within the music

THE POWER OF THE WOMAN IN BLACK

Let me set the scene – It was Friday the 29^th of November 2013 and I was rushing home from work to head to the Brunswick venue Howler, to see one of my all time favourite bands Georgia Fair. This was their album launch for 'Trapped Flames' and I was a little excited about this. Even though GF weren't on til like ten, I'm a big believer that you need to get into the groove before seeing a gig. This includes some tasty food, a few drinks and a chance to relax before you can really let the music take you over. Friday is a tricky night because traffic sucks and everyone is off to have some fun.

Anyway, I made it to the venue, grabbed a quick bite and a drink. I always put in my best effort to make sure I see the supports. It's a way of discovering new artists, seeing who will be the next wave of talent and you paid for a ticket to see multiple bands so, why not see them. However, this night I'm pretty sure I missed the first support as I got in close to nine. A little bummed, my friend and I scouted out where GF were hanging and made it our point to stand next to them. Not to talk to them because that would be awkward ( Spoke to them once when I was more than merry on the happy juice and it wasn't pretty), but to just eavesdrop and create the fantasy that we are friends. I love going to GF gigs as the two main members Jordan and Ben are dating Lisa Mitchell and Lester The Fierce, so our little fantasy group is pretty cool.

So we are standing there with our besties and out comes a woman dressed in black with a few back up singers and band members. If you go to gigs often, you will notice that most people use the time before the headline band comes on as a catch up with your friends and to drink as much as you can. So the room is pretty noisy at this point, and even I am having a bit of a chat.

Then something happened that I have never experienced before. The woman in black casted a spell over the whole audience, dead silence. I had never seen this before, a bunch of semi drunk gig goers just stopping in their tracks for a support. At this stage I had no idea who this mystical bean was but I liked it. After the 3 or so minutes were up from the first song, I looked at my friend and said “wow”. I even heard the GF boys say “she's good!”. The response from the crowd was like insane, maybe the loudest clap of the night.

The woman in black then introduced herself as 'MEG MAC'.

Megan Mclnerney (Meg Mac) born 1990 is one of Australia's hottest up and coming artists. She is on every 'One To Watch' list from Spotify to Rolling Stone. When I first saw her in 2013 she was only just getting noticed by Triple J, with one song on Triple J Unearthed 'Know Better'. Two years later and her presence is crazy. With Singles 'Roll Up Your Sleeves' and 'Never Be' both getting played on community and commercial radio. Signed to both Australian and American Labels. Nominated for an Aria for “Best Female Artist' and 'Breakthrough Artist'. Played at SXSW. Toured with D'Angelo and Clean Bandit around the US. This all with 1X EP which includes 5 songs and 1X new single 'Never Be'. We are just waiting for her to dominate the world when she releases her debut album sometime in 2016.

I don't think her music fits with one genre and I hate labelling. There is an essence of a Blues style of writing with the repetition, but a hell of a lot of Soul influence. However, still feels modern, with it easily being put into the Pop basket. I think all these elements are what set Meg apart. She is creating music that she likes and not worried about what to call it or how it should sound.

Meg is still humble and keeps it real with her fans. She does her best to answer, like and comment on all posts. She just needs a name for her fans like 'Maccas', 'Big Macs' or 'Meggins'. Ok I will stop.

I have now seen her three times over the years and with each performance I have noticed she is just

getting better and better.

On the 12^th of December she co-headlined with music mastermind Jarryd James with support KitaAlexander. The show was a night to remember. Never has I seen so much talent in one room! Kita set the tone, Meg claimed her throne and Jarryd brought it home. The cherry on top for me was the incredible Julia Stone making an appearance for her debut with Jarryd called "Regardless".

Normally I would feature a few of my stand out tracks but Meg Mac doesn't have any because they are all bangerz. So I'll just add the ones with cool film clips to go with it.

Roll Up Your Sleeves – This song is my main jam and a great booster for believing in yourself, doing the right thing and saying to yourself “everything is going to be alright”

Never Be – Her latest single and chart favourite. It has a chorus that will be in your head all day