“To be able to go into a room with male producers, executives, or writers when I was 18 years old and hold my own and maintain who I am as an artist, was always important to me.”

Women are killing it in the music industry, and song lovers couldn’t be happier! In our column, #WomenCrushWednesday, each week we’ll feature an awesome lady whose tunes are blowing up our playlists and ask them about their musical journey.

Young ladies continue to impress us this week with Megan Nicole, who’s wanted to be a musician (or a mermaid) since she was a little girl. One of those dreams came true as she posted her first YouTube video and became a bit of a musical hit. Now, she’s travelled on tour around the globe (including a show tonight in Los Angeles at The Hotel Café) and speaks to us about this evolution, including sharing insight from her latest album!

How did you become interested in music?

I had taken piano lessons from a young age, but it wasn’t until I started playing guitar that something really clicked. As soon as I learned four basic chords on guitar, I began creating more and more and writing my own songs. I think it was something about the mobility of the guitar, that I could take it to my room and be in my own space for a moment.

Your career took off on YouTube. How do you feel about the way the platform has helped to launch artists and creators?

One thing that is so cool about the platform is that it’s a space to share whatever it is your passionate about whether it is music, or science, or baking… the list goes on. You can connect with the world and share something you love. It gives you an opportunity to have a stage that’s even bigger than you can imagine.

You have a super-close relationship with your fans. What does that mean to you?

I get to do what I do because of the people who support me. That’s something I will never take for granted. I want to create as much as I can for them! I want to always show my love and appreciation for all that they do for me. I want to encourage them to chase after their own dreams.

You independently released your debut album, Escape, in 2014. What was the process of doing that like?

It was equal parts scary and freeing to be releasing something independently. It was a big step to take, but I was ready. Something I love about Escape is that the songs were all written on a trip up to the mountains where the little studio was. It felt nice to unplug and just focus on creating. That’s something I’d love to do again.

What’s your experience been like as a woman in the music industry?

I’ve always looked at being a woman in predominantly male industry as a powerful thing. To be able to go into a room with male producers, executives, or writers when I was 18 years old and hold my own and maintain who I am as an artist was always important to me. There were moments where I was expected to dance in music videos, or be more “edgy” because I do Pop music, but it just wasn’t me. There are a lot of boss women in this industry creating some amazing things right now and it sparks a fire in me because it’s an exciting time. I would love to see more and more female producers creating the songs of our generation.

Can you talk a little bit about your latest album, My Kind of Party? What was the writing and recording process for that like?

My Kind of Party came together somewhat unexpectedly. I was just writing and recording, without really a plan to release a mini-album. Eventually, I had some songs that stuck out to me and I felt a certain group of them worked together nicely. “My Kind of Party,” funny enough, was one of the last songs I wrote. I knew after that session, that would also be the title of the project. At one point, I had the name ” Confetti Heart” for the EP, but that felt better suited for the name of my clothing/accessories line that I launched with my friend Julie Mollo.

Do you have any favorite tracks off of the album?

I think that “Clueless” is one of my favorites. It’s simple, but very honest. It’s about the frustration you can feel when you catch yourself falling for someone, but don’t know where they are at with things. You almost feel stuck in this in between, of not wanting to fully put your heart on the line until you know that person feels the same.

You’ve also started a clothing line. What inspired that decision on your part?

I’ve always loved the idea of starting a clothing/accessories line. It’s another creative outlet for me. My good friend Julie Mollo and I have been creating so many things together over the years, and we finally collaborated on a collection together inspired by two things we both love: confetti and hearts.

What’s coming up next for you?

I have music videos on the way for the songs off of My Kind of Party, and then I’ll be creating even more music! On a more personal level, I want to continue to find ways to give back to my community more this year.

Follow Megan Nicole on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Rachel A.G. Gilman is a writer, a radio producer, and probably the girl wearing the Kinks shirt. Visit her website for more.

Have a female or femme-identifying artist we should profile? Send a pitch email to Rachel.

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