Rising pop star Megan Nicole just dropped her debut album Escape.
Website: http://megannicolemusic.com/ , Youtube: megannicolesite , Facebook: megannicolemusic ,
Twitter: @megannicole . Photo by Joseph Levi
Megan Nicole is probably on your kids' music playlist. If you're a kid and she's NOT on your playlist, then hello, it's time to check her out! Adults, you should also be checking her out. Here's why...
Born and raised in Katy, Texas, Megan Nicole has over 2.6 million subscribers on her YouTube channel. One would think Megan Nicole is a total mystery yet she's an open, honest woman who has something to say.
Why did you recently leave a major label to independently release your debut album Escape?
There were a lot of changes going on and it came time for me to part ways. I took a few months to figure out who I wanted to be as an artist and the music I wanted to create. This was the first time I really got the chance to be in control and write on each of the songs. It's exciting for me to finally have an original body of music out in the world. It's a chance for people who don't know me to see who I am.
Besides music, what things bring you happiness and joy?
Spending time with family and friends. I'm on the go a lot so I really value the moments I get to have with them. And Disneyland. I kind of love going there whenever I can since I moved out to California.
How is your music different from other songs in the same genre?
This is my story I'm sharing. All of the songs stem from my own personal experiences. On this EP, it was also important to me to incorporate live instruments in the music. Real guitars, drums, bass, horn section and more. You can't program the feeling that those musicians bring to the songs.
What do you like to write about?
I like to write about my own life and the experiences I've been through. I also get inspiration from friends, my fans and the world around me.
Who are your influences musically, and also in life?
I enjoy listening to many genres, but Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift and Michelle Branch are some of my biggest musical inspirations. In life that would be my parents. They taught me and my sister to work hard and do what we love.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?
Touring around the world sharing my music with people. I also would love to have my own clothing line and act in feature films. 10 years? Continuing to make music and even help develop other artists.
What are your music goals?
I would love to create music that people connect to and relate to. My ultimate goal is that my fans will be able to take something away from it. Whether it makes them smile, helps them through a relationship or just makes them feel good and want to dance!
At what point did you decide to move from your hometown, Katy, TX, to Los Angeles? Who did you move with?
I was very blessed to move out to California with my whole family. Around the time I was needing to be in LA more and more, my dad got a job in Northern California. Me, my mom and my sister would commute to LA every week so I could work. We'd drive down on a Monday and go back to the Bay on Friday. We did that for over a year! Then I eventually ended up getting my own place out in LA.
Megan Nicole takes a break on the road. Check out those funky fingernails! Ask Megan on Twitter where she got her necklace from and what meaning it has. @megannicole
You have very supportive parents who nurtured your desire to play music. What advice do you have for kids who want to do things in the arts but do NOT have a supportive family?
When I told my parents I wanted to do music at age 15 they told me that if this was something I wanted to do I needed to work hard on my craft. And I did! When they saw it was something I was committed to they were behind me 110%. My best advice would be to show them this is something you're committed to and continue to work hard and grow in your art. If it's something you are passionate about and love, go for it.
Do you have a manager or agent?
Yes, I have awesome team of people who I work with that support me. Being around in music for a few years I've been able to meet a lot of great people.
What kind of car do you drive? What color? Is your car messy or clean on the inside?
I drive a white Jeep that I got a couple years ago and I love it. Currently, it's a little messy. I'm on a radio promo tour and I have my signature tutus, sour gummy worms and some water bottles scattered in the car.
What's your favorite breakfast food?
I love chocolate chip pancakes. I feel like that's more of a dessert, but they are my favorite. Typically in the mornings though oatmeal or a smoothie are my go to's.
How did you get such a huge following on social media?
I have a supportive fan base who actively share my music and follow me. They are the reason I'm here today and get to do what I do. I love to use social media to connect with them through Twitter, live chats, or whatever it may be. At the end of the day, I'm just doing me. I stay true to myself and I think people connect to that. I'm a girl from Texas who loves to make music and share it with others (and wear tutus while doing so).
Do you have a significant other?
Currently, I do not. I look for a man who has a good sense of humor and likes Disneyland as much as I do. It's important that he is respectful and driven.
Tell us a story about one of your late open mic nights when you were a kid. Do you still play at open mics?
I haven't played an open mic night in a while, but mentioned to my mom recently how fun that would be. There was this one place I would go to that was also a Mexican restaurant and it had a red door. A lot of older rockers would take the stage then little 16 year old me would go up there with my acoustic guitar. I never got booed so I guess that's good. I would mostly play covers, but I remember playing an original song for the first time in a set there and this guy coming up to me afterwards and saying "You wrote that?" and encouraging me to keep up with the song writing.
Why Batman?
He's a boss. When he's not Batman he's Bruce Wayne, who is also a boss. He's a man, not an alien who fights evil and looks cool doing it.
Anything else you'd like to say?
Thanks to everyone who has been on this journey with me over the years and thanks to those who are just now joining it. I hope you enjoy Escape!