If ever an artist called on the elements in her songwriting, it's Megan Henwood. The distinguished English singer-songwriter is far too self-deprecating to describe herself as a force of nature, but her third album River reaffirms her unique ability to create roots music of beguiling purity from what's around her.
It's like a rambling house with a mixture of old and new furniture, where the woodwork of folk tradition sits comfortably alongside experimental pieces of modern art.
But what is the music, and who are the creators who have influenced Megan’s musical journey to date?
As she prepares to perform at The Stables in Milton Keynes (October 27), Megan talked sounds with Total MK…
The song that first awakened your musical senses
I vividly remember hearing ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ by Bill Withers and feeling overwhelmed with how powerful it was. The pure emotion in his voice really spoke to me and I have loved his songwriting ever since.
Physical or digital - how do you take your music?
A bit of both really, I download music onto my phone for when I’m on the go but I also have a cd and vinyl collection at home - if I really love an album I like to have the physical copy to get the full picture. And of course SPOTIFY is a great way of discovering new things.
The first time you thought 'Music - this is the job for me’
I can’t really pinpoint it to one specific moment, I have just never really been particularly interested or passionate about anything else but music. Each time I finish writing a song that I’m happy with I get an amazing rush and that reminds me why I’m doing what I’m doing.
Your best on stage memory…
It’s difficult to choose! One that stands out is when I played alongside Anais Mitchell a few years ago - she is one of my ultimate favourite songwriters and it was such an honour to meet her, let along support her. She also invited my brother up on stage to join her with his saxophone on a song which was pretty special!
And the worst gig you've ever done
Also difficult to choose! I once played a gig in the evening after I’d run the Cardiff half marathon and I was so tired I can hardly remember it and I had to sit down half way through!
What made you take up singing
One of my best friend’s at primary school was really into singing and music and so I started because of her - then realise I really enjoyed it and it felt like a natural way of expressing myself.
Which one song by another artist do you wish you had written
‘Between The Bars’ by Elliott Smith
And one - by yourself - which holds special significance
There is a song on the new album called ‘Fresh Water’ - I find it so cathartic to play and it just comes from such a real place. A lot of my songs are very dark and sometimes thats difficult when I’m performing them, but ‘Fresh Water’ makes me feel refreshed and strong and calm all at once. Somehow.
Are there any current influences you look to
I love what Slyvan Esso are doing. Her vocals are so delicate, loads of great hooks and fresh production. There’s a singer called Fatima who’s debut album is incredible. Also an Oxford band called Be Good who I am obsessed with - can’t get enough.
If you could step into the shoes of another musician, living or dead, who would it be and what would you do?
Predictably I’m going to say Elliott Smith - I would want to work out how he wrote and played guitar because nobody else created music in the way he did.
And any genre of music that you simply can't stand?
Not really. I can normally find something I like in most music!
Finally, plug your show in Milton Keynes - what can we expect?
Lots of new material from the new album - you can expect a little more electric guitar playing as well as acoustic - songs about my life and experiences as well as stories I’ve collect and maybe you might even get some witty banter if you’re lucky...
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