Introducing: Meg Watson

Meg Watson is a force to be reckoned with in the independent music scene. Hailing from Yorkshire, the singer-songwriter burst onto the scene with her debut single Funny Thing in late 2024, selling out her launch show in style. Now, she’s keeping the momentum going with her latest track Strip It Back, released in February 2025. Fiercely independent and driven, she’s currently in the studio crafting her debut EP, set to drop in summer 2025. With radio play on BBC Introducing and Yorvik Radio, plus a growing live presence, Meg Watson is definitely one to watch whether it be for her music or acting abilities.

Your songs, like Funny Thing and Strip It Back, have a deeply personal and storytelling-driven feel. Can you walk us through your songwriting process? Where do you draw inspiration from?

I find the songwriting process very personal, and will often be working on a song for a few months before I feel ready to share it with anyone. I tend to find a theme I want to write about and then, throughout the writing process, discover the specifics of what I want to say. More often than not, I write chronologically, starting with the verse and ending with writing the bridge. I think that is where the storytelling nature of my songs comes from because I am working through the subject matter as I am writing. I like being able to take those listening on a journey. Sometimes my inspiration will be more specific, like a scenario in my own or a friend’s life, a quote or painting. I was inspired by the pre Raphaelite painting of Ophelia to write a recent song which I hope to add to my upcoming EP. I rarely write a song in one sitting. Sometimes it’s just about getting something written down, even if it changes, and then I usually come back to it over a few days and refine the song, cementing the lyrics and the structure.  

As an independent musician, what are some of the biggest challenges and rewards you’ve encountered while building your career?

Being an independent musician is something I take pride in. Although not always the smoothest of sailings, as with anything, it has its highs and its lows. I have found I am turning my hand to lots of skills, some of which I haven't much experience in. It's been, and continues to be, a steep learning journey for me. However, this only makes the achievements and wins that much sweeter because I know how much hard work has been put in to get to those places. I also do enjoy being able to translate my creative vision into every aspect, the music, the promotion, the images. Speaking to other independent musicians, and myself included, I know how easy it is to doubt your abilities. It is scary putting yourself out there and it can be easy to feel alone in that, especially when you are an independent artist. I’ve found it so key to surround myself with good people who give me that push when I am second guessing my own abilities. Particularly finding people in the same position as me has been so helpful to me. 

You’re currently recording your debut EP, set for release in Summer 2025. Can you give us a sneak peek into what listeners can expect in terms of sound, themes, or collaborations?

Recording the EP has been a really rewarding experience. I work closely with a producer which makes the process really collaborative. I think that's one of the most important aspects of being a musician, finding the right people to work and share your music with. Most of my song compositions start simply with me and my guitar so it’s been an exciting process developing these songs to the tracks you hear on the EP. 

Coming up in the rest of the EP, listeners can expect more heartfelt lyrics and upbeat tracks as well as some that take a softer and more ‘stripped back’ approach. Themes of self reflection, friendship and growing up will continue into the rest of the EP, and I explore them through different perspectives and music styles. One of my goals with this EP was for the songs to work standing alone but also together. I wrote these songs at different stages in my life but it felt important to find a through line connecting them together from start to finish. I feel I have been able to do that and look forward to hearing other people's interpretations. 

Your Funny Thing single launch was a sold-out show. How did it feel performing to a packed crowd? And do you have any upcoming gigs or tours in the works?

The ‘Funny Thing Single Launch’ was an event we put on to mark the release of my single ‘Funny Thing’. As I talked about previously, there was a big sense of achievement when all that hard work came together for the gig. I had such great people that worked on it with me. There's nothing quite like playing your songs live, being able to feel and see people's reactions right there in front of you. I wanted to create a warm and friendly environment, cheering everyone on and getting the crowd involved in our set. Nothing too forced, nothing too staged. I am excited to continue playing live gigs and have plans for an EP Launch in Summer 2025.