Megan Henwood has been extremely busy this year with the release of her debut album, ‘Making Waves’ as well as performing at numerous festivals up and down the country.
I was lucky enough to catch her show in the more intimate setting of the 12 Bar Club in Denmark Street, where she played a relaxed 30 minute set to an engaged and attentive audience.
Generally, I’m not a fan of the back room at the 12 Bar, but Megan with her natural demeanour, relaxed approach and well crafted songs really connected and made the room hers.
Although her set was short – only six tracks – Megan’s song choice flowed effortlessly. Opening with her beautiful debut single, What Elliot Said and ending with the title track from her album, ‘Making Waves’ and a new track, Television.
Megan Henwood – Making Waves
I managed to catch up with Megan in the 12 Bar’s green room . . . more commonly known as the back alley behind the pool table.
You have been pretty active on the festival circuit this year, has there been any stand out show for you and if so for what reason?
Dizraeli and the Small Gods stood out at The Secret Garden Party for incredible musicianship and unbelievably moving lyrics. I was blown away by him and his band. I also saw Bellowhead at Cambridge who I’ve seen many times before but they never fail to impress me with their crazy music, Jon Boden is a genius!
So I hear you shun the usual festival shenanigans and have your own special sleeping/travelling arrangements. Tell us more.
I am lucky enough to own a 1972 vintage Airstream caravan which I live and tour in. It’s very beautiful and comfortable and means I can enjoy hot showers and chilled wine whilst festivaling. Some might say that it’s cheating but they probably smell awful. I love having my home on wheels and having my own space wherever I go.
Your songs can sometimes be lyrically quite dark and at other times very uplifting. Which artist would you say has been the most influential in shaping both the light and dark sides of your writing?
I’m very interested in contrast and life’s balance and I suppose those themes often enter into my lyrics. Anais Mitchell is a key artist who has inspired me, the way she writes about tragedy and trauma alongside joy and positivity has clearly rubbed off! The wonderful thing about being a songwriter is the fact that if you write about happy experiences you can remember and revel in that positivity each time you sing it; on the other hand if you write about being in a dark place you can almost overcome those feelings of confusion and upset by putting it into song form. It can be very cathartic. There are some songs that, had I not written them, I don’t think I would have got over their subject matter.
Everything is seemingly moving towards a download digital future. Is there still a place for analogue in this brave new world?
It’s all about the live show now. As much as I regret that fact that the art of the album is wavering, it’s encouraging that audiences and fans still appreciate the passion of witnessing an artist’s live performance.
Where do you hope to be this time next year?
Touring in the airstream, writing, travelling, reading, working with other musicians and enjoying life!
Finally, you get offered one great accessory for your airstream what would it be?
Hot tub??!! More realistically though, I intend on installing a woodburner to make it lovely and cosy.
