Megan McKenna

Megan McKenna is a name many know for her reality television appearances. Having started out on Britain's Got Talent, it was her more feisty appearances on Ex on the Beach and Celebrity Big Brother that raised her profile in the tabloids and gossip magazines. However, the former drama school student has returned to the musical ambitions that originally fuelled her fame and is about to take her stunning debut album Story of Me on a stripped back national tour. We caught up with her to find out more.

You are an ex Arts Ed student. Did a drama school grounding stand you in good stead for a performance career?

It taught me the long hours involved and what goes into really making it in this industry. Both my theatre schools helped build my confidence and prepare me for the audition process.

You are still best known for your reality appearances, do you think they are inevitable as a platform for the majority of upcoming talents?

I was working in an estate agency when I was approached to go on an MTV reality show. I believe everything happens for a reason so I took the chance and now am pleased that I did because that led to CBB then to TOWIE and to my own show There’s Something About Megan which was all about my music.

Are there any of the shows you have regretted?

No I just regretted getting so drunk on an empty stomach on CBB but I was trying to help the house win a task!

Many people were very surprised that you went the Country route. Was that always your end goal?

When I was really young I was at a musical theatre audition and the casting director was from America. They told me my voice was too Country for the part. I went away to find out more about country music and just fell in love with it and realised that my voice really did suit it. So ever since then I’ve always wanted to be a country artist and made sure there was a chance for me to sing on any of the TV show’s I signed up for like the housemate talent contest in Celebrity Big Brother, the TOWIE Christmas special etc

Your debut album is a very reflective affair. How did you find the writing process?

I started writing the album two years ago and finished it last year. I love writing music especially with some of my favourite co-writers like Amy Wadge and Beth Nielsen Chapman. It’s kind of like spending a day with your friend talking about everything that’s going on in your life getting in down on paper and coming out with a song at the end. It’s easy when it comes from the heart.

No doubt it has changed people's impression of you, was that part of the intention?

Well it’s definitely great that my music is unfiltered it can’t be edited by a tv show or journalist the words are exactly what I want to be out there

You are about to head out on an intimate acoustic tour. What do you have planned for the shows?

This is a chance to showcase my voice completely raw with a pianist and a guitarist as though it were in a Nashville setting. In Nashville, before artists perform their songs they explain the meaning behind each song and that’s what I’ll be doing on my tour.

Is there a song you most enjoy performing?

‘Story of Me’ the title song of the album, because it’s very emotional. It goes through the stages of my life, I love recounting my journey and think my fans really appreciate the fact that I’m honest about heartbreak





Musically, what is your biggest ambition?

To tour the world!!

The UK country scene is rapidly growing. Are there any acts you are a fan of?

The Shires. I’ve actually known Chrissy for years and we all keep in touch.

Lastly, if you could duet with someone on the next record, who would it be?

Definitely Kacey Musgraves. I’ve listened to her for years and finally got to see her perform live at Wembley last year and got to meet her too!