Meghan Linsey Talks "Try Harder Than That," New EP & More

Meghan Linsey is forging her own musical path as a solo artist with the recent release of her self titled EP, which includes her terrific cover of "Counting Stars" as well as five other tracks. Her latest single from the project, "Try Harder Than That" mixes country and rap in a song that takes on the ever popular bro country trend while encouraging women not to settle in relationships. Meghan graciously took the time to talk about her new EP, her latest single and more!

Congratulations on the release of your EP. The project was Pledge funded and surpassed its goal. That really speaks a lot to your fan base.

That was an awesome way to make a record.  I have such a dedicated fan base that really supports my career. The way they stepped up, participated and pledged was totally overwhelming.
The project was a really great opportunity to connect with fans on a totally different level whether it was posting updates via video or fans pledging to spend a day in the studio with me, which they will get to do in November. It was terrific to have them as part of the recording process.

There are six songs on the record, including your cover of "Counting Stars." Did you have a hand in writing the other five?

I wrote or co-wrote them all with some really talented people including my producer Tyler Cain and Heather Morgan. I love writing; it’s a big part of who I am as an artist. After everything that has happened over the past few years, I was really inspired to write for the EP; I felt that I had a lot to say.

Talk about the story behind your current single “Try Harder Than That."

I wrote that song with James Otto and Corey Crowder. James had the idea to write a bro country song from a woman’s perspective and I said ‘that’s what I wanna write today!’ We wrote it in a couple of hours after which Corey brought up the idea of adding a rap. He said ‘Let’s call Bubba Sparxxx,’ who agreed and wrote the rap for it. We recorded the song and two days later we were at CMA Fest on the Bud Light Stage where Bubba joined me and we performed the song! That was pretty cool.

The single can currently be heard on The Highway where it continues to do well. Sirius has been a very big supporter of your music.

They have been amazing! I really value and appreciate their support. I know John from when he was a PD in California. When I shared my [solo] music with him, he immediately got behind it. The great thing about John is that he really supports independent and new artists which is something that is lacking on mainstream country radio where no one is really playing anything not on a major label.

The video for "Try Harder Than That," which is really fun and humorous, was recently released. Was the concept for the video your idea?

The video was definitely a collaborative effort between Ryan Hamblin, who directed the video, myself and my friends Julie and Steven. It was pretty easy to come up with the concept, to be honest with you; we just emailed ideas back and forth and it came together quickly.
Everything I do has a real grassroots feel to it, everyone rolls up their sleeves and works hard. I have a great team and supportive parents and when we work together it’s really special. You know, my dad built the throne in the video. I told my dad I needed a throne and he was like ‘I can do that,’ so we went to thrift store together, bought this old bed and he cut it up and made the chair. It’s just really cool that we can do that together.

Coming from a duo, how do you find performing as a solo artist?

It’s different. In Steel Magnolia I kind of laid back because when you are in a duo, you want to accommodate the other person, Now, I’m learning to play off of the band more and to be more adventurous on stage. I was so used to having someone to work with, someone else on stage with me and singing harmony, but I am learning to let go, have fun and really wail in my live show.

Now that the year is winding down, what are your professional plans for the remainder of 2014?

I have a few things in the works. I will be performing at quite a few events, then I will attend the CMAs and the American Country Countdown Awards. Also, The Highway is going to start playing another song from the EP.

Finally, I always love to know, is there one recent album that you just cannot stop listening to?

The new Ingrid Michaelson record! I have been listening to that like crazy! It’s so good.

For more information visit Meghan's official website
Find her on Facebook
Follow her on Twitter

Watch the video for "Try Harder Than That" here

Purchase Meghan's EP here

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