We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Megan Waltman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Megan, appreciate you joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

I grew up with a single mom. She showed me the value of hard work and kindness. I remember going to an audition in about 7th grade (back when you got a call if you were moving forward) and I come Sunday night, the deadline to move forward, I did not get one. I sat by my bed dressed for a callback, JUST IN CASE. Even though my mom was very busy with two jobs, she saw me while walking down the hall and could see the disappointment….as I swung my legs on the bed and looking down, trying not to cry. “Maybe they got our number wrong,” she walked in and suggested. “Let’s drive downtown and double check.”

So we did. An hour later, we found out I still hand’t gotten through to the next round, but I knew my mom loved and supported me- no matter the outcome.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Megan. I’ve been singing professionally since the age of 12. I grew up in the southern suburbs of Chicago, belting out my favorite tunes at local festivals & shows all over Chicago. I went from doing jazz squares in sparkly vest to karaoke track at the age of 12, to working with some of the best bands and musicians in the area, performing all over the midwest as a professional musician.

I auditioned for American Idol season 13 & made it to the top 100 in that season. People think that’s pretty cool and it was definitely a lifelong dream fulfilled, but right after that is where I really began to dig a little deeper. I moved to LA shortly thereafter. While in LA, I attended the University of California learning from the most incredible performers, instructors, professors, and fellow classmates while earning my BM in Popular Music Performance…I was also simultaneously hosting the morning show on Radio Disney. Although there wasn’t a lot sleep coming my way during this time, it’s where I grew.

This is where I learned how to tell my own stories in my own way, rather than always doing it through the works of others as I had done for so much of my life as a performer. I fell in love with writing, especially when it comes to storytelling. I was able to partner up with two incredible producers, and few phenomenal songwriters to slowly write and record my first EP …released as singles because it’s expensive to make art! I am so proud of these 5 songs currently available on spotify and all streaming services because they lovely works of art, telling several different stories in unique ways. They also serve as a reminder of the HARD WORK, the incredible friendships and bonds that went into this project – the musicianship from some of my dearest friends on these tracks is unparalleled.

Tracks: I would hope they speak for themselves but I can add a bit of context!
1) Morning Coffee – the little things in an unlikely relationship pairing add up to the big things
2) You’re Still There – no matter how far one may seem, they are in our hearts and minds
3) I Love You California – a break up song with California, highlighting the good, the bad, and the ugly
4) Truth In His Lies – NO HE DID NOT…sigh
5) Put Together – no matter how hard you try to be perfect, life has other things in store (some for the better and some just to test you)

I hope that what I provide is a connection…that people hear SOMETHING in those songs that make them feel some type of way. That’s the goal- to make you feel something.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

1) In the music world I have learned that if someone plays piano, drums, violin, guitar, etc and they say “I’m a drummer. I’m a pianist. I am a guitarist.” This is generally accepted, its a fact that they are knowledgable about music and you should take them for their word — they know how to do it. As a singer, I have always felt the reverse…rather than accepting that I too am a skilled musician with over 20 years of experience I AM CONSTANTLY ASKED TO PROVE MYSELF. “Oh you THINK you can sing?”

Why? Why does this happen? Let’s stop this.

2) Independent artists. It took so much time and money to release the music I have out. I often get asked “when are you releasing more music?” When I can afford it..I wish people were more aware in the general population of what it costs to put out good music.

3) More female producers please.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Every day. I am often faced with having to “live in the real world” where I have to choose whether I have regular “job” with consistant income so I can pay bills or choose little money to focus on doing what I love & have spent my entire life working on.

It’s tough because the older I get, the tougher those choices become.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: megwaltsface
• Facebook: Megan Waltman
• Youtube: Megan Waltman

Image Credits
jvstudios