Megan Jay is one of our local singer-songwriters that I’ve gotten to play on shows with and know pretty well in the music scene over the last few years.

The thing I don’t think anyone is ever prepared for when they are about to see Megan Jay (Kenosha indie folk musician Megan Johnson) is just how powerful both her voice and the stories she paints with her lyrics truly are. For instance, there is one particular song that she performs, I believe, based on her grandparents, their relationship and their love.

I forced myself to focus on taking pictures or trying to record it once, but after that, it’s a song that I just love to sit back and enjoy listening to and just being in that moment.

She performs it fairly often, so remember to follow her on Facebook here and Instagram here so that you can stay informed on your next opportunity to experience that moment for yourself.

You can also contact her by email at megann.john@gmail.com, and you connect with her more at https://linktr.ee/meganjay

Now, please, take time to get to know her a little more in her own words in the Q-and-A below:

Saint of Sixth (SOS):

What is your first memory of being drawn to music?

Megan Jay:

I have been drawn to music since I was a small child. One of my first memories is one where I was in the car with my mom, and I was so moved by the song “How Do I Live Without You” by Trisha Yearwood that I cried. I think I was around 3 years old.

SOS:

What would you say are your greatest influences?

Megan Jay:
I have so many influences that it is truly hard to list them all, but my main influences for the music I create are Julien Baker, Mitski, Andy Hull, and Ella Fitzgerald.

SOS:

Why do you, personally, make music?

Megan Jay:

What else am I going to do!? But in all seriousness, I cannot imagine a life where I do not create music. I am of the belief that every person needs an outlet and music is mine. It helps me feel connected to others, it helps me process things that have happened in my life, and it just feels right. I find it difficult to put into words exactly how it feels to create and perform music, but it is like I am doing what I am supposed to be doing. It makes more sense than anything else I have ever done.

“I am of the belief that every person needs an outlet and music is mine. It helps me feel connected to others, it helps me process things that have happened in my life, and it just feels right.“

— Megan Jay

SOS:

What is your music about?

Megan Jay:

It is largely about my personal experiences and the feelings that come with them. I explore the complexities of human emotion from anger, sorrow, confusion, and tried, to joy and love and contentedness.

SOS:

What is your favorite memory from a show you’ve played?

Megan Jay:

I can name a few shows that this has happened at, but one of my favorite show moments is when a rowdy room slowly starts to listen to me, until the whole room is quiet and focused on my performance. It is the coolest feeling in the world.

SOS:

What other local band/bands do you like to go see perform?

Megan Jay:

Seriously so many. Kenosha has some absolutely incredible musicians. I love seeing all kinds of genres, too. Violet Wilder, Daniel and His 3 a.m. Saints (duh), Old Wolves, Torrahbull, Josie Spoons, Revel In Rot, Would You Kindly?, Miss B Haven, Morrow, Mangata, Old Brown Shoes … The list is extensive. This isn’t even half.

SOS:

You have a night off, where are you hanging out in Kenosha?

Megan Jay:

Either at The Port, Olafson & Porter Vintage Goods, or on my couch!

SOS:

What else would you like people to know about you/your band?

Megan Jay:

My goal is to make you feel things.

I care deeply about the music scene and am always down to play with new people and make new musician friends.

Voted “most likely to make you cry” by my friend Cat.