September
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Meghan Trainor Brings the ‘Bass’ to Florida
Singer, songwriter Meghan Trainor isn’t the only one that is “All About That Bass.” Since the single’s release in June, the world has become hooked on the empowering anthem. This week also marked the debut single reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. On September 9, Trainor released her EP, TITLE. This will pave the way for the forthcoming release of her first full-length album due later this year.
The debut track’s positive message is especially powerful in the LGBT community, so it’s no surprise that Trainor has been headlining LGBT pride events across the country, including Orlando’s Come Out With Pride event in October. Before becoming this summer’s breakout artist, the 20 year old Nantucket native scored her first publishing deal at age 18. Since, she penned tracks for everyone from Grammy-winning country superstars Rascal Flatts to reggae/rock/R&B group Common Kings. Inspired by everything from pop to R&B and soul to the melody and swing of soca, Trainor offers her own unique, bold and catchy sound that blends rockabilly, hip-hop and classic pop.
I chatted with the bubbly, buxom blonde before her Florida performances, which brings her to The Fontainebleau Hotel Miami on Friday, September. 19 and as a headliner for Come Out With Pride Orlando, Wednesday, October 8 at The Abbey.
Erik Caban: This first single not only has a great message about being yourself no matter what you look like – but also – who you are. It will undoubtedly speak to your LGBT audience.
Meghan Trainor: That’s awesome! I would love to be able to make people happy with my music.
Is there a specific album or song that gave you a sense of belonging and allowed you to be yourself when you were growing up?
Wilson Phillips’ song called “Hold On” was my jam! Every car ride to school, my mom would bump that song and I loved it so much! it has a beautiful message and always helped me out whenever I felt bad!
Going back a bit, how did you get your start in music?
My father is a musician, so when I was growing up and learning how to play guitar and piano and trumpet, he provided me with any equipment I needed in order to learn how to produce music. At 13, I learned how to produce and by 15, I was writing and producing my own albums. My uncle is a performer from Trinidad. He, my aunt and I started writing Caribbean music together when I was 11 or 12.
I saw that you currently live in Nashville. Did you feel pressure to be a country artist or did your blended style of country, pop and rockabilly just come naturally?
I just moved here in November. I spent two years traveling to Nashville and L.A. from Nantucket Island, MA for writing sessions. That got really expensive so I decided I would move to either Nashville or LA. Since my publisher, Big Yellow Dog is in Nashville, I chose Nashville. Plus, it is really easy to get to LA from Nashville. There are other pop writers and producers in Nashville, not just country. I prefer to perform pop [music], however I have written a lot of country songs, like the two that Rascal Flatts cut this year. It is fun to be able to do both.
You’ve clearly been busy promoting the release of “All About That Bass.” How did you spend your last day off?
I watched the rest of Orange is the New Black on Netflix all day.
What can we expect from your upcoming full length album?
It’s a really honest and fun album! I’m so excited for everyone to hear it. There are songs about relationships, body image, self acceptance – you know – things that girls my age deal with on a daily basis. I hope a lot of girls will relate to it. The sound is pop with influences from hip-hop, 50’s throwback, and some Caribbean feel too.
Who are your musical influences?
My father has always been a musical influence for me. He was a music teacher for Nantucket and led the marching band and is an incredible piano player. He would always play James Brown and Earth, Wind and Fire when I was growing up. So whatever “soul” I have, its because of my father. He always supported me with my music and bought me any equipment I needed to produce and write. He loves watching me work and I love having him in the studio with me. One of my favorite things is sending my dad a new song and getting his response!
More info.: Who: Meghan Trainor
Where/When: The Fontainebleau Hotel Miami, Sept. 19; The Abbey, Oct. 8
Links: http://www.meghan-trainor.com http://www.facebook.com/meghantrainorsongs http://www.twitter.com/meghan_trainor http://www.instagram.com/meghan_trainor
THAT BASS TOUR Dates
All dates, cities and venues below subject to change.
2/11 Vancouver, BC, CA Vogue Theatre
2/13 Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom
2/14 Seattle, WA Neptune Theatre
2/16 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore
2/18 San Diego, CA House of Blues
2/21 Los Angeles, CA El Rey
2/25 Houston, TX House of Blues
2/27 Dallas, TX Granada Theater
3/1 Louisville, KY Mercury Ballroom
3/2 Detroit, MI St. Andrew’s Hall
3/4 Chicago, IL House of Blues
3/6 Toronto, ON, CA The Phoenix
3/8 Washington DC The Fillmore Silver Spring
3/11 Philadelphia, PA Theatre of Living Arts
3/13 New York, NY Irving Plaza
3/17 Boston, MA Paradise Rock Club
3/20 Nashville, TN The Cannery *
The Fire Down Below 