We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Megan Pennington. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Megan below.
Megan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
As the owner of ScarFire Radio, I have found myself deeply emerged within the Pittsburgh music scene. We provide a space for musicians and local businesses to promote their craft in a radio setting and in live-show spaces.
We sponsored the Dirty Ramen Skate Shop Williams Syndrome Band Bash. This event was a punk/metal show to raise money and awareness for Williams Syndrome research. We were singing and dancing with complete strangers. Vendors, small and large were sharing their arts and giving little trinkets to the kids as they passed by. Everybody felt like family, and the event coordinators were beyond thrilled. So much so that they plan on hosting the second annual. We are stoked to be a part once again.
Megan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
At age 19, I got my foot in the door of the music industry with a 3-song deal with Mad Hands Records. That lit the fire, and led me down a 10-year road of writing and performing music from New York City to Wapiti, Wyoming. I’ve released 4 singles, two of which (Free and Big Ball of Crazy) have hit #1 on the independent Nashville charts. My other two singles have also charted internationally, as well as songs from my first album “I’m Not Sorry” which was recorded with my band Moonshine Jasmine. When the Pandemic struck our universal nation, a musician like me was forced to find a way to stay relevant without being on stage. This birthed my first project, ScarFire Records. I received my associates degree in the Science of Music, so I put my books to the test and began providing free recording services to my friends so that I could get back into the swing of things. After a while, that turned into a podcast – Where in The World is Megan’s New Music?. This was where I got ahold of my friends Ive met in my travels to help them also stay relevant. This podcast first led me to Unrestricted Radio, where I hosted my show there for a year. When URR took its hiatus and eventually closed its doors, I had a deep discussion with myself. This led me to the realization that “if you want to do something right, you gotta do it yourself”. This was when I decided to create ScarFire Radio.
ScarFire Radio is the newest and hottest place to find the absolute best mainstream and independent music in the market. We spin a mix of indie and mainstream tunes 24/7/365, and we provide podcast like inerview-based shows throughout the week. We are on the forefront of trying to change the way our society looks at independent music.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
In my 10 years of performing and networking, I have found that the biggest thing that helps me stand out is the ability to be flexible. Now, flexible does not mean willing to bend and break on your own morals and beliefs. Being flexible means being willing to work with others. Life happens. To you, to me, to everyone. We can’t expect perfection from humans, but we can be the humble kindness that the world needs. And a helping hand is often fed faster than the one that’s closed.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Music isn’t your typical 9-5. We spend a lot of time in bars, or at festival venues. A lot of it seems like fun and games, and to be honest, a lot of it is. But music, whether it be through radio, performance, or just listening, is a way of life. I once heard in college that “Music is the only subject you’ll take in school that applies to all aspect of life”. So the next time you see someone loading gear into your local watering hole, tell them you’re really proud of them. Those long nights on the road, or sat in front of a computer screen often feel like they’re for nothing. Your kindness can change that for someone’s forever.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.scarfireradio.net
- Instagram: @megan_pennington_music
- Facebook: www.scarfireradio.net
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@PGHMusicSceneQueen?si=nQW3nNj1kOQlBUIA
- Other: TikTok: @ScarfireRadio and @Dixieflame
Image Credits
Photo Credits: Emmy Susani