Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Hammond.
Hi Megan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have been connected to music ever since I was born to be honest. I started writing songs and performing them for my parents when I was around 5 years old. I joined choir in school and started playing the violin when I was in the third grade. I started performing in front of people vocally when I entered the talent show in 2nd grade at Piney Orchard Elementary School and performed “Tomorrow” from Annie the Musical. I also entered the talent show in 4th grade at Four Seasons Elementary School, where I had background dancers and performed “Baby” by Justin Bieber (including Ludacris’s verse). As I got older, my connection to music grew. It was always implemented by my parents in some way, both of them are not musicians, but they are lovers of music (of all genres) I am blessed to have parents that embraced my gifts and gave me the space to grow and flourish. Once I got to high school, I started getting noticed for my voice and style. I was inducted into the All-Shore Choir in 2014 I believe, where for the first time- I was celebrated for having a “non-traditional voice.” I am an alto/tenor/baritone, but my range has expanded into places I never knew was possible. As I progressed through high school, it solidified that music was my calling. I started working with Annapolis vocal coach Jeremy Ragsdale in 2015, who pushed me to start performing on bigger stages with bigger bands. He truly embraced who I was and the power of my voice, which is something I did not realize for a long time. Through working with him, I performed at the Eastport a rockin’ fest, the downtown Annapolis music and arts fest, the Annapolis Chocolate Fest, and I even sang the National Anthem at the Annapolis Mayoral Inauguration for Gavin Buckley in 2017. Throughout High School, I would sing the National Anthem for various varsity sport’s events at my high school (Kent Island High School). I knew I wanted to leave Maryland at some point to explore what other places had to offer, so when it was time to apply for colleges, most were out of town. I auditioned at Berklee College of Music and got in, but I could not go due to tuition prices at the time. I ended up at Columbia College Chicago, which is one of the greatest decisions I could have ever made. I came out to Chicago all by myself in 2018. No family, no friends, just me and my big, beautiful dream. Chicago has embraced me beyond belief. Once I graduated in 2022, I released my first single “What is a Valentine?” along with a music video that I creative directed. Since then, I have been releasing music every year, performing all over Chicago and now about to release my first ever project.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Honestly, no! But I wouldn’t change a single page of this story. I was diagnosed with Sjogren’s Disease August of 2024, after years of mystery health issues that had me hospitalized a few times throughout college and even early last year. This year I was diagnosed with a secondary autoimmune illness, Rheumatoid Polyarthritis and as you can imagine, another painful disease. My love for music has helped me push through and I feel stronger than ever because of it. I am also blessed to have wonderful doctors who actually listen to my concerns.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a musician, vocalist, songwriter, performer, creative director, producer, composer, stylist, I do it all! I am known for my vocal prowess and my songwriting chops. I am most proud of my way of turning my hardships into songs.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I have been able to read sheet music since the third grade! I am an AVID knitter. I make hats, scarves, sweaters, and more.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thiswebsiteismeh.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m.e.h.music___/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@meh_meh_music?si=vj5W081kHajoBe2u
