Why this Aussie singer is poised to dominate the music industry
In the past few years, Australia has become the country to watch for rising musicians. From Iggy Azalea to Sia to Vance Joy, you really don't have to look much further than down under to scope out the next big artists in America. So it comes as no shocker that Meg Mac, the singer/songwriter who has been dominating the festival circuit, hails from the country.
Her voice is unlike any other. A cross between Fiona Apple and Adele and flecked with soul and indie-pop influences, Meg Mac's vocal prowess commands attention. Her single "Roll Up Your Sleeves" epitomizes her complex and compelling sound and is sure to be your go-to summer track this season.
On the heels of her packed Governors Ball performance in New York City, AOL.com had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Meg Mac to talk about her what preparation goes into her festival performances, what the biggest moment in her musical has been so far, and more!
This feature is a part of #KanvasLive, an interactive, cross-platform content series brought to life on the Kanvas app and AOL.com. See more on coverage here.
%vine-url="https://vine.co/v/iY976Bw9hhO"%
How do you prepare for festivals in comparison to other shows?
I did a bunch of festivals in Australia over New Years, so I kind of feel like it's similar to that. So I prep the same as I would there! But I love the atmosphere of festivals. And it's so social and it gives you the chance to meet other people. When you do your own show, you only think about yourself the whole time.
Do you have any crazy festival stories?
I always wear a hat and it always blows off my head. I've been badly sunburnt, and I'm never wearing perfect shoes since it's always muddy or rainy.
Tell us about your outfit -- we love your dress!
I borrowed this dress from Romance Was Born. It's very swishy so when you walk it looks good!
What's your favorite part about Governors Ball so far?
People are in a great mood. They seem to be happy even when it's raining and they have mud all over them.
Your sister is your back up singer, correct? How did that come about?
Yeah! I was living in Melbourne when I was putting my band together and my little sister was living with me and she sings. So I got her to sing for me!
You mentioned earlier that you saw an Australian flag in the audience. What's it like knowing that you're reaching different corners of the world with your music?
It's surprising! I never expected people to be in the audience. I love looking into the crowd and seeing people's faces as they sing along to some of my songs that are not as well known. It just flips you out that you're so far away from home but people still know you and your music.
What has been the most surreal moment for you so far in your career?
I still think the very first time I was played on the radio. I don't think anything tops that. Lots of good things have happened since that first song got played, but that feeling was incredible. I had been living in Perth at the time and I decided to drive to Melbourne which is on the opposite side of the country. There was no reception as I was driving, but just as I was entering Melbourne my phone went off with an email saying my song was going to get played that night on Triple J which is a radio station. It welcomed me to Melbourne which was a good sign.
What new music or projects are you working on now?
I finished recording a few weeks ago in Fort Worth, Texas. I hope by the end of the year it comes out, but we're working as fast as we can to get the mixes done.
For more on this year's Governors Ball, scroll through the gallery below:
More on festival coverage:
Afrojack on Ultra Miami, collaborations and how he wants to fix meet and greets
James Corden shares his 'Carpool Karaoke' wishlist
Bryan Cranston becomes Lyndon B. Johnson in 'All the Way' trailer
