Megan Davies

Thank God for the wonderful thing that is YouTube! Without this, I probably wouldn't have found the amazingly talented Megan Davies.

Megan is a singer/songwriter from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, who recently graduated from Belmont University in Nashville after studying song writing and classical guitar. She has recorded a number of EP's - “Writing On The Walls” in 2008 which is a collection of original acoustic tracks and “Apartment Sessions” in 2011; a collection of demos recorded in her uni dorm room. 2013 is when Megan began using YouTube and uploading covers where she has collaborated with her younger sister Jaclyn and other singer/songwriter friends in Nashville. Her YouTube channel has over 84,000 subscribers and more than 6.5million views overall - this is pretty good going for an unsigned artist!

After finding these song covers, I spoke to Megan to see if she would like me to do a review of these - to which she very kindly agreed - and one thing I wanted to find out about was what she loves about music and what her influences are when song writing.

" What I love about music is it's ability to communicate with people. When I

 first started playing music, I felt this instant connection with those I

 was playing with and also to the people who were listening. I couldn't get enough of it. I was kind of a shy kid too, so I found it all quite intoxicating."

 

 

I was also interested to know where Megan gets her inspiration from for her original material.

 

" I read a lot and watch more television than is probably good for me, so a lot comes from my imagination or will come from a guitar part and melody that will just spark an emotion in me. Though my favourite moments as a songwriter are when I think I'm telling this story that has nothing to do with me, then I finish and I'm like "oh wow, this was really about me the whole time." I guess those songs come from more of my subconscious than anything else."

 

 

This is such an amazing way to get inspiration and I agree that books and TV are great places for this, as there is so much choice that can spark different emotions. Also, I think the best things come from the subconscious!

 

I love Megan's music and can't wait to hear more from her! I also love an artist who can write their own music, but who can also play it themselves - both of these boxes can defiantly be ticked. (Megan, if you are ever in the UK, let me know!!) Below is a link to one of my personal favourite covers which is Katy Perry - Dark Horse.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbD0B3dzxDM&list=UU4i0urwpMIEYdtJWU7hlu2g

 

Also, don't forget to follow Megan on Twitter - https://twitter.com/meganadavies

 

Thank you also to Megan for allowing this on my blog and answering all my questions!

 

 

Flame x

 



Album Review: X - Ed Sheeran

After a long 2 years, Ed Sheeran has finally released his new album. With his first album '+' (pronounced plus) being so absolutely amazing and a hard thing to follow, I was anxious to see how 'x' (pronounced multiply) would bare up in comparison.

I needn't have worried and the 2 year wait can defiantly be forgiven! This album completely ups the ante from his debut album and every song synthesises the catchy qualities of 'The A Team' and 'Lego House'. It has potential number one singles left, right and centre and it is easy to imagine each and every track being played in an arena full of people. Ed Sheeran also does what a lot of male artist don't - have an endless bag of tricks. It is so rare that you will find a transition from a Justin Timberlake inspired dance track such as 'Sing' to 'Don't', a soul like hymn. You also have 'The Man' where it is more rap based. All of this is done without it feeling forced and you sort of come to expect it while listening to the album.

One thing I love about listening to any Ed Sheeran song/album is that none of the tracks sound over produced and have a simplicity about them. This is achieved through acoustic sounds and careful piano keys, but you still get the larger sounds in too. One of my favourite tracks from the album is 'I'm a mess'. This song is beautiful even with a couple of odd lines ("put your faith in my stomach"??) In An interview, Ed Said he wrote this in a low point in his life, but it isn't all about depressing thoughts at all and saying that he still believes in love. I mean everyone knows they are a mess sometimes and this track is perfect to commiserate to.

Ed's voice is simply incredible and the whole album is so well written and each song is brilliant - you will defiantly have this on repeat!

All I can say is - Ed Sheeran, keep doing what you do!

Flame x