, co-write a song, have dinner, have a drink with any band or artist
(dead or alive) who would it be?

Sturgill Simpson

What’s next for you?

Next album. We are finishing it up down in Nashville in April.