Meagan McNeal.
Edited by Nada Abdelrahim
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Consistently choosing to live life (in all ways) from the lens of abundance and love; past lack and fear.
What is your motto?
“Win or learn, never lose.”
What is your current state of mind?
Glowin’ up.
How would you like to die?
In my sleep, surrounded by a loved one playing my favorite jams and celebrating the life I lived.
What is it that you love most about what you do?
While I love many things about what I do, I love most the power of music to connect people. When you’re IN it, for a moment, the musicians relate to one another, the audience is connected to the musicians-- all under one sound. Everyone in the space lends energy to that moment and everyone is welcome because it transcends many things; age, race, religion, language, gender.
If you could have a conversation with anybody (alive or dead), who would it be?
My great grandmother; Huna.
When did you realize that you wanted to be a creative?
August 18, 2008. My very first solo show in Kalamazoo, MI. It was the first time I’d performed with a band, outside of a church choir. I made a few coins and the realization that I could be paid for doing what I love—Changed. My. Life.
What motivates you?
My son, Maddox, and other young people like him.
What do you love about being a woman?
The ability to, literally, create. Carrying Maddox showed me just how powerful my body was. I had no depth to my understanding before that. I’d never felt more beautiful, more close to God, more empowered and more sure than when I carried and birthed him.
What is your experience of being a woman, while also being a creative?
It’s been a balancing act, especially in this new chapter of my womanhood. Adulting is hard. Parenting is hard. Creating space to create amidst other obligations is downright hard. But I wouldn’t trade it. It’s beautiful. It’s messy. Motherhood opens my eyes to new inspiration I didn’t even know was there. I now find myself having more compassion and vulnerability and a LOT more forgiveness for myself and others.
“I love most the power of music to connect people.”
