Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Graney. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Megan Graney is a singer-songwriter based out of Los Angeles. She grew up singing in choir and still does so today. Her classical background in music blossomed into a love for vocal jazz. An alumni of Berklee College of Music, she sang with several A cappella groups and graduated with a Music Business Degree in 2013. The Bay Area native is a strong advocate for mental health, caretaking, and sharing vulnerability in her craft. Her music can be heard as conscious New-Age music, with the intention of helping listeners heal past trauma through sound.
Prior to her artist career, Megan has been supporting film composers for the last four years. She earned credits in major films that include Despicable Me 3 and The Nut Job 2. Her work at Bear McCreary’s studio, Sparks and Shadows, ultimately earned her the studio management role for Brazilian film composer, Heitor Pereira, located at Hans Zimmer’s film score company – Remote Control Productions. Megan continued to earn further credits assisting Canadian-based film composer Andrew Lockington for the last three years. Credits include Daybreak, American Gods, and the Emmy Award-winning series Delhi Crime.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Truthfully? The road has been a winding learning curve. The top struggle for my journey is how much an artist (or any creative) is consistently expected to have out-of-pocket investments. As a singer, I’ve really had to learn how to balance several jobs in order to fuel assets that would allow me to be properly heard. Quality equipment, headshots, demos, vocal lessons, marketing, you name it – all of which help maintain your craft at the highest caliber. Independent artists are faced with many financial hoops, especially while they’re still establishing their fanbase. It takes time to find your niche audience. Most executives won’t take your services seriously without that dedicated level of upkeep. Although it’s been a huge challenge, it has honed in my work ethic and focus to stay persistent.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am halfway finished writing an EP that will bring sonically rich journeys through my own memories and lived experiences to my listeners, allowing them to process their personal authentic truth. My second single, “Waves” will be released on Friday, August 27th. This song focuses on the concepts of grief and how that journey changes as time goes by of losing a loved one. I wrote it after my father passed away in 2020, with the sincere hope it will provide a catharsis for anyone grieving.
I specialize in using a stylistic approach of healing methods through music. Getting older has really made me appreciate the unique voice type I have as a contralto, which is the lowest vocal range for a female. I am consciously choosing vocal tones and instrumental frequencies to soothe the listener.
My team sets me apart from other creatives because we all have a clear vision on how we want to serve and help the collective heal through music. Some of that involves weaving symbolism within song lyrics and artwork. Although this concept is not new, it feels the most aligned with the messaging of my artistry. My creative team includes Mitchell Haeuszer (Co-Writer and Producer), Donavan Brown (Manager), and Franziska Pugh (PR) who are individually brilliant at what they do. Their collective force of support allows me to have true creative freedom.
Being exposed to the film world for four years has really made an impression on me. Gifted screenwriters and directors make a point of saying several things in one frame through symbolism and fusing music to match the psychology of what that scene is trying to convey. I have adapted those aspects into my music. We are using storytelling as a form of art people can relate to. To me, it’s like an indirect exercise of meditation by merging awareness and presence.
How do you think about luck?
I believe both good and bad luck perpetuate themselves by personal choice. The last two years have allowed me to get even more clarity on the purpose of using my gifts as a songwriter. Once I started making choices from that mindset, more “luck” began to happen. I started to meet other creators who want to make a positive impact through music. That has also crossed over to my song releases in finding listeners who are truly resonating with my work.
“Bad luck” presented itself more when I made choices from a poverty mindset, based out of fear in not taking risks that truly advocated for myself. No matter the outcome, I can confidently say that I’ve learned how to remain resilient as I strive towards making music that will truly help people feel better. Staying authentic to myself and my messaging has paid off tenfold in my personal and professional life.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megan.graney/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBr0eBYaGHqeGW0RAM2Z4GA/featured
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/megangraneymusic
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Az0mAnbokjlmK2hywyRj0
Image Credits:
Photography by Lisa Vortman Hair Stylist / Makeup Artist by Breanna Ford
