Today we’d like to introduce you to Meghanne Storey
Meghanne, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have always been a singer, My mother says I could sing before I could talk, I joined the Seattle Girls’ Choir when I was 7 or 8. When I was 12 I entered the Washington State foster care system and I became homeless soon after, I lived on the streets of Seattle until I was emancipated at the age of 16. I got a job and I went to school…and I sang. I wrote songs and I sang everywhere I went. One place I would often sit was in front of the GreyHound Station on 9th and Stewart and I would sing to whatever was in my walkman or I would play my guitar and sing.
When I was 14 I was enrolled in a program called Everyone Has a Song, by a counselor at the Orion Center (a popular drop in center for street youth and foster kids) and I got to go into a studio and write and record and produce a song in studio. That experience was incredible and will always stay with me. After that I performed for many YouthCare fundraisers and other events such as the Rainier’s Games in Tacoma’s Cheney Stadium.
When I was emancipated at 16 I got a job at this Denny’s in Downtown Seattle. I worked there until my hands and wrists literally fell apart. My lunate bone disintegrated. Today I am on disability. However, I can still sing and write music and since that’s all I have to do now, I do it all the time. It is my favorite thing to do. I love to perform and play songs that I wrote to people who are touched by them.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think everything is a challenge and every hurdle is an obstacle to be tackled and overcome. I have a disability in my hands and I have had 9 surgeries on them now (between the two of them). My fingers are numb in places and I am still able to play the guitar. I play in my own style, but that’s ok. It helps make me me.
Challenges and obstacles are put in your path to let you know how bad you really want it and if you do, really want it, no challenge or obstacle is too big to conquer. Its all about finding the right solution. Sometimes its harder than others and other times the solution bites you before the problem surfaces. It is just the luck of the draw. The key is to never give up.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a singer/songwriter. Last year, I won the Up and Coming Artist of the Year and Best Duo awards from the Washington State Independent Music Awards, It was surreal I am still so blown away and honored by these accolades.
I am known for being determined, not giving up, getting out and living my dream and writing story songs. I have a story to tell and I want to tell it. I believe that music can change a perspective, a thought, an idea, or a life if presented correctly. I think the thing that sets me apart from others is my uncanny ability to roll with the punches. I write raw, emotional songs that I hope leave the listener pondering and wondering, but also knowing they are not alone and that people do understand where they are coming from. Sometimes life is a crapshoot but we get through it and find the gold on the otherside.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
The Hands
I have Bi-lateral Kienbock’s Disease in my hands. This means that my lunate bone died in both hands, and the wrist joints collapsed. I had to come to terms with not being able to work again. While I was learning to accept this I earned a bachelor’s degree and 2 master’s and I got halfway through a 3rd. I cannot write with a pencil or pen and I cannot type very well. It is slow and I often hit the wrong keys. My fingers do not always do what I tell them to. Sometimes they have a mind of their own and even though I say Bm my fingers will play an A major.
However, my disability has opened up doors for me. Made it possible for me to own a home and it opened up my time to allow me to follow my dreams, passions and use my talents. After some careful self reflection I realized that this was a blessing in disguise and I jumped at the opportunity to just be me.
The Universe speaks to us and opens doors in some strange ways sometimes but who are we to second guess the universe?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://MeghanneStorey.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghannestorey/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRealMeghanneStorey/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealMeghanneStorey
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100074350692258
Image Credits
Matthew Silberstein Black and White Photo
Melody Sitarzewski-Ybarra Color Performance Photos.