Meet Megan Graney | Singer-songwriter / Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Megan Graney and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Megan, what do you attribute your success to?

I attribute much of my success to staying authentically vulnerable as a songwriter. Sounds simple, but can easily lead to a road of self-betrayal if it’s not a priority. I think that’s a massive challenge with how surface level social media can be in portraying your artistry ‘image’, while maintaining some level of privacy. How you’re perceived as an artist is crucial to building a long-term fanbase.

My creative team plays a huge role in establishing a successful brand. Each choice is backed by how much I value their input towards a vision in helping the collective heal trauma through music. We are committed to curating a community from the ground up. That also includes volunteer work with local nonprofits based out of Los Angeles. A great organization we’ve connected with is A Place Called Home, they’re doing incredible work with children to combat systemic issues on all levels.

It’s been a long-time dream of mine to create a cathartic space for listeners. I think people can easily resonate when I describe the personal challenges that have inspired each song of mine. My music advocates for mental health, addiction awareness, and self-healing. Normalizing the array of human emotion is very important to me. Once you stand in your authentic power, that allows others the unspoken permission to do the same.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I’m a singer-songwriter who specializes in using a stylistic approach of healing methods through music. Getting older has really made me appreciate the unique voice type I have as a contralto, which is the lowest vocal range for a female. I intentionally choose vocal tones and instrumental frequencies that are soothing. The songs I write are geared towards conscious New-Age music. We are creating a timeless sound that blends jazz, classical, soul, and ethereal elements together.

We are halfway finished with an EP that will take listeners on a sonically rich journey through my own memories and lived experiences. My second single, “Waves” was released on August 27th! This song focuses on the concepts of grief and how that journey changes as time goes by of losing a loved one. I wrote it after my father passed away in 2020, with a desire it will provide a cathartic release for anyone grieving. Such a permanent event, and universal topic, deserves more light and understanding through our shared vulnerability.

Again, my team sets me apart because their support allows me to have an impactful message while maintaining creative freedom. Some of that involves weaving symbolism within song lyrics and artwork. Although this concept is not new, it feels the most aligned with the messaging of my artistry. It’s taken me a few years to really step into the role of being my own artist after supporting other creatives for years. I’ve overcome challenges that have impacted my physical, emotional, and mental health. I went through a perpetual burnout phase from overworking. A major lesson was establishing professional boundaries. Protecting my creative energy became a top priority. Feeling constantly depleted is not a healthy space to thrive in, or pull inspiration from.

I have learned so much in the last 4 years of being immersed in the film scoring world. It made such an impact on me that certain themes began to cross over into my music. Gifted screenwriters and directors make a point of saying several messages in one frame through symbolism and fusing music to match the psychology of what that scene is trying to convey. I have adapted those aspects into each song on this EP. Our brand focuses on using storytelling as a form of art people can relate to. To me, it’s like an indirect exercise of meditation by merging awareness and presence.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I love finding nooks of delicious food and spending quality time surrounded by nature. First, I would take us to Sidecar Doughnuts in the morning. They have rare seasonal flavors that deliciously pair well with Verve Coffee. Then, I would take us on a hike through the Santa Monica mountains. There are so many trails to choose from that give you a bird’s-eye view of Downtown LA, the Santa Monica Pier, and overlook the ocean.

If you’re looking for some quality rest and relaxation, The Raven Spa has incredible Thai massages. It’s definitely a treat for yourself – a major body healing service that’s needed after a long hike. My favorite restaurants are located near The Grove, another historical icon of Los Angeles. Market Tavern has the best fish and chips, their portions are not for the faint of heart. For dessert, Wanderlust Creamery has dynamite custom flavors that combine ingredients from countries all over the world!

Another morning trip would be dedicated to Griffith Observatory. It’s a staple site to visit for amazing views of the city. If you like telescopes or anything related to astrology like I do, this is a must-see. For an afternoon adventure, we would drive down the Pacific Coast Highway on our way to Malibu to visit Paradise Cove. It’s an underrated beach spot that’s less crowded and has a cafe nearby with fresh seafood.

A separate trip would be sightseeing in Ojai. It’s an earthy town in Ventura that houses Bart’s Books. This quaint outdoor bookstore is adorned with plants and nooks of seating to read in peace. For more adventure seeking – the thrill of roller coasters would lead us to spend a day at Six Flags. You can’t go wrong with some theme park fun. We could end the night at Pour Vous. This Parisian-style club has velvet banquettes, live music and burlesque dancers!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

“It takes a village” is an understatement when it comes to creative success. I have an incredible team who continue to uplift my artistry: Mitchell Haeuszer (Co-Writer & Producer), Donavan Brown (Manager), and Franziska Pugh (PR). Their endless support has allowed my creative vision to expand beyond all limitations. We have curated a space to uplift each other personally and professionally. There are many overwhelming details and moving parts as an independent artist. I couldn’t be more grateful to work with such a brilliant and reliable group of people. They hold me accountable in bringing out my highest creative potential and hone my abilities as an artist.

My success also stems from having two very supportive parents who nurtured my love for singing since I was a toddler. I had a terrible case of stage fright that remained into early adulthood. My Dad was always the steady voice of encouragement, he silenced any self-doubt when I was too nervous to sing in public. My Mom continues to provide emotional support whenever I need it. She was the first one who took me to private vocal lessons, which helped combat my self-consciousness in captivating an audience.

This ties into the next group of people who are sorely undervalued in our culture – teachers. My private vocal teachers and choir teachers provided a haven for me to express myself, especially when I was learning how to connect with my body. Growing up in choir is how I’ve been able to arrange lush harmonies into my songs. Singing in groups for two decades also taught me how to properly listen to others and receive feedback without taking a major blow to my ego.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megan.graney

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeganGraneyMusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBr0eBYaGHqeGW0RAM2Z4GA/featured

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Az0mAnbokjlmK2hywyRj0?si=v8cSQWsiRwmyzue-4tpcRg&nd=1 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/megangraneymusic Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/megan-graney/1561660240 Contact: megangraneymusic@gmail.com

Image Credits
Photography by Lisa Vortman Hair Stylist / Makeup Artist by Breanna Ford “Waves” Artwork by Kokeeneva