Singer and Songwriter Megan Nadin Discusses Debut Album & Spreading Positivity

Link to interview here:

Megan Nadin is a singer-songwriter born and raised in Thunder Bay, Canada with a truly identifiable voice, often described as a mixture of Adel and Sia.  Her mission is to provide an authentic voice to those in need and to provide hope through altruistic platforms.  Megan used to be an elementary school teacher and even taught children in Cambodia before this rising artist began her musical journey in 2017. Megan’s new single “Joker,” was inspired by the film of the same name because she was moved by the film’s unmasking of societal issues, such as mental health, bullying, and how people treat one another. 

Hi Megan. I loved listening to some of your music and exploring your website. Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get interested in music?

Hi, Thank you so much!  I’m originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. My family and close friends mean the world to me and are a big part of the reason I’m sharing my music to begin with. 

My interest in music started when I was pretty young.  I grew up in a pretty musical family. My parents were always playing music around the house. My grandmother on my father’s side sang in an Italian choir, and my grandmother on my mother’s side was a singer-songwriter. I started writing my own songs when I was about 7 years old after hearing some of the songs my grandmother wrote and the stories that inspired them. I guess because I was always surrounded by music it never really felt like an “interest” but more so just a part of life. 

I see you taught children in Cambodia. What was that experience like?

I did actually! The experience changed my life and is one that I will be forever grateful for. It was really eye-opening. I had gone down with the intent to teach children but they and the experience itself ended up teaching me.

What made you decide to switch from teaching to music in 2017?

My Cambodia Experience actually – that mixed with the encouragement of my family and friends. After being so impacted by the children I worked with, I was inspired to pursue music in the hopes of creating a platform that would allow me to connect with and help people and organizations like the one I worked at in Cambodia.

How would you describe your sound?

I’d describe my sound as soulful, smooth, rootsy, and honest. 

I loved what you said in your “Beautiful Things.” teaser. Do you think many of your songs are inspired by a broken heart and trying to heal?

Thank you! When it comes to the songs on this album, definitely. Many of them were written when I was working through some moments and experiences that weren’t the prettiest.

Your debut EP ‘This Was Then’ comes out this Friday, Sept 18th. Tell us about the 7 tracks. Where did you find inspiration? What message are you hoping to send?

These 7 tracks are inspired by my experiences with love, heartbreak, fear, self-doubt, pure bliss, and everything in between. I find I can spend a lot of time in my head.  For me, many of these songs were really just a way for me to work through and make sense of some of my feelings and experiences. It may sound silly to some, but it’s almost like they’re journal entries with melodies.

I heard the lead single “The Joker,” was inspired by the movie by the same name. What about the movie that inspired you? Are you a fan of DC movies or Batman in general?

I was really moved by the film’s portrayal of the Joker. They painted him as a good person with a good heart trying his best through the countless disappointments, struggles, and heartbreaks he’s met with – both from strangers on the street to the people he loves most. Although it was a film, I walked out of the theatre feeling kind of angry because I know it truly unmasked a lot of the harsh realities and every day struggles that people deal with when it comes to mental health, bullying. and how we treat one another. I wanted to write a song for all those people – hoping that if someone who’s struggling ever hears it they’d know that they’re not alone. When it comes to DC Movies or Batman in general – I’m a fan but I don’t think you have to be to appreciate the movie.

I’ve noticed you’ve done several videos about mental health awareness? Is that platform of great importance to you?

It’s definitely a platform that holds great importance to me because I have dealt with my own mental health struggles and have had people very close to me that have dealt with theirs. Ultimately, no matter who we are or where we’re from we all have our ups and downs when it comes to our mental health so anything that helps bring awareness and/or break any negative stigma, I’m all for! 

How are you trying to spread positivity and how would you recommend your fans spread positivity?

Through the songs I write and the messages within them. Through the people I connect with and how I interact with/treat them. When it comes to recommendations… slow down, be present and be kind. I find a lot of changes around you when you do. Building a sense of self-love and self-worth in ourselves is also very important.  When those areas in your life are strong, healthy, and positive, it makes it easier to spread positivity to other people and areas of your life. 

Fun Facts:

Who are your musical idols?

Elton John, Lady Gaga, Tom Petty, & Pink. 

What are the last songs you listened to on your playlist?

“Before you Go” by Lewis Capaldi,  “I’m Better” by Missy Elliot, and DJ Khaled’s “Greece” Ft. Drake. Believe it or not, I’m a huge Hip Hop fan.

Who would you love to perform with?

I would love to perform with Lady Gaga – she’s a powerhouse with a heart of gold. 

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?

Being outside surrounded by nature or spending time with my family. 

Thank you so much for chatting with us Megan. Be sure to listen to Megan’s debut album “This Was Then,” out today onSpotify, Apple Music, and other streaming platforms.