Megan Sidwell embodies the perfect balance of edgy, chuck-wearing rocker with the pure heart of a country belle. Her music forms a unity between the sensibilities of rock and country pop. Her songs bleed infectious pop hooks and country harmonies, with an edge and a dramatic overtone uniquely her own. Thanks to Megan for answering the following questions:
Which one of your songs are you most proud of, and why?
I’m really proud of each song off my EP, Forever on a Sunday. I can listen to that whole EP and not cringe so much that I have to turn it off. And that’s a huge thing for me! (An annoying perfectionist)
Where is your favourite place to relax in NZ?
There is a little beach just north of Orewa that I go to when I need to escape the city. Nothing beats the Mount beach though. I spent a lot of time there growing up.
How would you describe your music in one sentence?
Like Taylor Swift but more badass.
What can we expect to see from you over the next year?
Hopefully a lot more live shows with my incredible band. Looking at recording at the end of the year too if I can get enough funding.
What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?
When you find a genre that you feel best represents you, do not change for anyone. If you start doubting yourself then others will too. Oh and always treat everyone with the utmost respect. You never know who could be listening!
What can you never leave home without?
Definitely my phone so I have access to EVERYTHING, and a trusty pair of chucks. I own a lot of pairs so I always have something that will match each outfit.
What is your most embarrassing on tour/gig moment?
I was giving out CDs from on stage at a New Year’s Eve gig. I went to throw one to someone and completely missed and nearly hit another person in the head…
What inspired you to become a musician?
Music got me through a lot during my teenage years. I wanted to write a song that would help someone out the same way that music had helped me. That’s why I write so much about the different kind of relationships you can have. It’s something personal to me, but also something that I hope my listeners can relate to in their own lives.
What rumour would you like to start about yourself?
That myself and Hayley Williams (Paramore) are BFFs.
Megan Sidwell embodies the perfect balance of edgy, chuck-wearing rocker with the pure heart of a country belle. Her music forms a unity between the sensibilities of rock and country pop. Her songs bleed infectious pop hooks and country harmonies, with an edge and a dramatic overtone uniquely her own.
Sidwell’s musical identity has been shaped over the years by the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Pat Benatar, Hayley Williams and Dave Grohl, while the gentler side of her craft pays homage to pop sensations, Taylor Swift and Katy Perry.
Born in Tauranga, New Zealand, this young starlet won the Smokefree Rockquest Regional heats’ Female Musicianship award twice over in 2007 and 2008.