Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: I grew up in Alberta and music was always around. My parents are big music lovers. It wasn’t something I overthought, it was just something I naturally gravitated toward. I was always drawn to storytelling…songs that felt like real life, not just something to listen to, but something you could see yourself in.
I grew up listening to a mix of artists like Avril Lavigne, Shania Twain’s Up! album (both versions), and also a lot of Hilary Duff and Britney Spears. I think that blend of country and pop really shaped me early on, and it’s probably where I found that fusion in my own music without even realizing it at the time.
I’ve always been such a sucker for a good melody, and pairing that with honest, authentic lyrics is really what drives how I write now.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Megan Dawson”?
A: I think for me it’s really about consistency and connection. I’m not trying to be everywhere all at once…I just want to show up in a way that feels real and sustainable, whether that’s through live shows, social media, or just sharing the process behind the music.
For anyone just discovering me, I’d say my music is really about honesty. It’s not overcomplicated… it’s just real moments, real feelings, and hopefully something you can see a bit of yourself in.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: I’m always inspired by artists who feel really grounded in who they are… people like Kelsea Ballerini, Taylor Acorn or Russell Dickerson, where you can tell they’re not trying to be anything other than themselves.
Most of my inspiration honestly just comes from real life. Conversations, relationships, things you go through that you don’t always process in the moment. Writing is usually where I end up figuring out how I actually feel about something.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “As Good As It Gets.”?
A: This song is really about not settling…especially when it comes to love. It’s that feeling of knowing something might be “good enough,” but deep down you want something that actually feels right, even if it’s imperfect.
For me, it’s about wanting a kind of love that brings out the best in you, embraces the imperfect parts, and isn’t afraid of challenges…but still feels freeing at the same time. It’s not about perfect, it’s about real. And trusting your gut enough to walk away from something that doesn’t fully align, even if it’s comfortable.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: Honest.
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “As Good As It Gets”?
A: I think the biggest challenge was just making sure we were saying exactly what we meant. It’s a pretty simple idea on the surface, but there’s a lot underneath it emotionally.
I wrote it with Brad Flaysher, Ryan Flaysher, and Chelsea Heaslip, and it was one of those sessions where we really had to trust the feeling of the song and not overcomplicate it. Same thing in the studio with Dan Swinimer…keeping it bold and bright, but still letting the message come through in a real way.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: I think the message of my music is just to be honest about where you’re at, whether that’s messy, exciting, uncertain, or somewhere in between. Not everything has to be perfect to be meaningful.
As an artist, my goal is to build something that feels real and lasting. I want to make music that reflects who I am, but also connects with people in a way that feels personal to them too.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: I feel like Kelsea Ballerini would be a dream, just because I love how she balances vulnerability and the hookiest melodies ever in her music. And honestly, Shania Twain is always going to be up there too.
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: I think the biggest thing is to stay grounded in who you are. It’s really easy to compare yourself or feel like you have to do things a certain way, but the only thing that actually lasts is authenticity.
Also just… be patient. A lot of it takes longer than you expect, but that time is usually where you grow the most.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: I’d probably tell her to trust herself a little more and not feel like she has to have everything figured out right away.
And honestly, just to enjoy it more. I think I spent a lot of time worrying about where things were going instead of appreciating where I was. Everything kind of unfolds the way it’s supposed to …even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time.
