Megan O’Neill is another exciting part of the booming UK country music scene and her debut studio album ‘Ghost Of You‘ is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated of the year. The LP will drop on June 8th and new single ‘Without’ is one of the best country releases of the year.
Here we speak exclusively to Megan O’Neill to discuss her new single, upcoming album, 2018 plans and much, much more;
You’re new single ‘Without’ is out now, can you talk us through the inspiration behind the song?
Sure! It’s a bit of a sassy break-up song to someone who is always half way out the door and just not putting in the effort when you clearly are. I think we’ve all felt that at one stage or another in our lives so we pulled some inspiration between the three of us (co-writers) for this one.
The track is lifted off your upcoming album ‘Ghost Of You’, how excited are you about the LP’s release?
Very excited! It’s my first full length album and a year’s worth of work. So I’m stoked to have it out there in the world soon.
What can listeners expect from the record?
Listeners can expect something quite different than what they’ve heard from me before. I feel that I have grown and developed as a person and as an artist – and this record reflects that. This album definitely has a bigger sound, bigger production and much more sass and soul than what I’ve put out there before. I like to think it’s a blend between Ryan Adams, First Aid Kit, John Mayer and Brandi Carlile.
How would you describe the overall sound of the album?
Overall, the album is a good mix of styles – Country, Americana, pop with some Irish Celtic influences. Throughout the making of the album (and the months previous) I was listening to a lot of Ryan Adams and Brandi Carlile and I feel that ‘Ghost of You’ has a similar tone/style to ‘The Firewatcher’s Daughter’ and ‘Prisoner’.
Along with the announcement of your new album, it has also been confirmed that you will be playing The Long Road Festival this year, how excited are you about that?
I’m so stoked for The Long Road Festival. They’ve announced so many incredible artists/bands and loads of my friends are playing. I have to say… I’m pretty ecstatic about the “Water Balloon Volleyball” and “The Mud Kitchen” too – no idea what to expect but I am so in!
We’re thrilled to bring you the The Long Road 2018 artist and experience line up! Lee Ann Womack, The Shires, Billy Bragg, lake swimming, down home cookin’, a Honky Tonk bar and a whole load more ? https://t.co/b58NB3fEzm pic.twitter.com/c9rWVDABWN
— The Long Road (@TheLongRoadFest) April 10, 2018
What can fans expect from your live set?
High energy, lots of dancing in the crowd and always an amazing vibe in the room from start to finish. I have incredible fans who always come out to share a great night with me. There’s usually quite a bit of banter too. I can’t shut my mouth on stage – that’d be the Irish in me!
Talking of live sets, can we expect to see you touring this year?
Absolutely! I’m going to be all over the UK, Germany, Switzerland, the US and Ireland. This year I’m so grateful to be touring in places I’ve never been before. I can’t wait to hit the road and connect with lots of new people and fans. I always enjoy touring. It’s such a rewarding and memorable experience.
You’re part of the current boom in UK country, so can we expect to see you collaborating with any Brit acts soon?
I collaborate with UK artists here all the time and have done so for years. I love working with the artists and writer’s we have here in the UK. There is so much talent! I have worked with/still work with The Shires, Laura Oakes, Liv Austen, Kaity Rae, Jessica Sharman, Jake Morrell, Two Ways Home and so many more. It’s like a big community here and we all support one another – which is a rare and beautiful thing in this industry I feel.
Along with new music, and festival slots what else can we expect from you this year?
I’m going to be back in studio this summer – already working on another record with someone very special. Hopefully there’ll be another single (or two) before the end of 2018 but I can’t say much more than that (yet!). I also co-host a post (Around the Sound) with my good friend and marketing guru Eoin Sandford which is a lot of fun. Watch out for that too on all socials.
Make sure you follow Megan O’Neill on Twitter @meganoneill to keep up to date with all her latest music and tour news!
Did you enjoy our exclusive interview with Megan O’Neill? Let us know your thoughts over on Twitter @CelebMix.