It has been one heck of a ride for Halifax musician Meaghan Smith. Not only did her phenomenal full-length record The Cricket’s Quartet earn accolades from high-profile publications like People Magazine, Smith waltzed home with the Juno Award for New Artist of the Year a couple of weeks back. She’s had her music featured in television shows including Gray’s Anatomy and is currently offering her fans the chance to win a guitar. How sweet is that?!
All the praise coming Smith’s way is well-deserved in this writer’s opinion. In a time of so much mediocrity in music, her album drew upon influences that date back to the first half of the 20th Century. Her sound is unique and her voice is simply wonderful. If you have not already had the opportunity to hear Smith for yourself, I would highly recommend taking the time to do so now.
Meaghan graciously took the time to share some of her experiences with The MusicNerd Chronicles where she tells us about why the air in the City of Halifax is so great and why she has needed to buy Sarah McLachlan’s Solace record numerous times.
Where do you currently call home?
Halifax is home.
Why do you live where you do?
I love Halifax. The arts community here is awesome not to mention the air. There’s nothing like coming home from a long tour of fun albeit stinky, huge cities and getting off the plane in Halifax to cool fresh air that smells like rain and pine trees. It’s quiet and down to earth. It’s creative and unpretentious. Not to mention that I love a lot of people that live here too. And we can actually afford to buy a house here.
What is occupying your time these days?
I’m writing new songs, painting lots of pictures, making cards, baking and walking but mostly working on writing new songs.
First record purchased and at what age?
I bought Sarah McLachlan’s second album Solace with my birthday money when I turned 12. I then had to buy that album 5 more times; I kept wearing it out because I listened to it so much!
When did you start to play music?
I grew up singing. I can’t really remember when I started to play. But I started writing my own songs when I was around 12. It was a big year for me creatively.
If we took a look inside the bedroom of a 13-15 year old you, what posters would have been on the walls?
I had pictures of things and people that inspired me. Lots of pictures of nature and singers like Sarah Mclachlan, Tori Amos, Bjork, the Pixies and other artists that inspired me. But I found them in magazines and cut them out.
What three records could you not live without?
Bjork – Vespertine
Benji Hughes – A Love Extreem
Coldplay – Viva La Vida
Who or what is getting too much attention these days?
I don’t like to complain about what people are interested in or talking about. It’s important even if it’s not directly meaningful to me.
Who or what is not getting enough attention these days?
I wish our government cared more about environmental, educational and health care issues.
What has been your most memorable show?
My most memorable show I think was the first time I ever played in a huge stadium. It was six years or so and I was invited to sing at a benefit concert here in Halifax at the Metro Centre. I got on stage and sang one song in front of 8000 people. It was the first time I had sung in front of that many people and I was totally blown away by the massive energy that was flowing between me and the audience. It was incredible! It changed my life.
Worst career moment thus far?
Honestly, I don’t have one. I have learned from any past negative experiences I have had, and so in a way they were all necessary for me to get to this point, and I’m happy here. I have lots to do but I’m happy to be on the road I’m on.
Most extravagant rider item?
80 % dark chocolate covered almonds… For Mingo (my husband / guitar player / favourite person) of course!