MATTER OF TIME
Australian music scene since she was discovered on Triple J Unearthed in 2013, Meg Mac has no doubt been the soundtrack to some of your most pivotal and angsty teen moments (or is that just me?).
She is a powerful singer and songwriter with a bold stage presence, but off stage she is modest and soft-spoken, with a quiet confidence that commands in a room in a different way to her on stage persona. We took time to shoot and catch up with Meg on one of her last days of work for 2022, after her recent US and European tours supporting Jacob Banks.
We chat with Meg about the launch of her most recent album ‘Matter of Time’, tour life and what we can expect from her in 2023.
Name:
Meg Mac
Star Sign:
Cancer
If you could only use 3 words to describe yourself, what would they be?
I’m quiet but also loud and I’m a singer.
What is the most pivotal memory you have from your childhood?
I’m one of 5 kids so most of my memories are of us messing around and we all LOVED to sing. We must have been so annoying, people say we lived in a mad house.
You have a new album out now called ‘Matter Of Time’. How relieved are you to release this album?
I made some tough decisions for this album to even exist so it is such a relief to be on the other side of that now.
You mention in several interviews that this album was a result of a breakdown that led you to scrap an entire album and start from scratch. What was the trigger to this breakdown? If you can pinpoint it to a moment?
I remember the exact moment because the first single was about to come out, it had already been uploaded to all the platforms and was ready to go on release day. It’s hard to explain but it’s like something stopped me and I just snapped and physically could not release that song. That was the first step but I secretly knew I had a better album in me.
Where did you find the bravery to take a stand for your art and remake an entire album?
Good question. I definitely didn’t feel brave at the time but looking back I can see the courage it took and I still can't believe I did it.
How did you recover from your breakdown, and how are you taking care to preserve yourself against another breaking point?
It was time that helped me recover.. I am piecing this together as I answer this that I called my album Matter Of Time ha. I wasted time not making the album I wanted and delaying my life by not doing anything about it. I don’t want to waste time anymore.
How important are gut feelings to you?
When you experience what it’s like to go against the gut feelings you figure out how important it is to trust your intuition.. I always learn things the hard way
Who were you most excited to collaborate and work with for this album, and why?
Working with the Donuts on production was really cool. They always surprised me and never did what I expected them to do with the songs. We’d finished most of the album before I‘d even met them in person so I was always waking up to WhatsApp messages with new ideas, it was a different way of working but looking back now I really enjoyed it.
Where do you find inspiration for your songwriting?
I don’t wake up and write songs like it’s my job, I find it impossible unless I’m reacting to something. Even if it’s just a word or something someone says. Usually I’m driving or I’m watching tv and something happens and I’ll pause and go sing. I record little voice memos and write notes to come back to later if I’m out. Its like I need little inspirations to get me started.
If you weren’t a musician, what job would you like to be doing?
I usually say I want to work at a bank because I always wanted to do that when I was a kid but honestly I have no idea.
Do you have any hidden talents or surprising hobbies?
Tetris
You recently went on a US and European tour. Which was your favourite city to play and why?
Madrid. we arrived and I instantly wanted to move there and Phoenix, Arizona - but I don’t want to move there. They were both the type of show that just had this special magic in the air, don’t know how else to explain it.
Do you have any tour vices that you indulge?
Playing Animal Crossing in my bunk on the tour bus was my alone time.
What should Australian audiences expect from Meg Mac on the upcoming AU tour?
It’s going to be the most different show I’ve ever done actually! I’m so excited!!!
Meg Mac embarks on her Australian tour starting on the 14 April in Thirroul. For more information, head to her website /
Photographer: Olivia Repaci
Stylist: Emma Read @ Order
HMU: Sarah Damichi
Talent: Meg Mac
Song For The Mute trench coat; Common Hours printed mesh top; Louise Olsen x Alex and Trahanas earrings / Fendi blazer and trousers; ATP Atelier boots; Louise Olsen ring / Prada dress; Louise Olsen x Alex and Trahanas earrings
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