A Quick Chat with Meghna

Can you tell us a bit about your inspiration for your debut EP?

I was inspired to make this EP after I realised all the songs I was writing were following a strange pattern—they were all angry songs. I wanted to explore this further. Why am I so angry, what motivates my anger and what matters to me? All songs (some of them written eons ago, like Mountain in 2014) were an exploration of a different form of anger I had experienced or witnessed in other people. Writing angry songs felt more truthful to me than anything else I had ever written. Songs about road rage, songs about feeling disrespected, songs about wars, you name it.

What are your influences and how do they affect your songwriting?

I love 80s classic rock songs. My Dad practically raised me on them. There’s something so special about the songwriting from that time. It was so idealistic, so poetic… I aspire to be that poetic in my lyric-writing.

I also love alternative Hip-Hop! I love Audrey Nuna. She is probably my favourite artist ever. I am still pinching myself because I can’t believe I got to see her live a few weeks ago. She’s so unapologetically herself in her songs. That inspires me. Love the hyperpop and electronic girlies too. Charli XCX, PinkPantheress, Lil Hero, the list goes on.

I was also completely enamoured with London Grammar when I was in school. Heck, I still am! The way their songs are so unlike anything I’ve ever heard—it’s incredible. I admire their artistry, their creative voice and their incredible lyrics.

I think the hodge podge of different songs I listen to inspire me in different ways to try new things, and push the boundaries of what I know. I have learnt that songwriting does not follow one formula but can allow you to do anything, be anyone.

What’s the creative process like for you?

It’s really random. It varies—I could be sleeping, then wake up at 3am and have to record a voice memo. I could be driving. I could be working. Whatever it is, I keep my voice memo app handy.

I usually get the idea for a melody first before anything else. Lyric-wise, I’m always writing. I’ve got notes on notes of lyric ideas, and then I’ll do a mix and match. What fits, what doesn’t.

But then sometimes even that gets thrown out the window. Sometimes I will have a unified lyric, melody and instrumental idea. I love when that happens.

If you could change something about the Australian music industry, what would it be?

I think I’d want people to get more brazen. A bit more like the Americans. Australians, we’re very easygoing people but sometimes at the expense of not saying what we really want to say. We need to be more confident in the fact that we have an epic music industry, let’s make it the next big thing. Let’s brag about ourselves for once!

What do you think life would be like for you if you didn’t have music as an outlet?

I think life would be incredibly colourless. I would probably be a lot angrier too.

What’s your advice to young people who want to make a career for themselves in the industry?

It’s all about persistence, consistency and believing in yourself even when no one else does. Don’t compare yourself with others and carve out a unique niche for yourself in the music industry. And if it’s really your dream, you will never give up on it. Even if you feel like it sometimes.

Who’s the most interesting person you’ve worked with/met?

Can I say two people? Probably my grandparents. My grandfather got me into music and has lived an amazing, admirable life. He has a real passion for music and inspires me everyday. He really encouraged my songwriting and to start thinking laterally in my music.

My grandmother’s life has been like a movie (one day I’d like to produce a film on her story) and her experiences have fuelled many of my songs. She is incredibly interesting and such a remarkable human being.

I’ll always show my grandparents my demos for their approval before releasing and let me just say, this EP got their seal of approval!

Any upcoming shows?

I am launching the EP for the first time in its entirety at Queensbridge Square, Southbank on 23 August at 12pm. I will also be jumping on Instagram live if you can’t catch it in person! Huge thanks to the City of Melbourne for their support.