With all things technical failing on me this week, this was a chat that nearly didn't happen.

But walking away from my Zoom chat with the singer song writer Megan O'Neill, I felt as if all was right with the world again.

I first came across Megan, perhaps like many, when she appeared on my television screen after I decided to have another crazy Friday night in with The Late Late Show. Her performance of Jim Croces, 1973 classic, Time In A Bottle, left an indelible mark on my mind. It was in that moment as the last note was played on the piano, that I felt I had to learn more about this talented musician.

So I chanced my arm, and this time it paid off! So This week on The Big Nose Podcast I am delighted to say I chatted to singer song writer and all round positive person Megan O'Neill.

In this episode you will hear us talk about the past 12 months. Megan explains how, while her industry has been on its knees, that she has never been busier. Megan talks me through decisions she had to make and how she adapted to the impact of COVID 19 on her 2020 plans.

Like all my guests, I like to get a sense of the person I'm talking with. I asked her about what it was like growing up in Kildare and how much of a role music played in those formative years. Megan shares the importance of her Mothers influence on her at this time and the exposure she got to some of the most well known woman in music at that time.

I asked Megan weather she had a light bulb moment when she new that her interest was more than just a teenage phase and the potential to be a career path through music. Listeners will hear the story of the importance of the Irish Mammy, even when you are away in college at UCD and how the chance of a scholarship started a shift in the cosmos that perhaps was the first step along that un-returning road.

For the past number of years Megan has been living away from Ireland. I put it to her that to be a successful Irish artist, it's important for your career to get away from Ireland. Megan shared her thoughts on this in a very open and honest fashion. Listeners will hear her story of taking the road less traveled at 21 and exposing herself to a life in Nashville. Megan goes on to explain how this was a whole life changing experience.

With the release of her second album " Getting Comfortable With Uncertainty" and with it being the week of St Patrick I wanted to flesh out the meaning behind the very emotional song that is "Ireland". Listeners will be treated to a beautiful explanation by Megan and perhaps for those that are aboard now or have spend time living abroad will be able to feel it pull on your heart string as it perfectly encapsulates that feeling of being away from Ireland.

There is so much more that Megan and I chatted about, from her performance on The Late Late Show, and not being able to party in Coppers afterwards to the challenges that she faced covering a song she felt so protective of. Megan was a breath of fresh air to chat to on a Friday evening. So generous with her time to me and so refreshingly open and honest in the questions I put to her.

I would implore everyone to check out her music at megan-oneill.com where you can purchase her music. Megan is also across all major social media sites so check her out there. Whatever you do, just don't miss out on the opportunity to brighten up your day by exposing yourself to the rising star that is Megan O'Neill

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