Megan Slankard, on her inspirations, career experiences, and current album

In this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steve Roby interviews multi-talented musician Megan Slankard. They discuss Megan’s inspirations, career experiences, and current album.

Megan shares her early influences, most notably The Beatles, whose music profoundly impacted her. According to Megan, The Beatles were a gateway that led her to explore classic rock bands like Led Zeppelin and Heart before transitioning to a singer-songwriter style, all of which have shaped her unique sound.

As the conversation continued, Megan and Steve discussed her latest record, California and Other Stories, which she co-produced with Nashville producer Alex Wong.

Megan elaborates on her creative process, noting that the songs featured on California… were born from a period of profound personal change and adversities. "I call it my revenge record, even though names and places have been changed to protect the not-so-innocent," Megan quips, adding a touch of humor to the transformative nature of her music. They delve into how her monthly songwriting club on Patreon allowed her to explore different musical avenues and eventually pour her heart and soul into this album, dividing it into two thematic halves — one belligerent rock and roll, the other reflective and cinematic.

The duo also discusses the evolving music industry and its impact on artists like Megan. She voices her nostalgia for the bygone era when albums were central to the music experience, contrasting it with today's single-focused, streaming-driven landscape. “Music weirdly has become the background,” she observes, lamenting how the depth and artistry in albums are often overlooked.

Toward the end, Megan hints at exciting upcoming projects, including new singles and a unique coloring book that aligns with her songs. "Each picture you color will correspond with a song, and there will be lyrics," she explains. Her reflective take on the industry's changing landscape and her earnest dedication to her craft and fans make for an inspiring and insightful interview.