Interview With Megan McKenna

Around 2 years ago I received a track called High Heeled Shoes from what I thought was a new singer. The track was a country flavoured song that could easily have been a Shania Twain tune, the song though stood up on its own.

Not watching any of the reality TV shows I had no idea that the artist behind the song was Megan McKenna who rose to fame after appearing in Ex On The Beach and later The Only Way Is Essex.

Her debut album Story of Me was released in December 2018, now she is heading out on an acoustic UK tour that visits Leeds in September.

I had a chat with Megan about her musical career and what we can expect from the forthcoming tour.

Most people know you for the Reality TV shows but when I heard the High Heels single I thought you were an established singer.

Thank you very much, that's so good to hear. The song High Heeled Shoes is very much influenced by country music. Many of the younger country artists that I listened to are now coming over to this country and touring such as Carrie Underwood, I do like her music and the vibe. On the tour though people will see a different part of me. The Only Way Is Essex was good for me in that it gave me a platform to do this now but my music career is totally different.

You supported Michael Buble in Hyde Park last year, what was that like?

To be honest it was the best moment of my life. It was a big stage with a runway which I was allowed to use. Sadly I didn't get to meet him, he just turned up before the show but for me it was a big opportunity for me to sing my own music to such a large audience.

You are going on tour soon, what can we expect?

That's right, the original dates sold out so we have had to add some more dates. Everyone so far has been very respectful and listened, I want people to be in touch with me. Music means the world to me and when I sing my songs it is like opening my diary.
We do some original songs of mine and some covers too. I am really excited about coming to Leeds, also it is a chance to meet the fans too as I am doing some meet and greets before the show.

You released your book Mouthy last year, do you always say what you think?

I am a very honest person. I think now before I speak though. With all the TV shows I did there was a lot of pressure and before you know it moments of my private life were splashed across the newspapers. If people come along to one of the shows they will get to know me a lot better.

You have the clothing range, cosmetics business, is there a danger of doing too many things?

Yes, I do have my fingers in many pies. My fan base talk to me and all the things you mention have been received so well. I think if things are done properly people will buy them.

What is most important to you the Reality TV shows or your music?

Music - always music. I've worked so hard to get where I am now with my music. It is so hard to get signed by a label and I had to get out there and do it on my own. I believe you have to take any opportunity that comes your way because you never know what is around the next corner.

How many pairs of High Heeled Shoes have you got?

A lot! Though I have got a lot of trainers too that I tend to wear through the week, I love my casual wear, though I do wear my heels at the weekends.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

Be first or be different - that is one of the best ones. I am really enjoying doing my music at the moment. I have just come back from Nashville- it is one of the best places in the world, the whole vibe is so friendly and supportive. When you go there everyone had their own story to tell. It's like a home from home for me.

Coming up before the tour I will be on the MTV Cribs UK programme, the show has been refreshed from before - they come to my house and show everything, I used to watch the show when I was little. It's going to be aired on 26th August.

Megan McKenna Story of Me Acoustic UK tour visits Headrow House Leeds on Saturday 14 September

Tickets available from: www.eventbrite.co.uk