Megan Washington from Brisbane breezes through our probing questions.
Thanks to all the finalists who responded — we’ll be posting a new Q&A every few days until the TAC Wangaratta Festival of Jazz starts at the end of October!
Jazz Australia: When did you start singing and why? For example, was there a ‘moment’ when singing came to you as a calling or vocation?
Megan Washington: I have always been really into music and singing, so there was never really a ‘moment’ as such. I think that deep down, everyone knows what they should be doing.
JA: Which musicians (singers or otherwise) have been your greatest influences? What about them stood or stands out for you?
MW: I listen to a lot of Rufus Wainwright, his music would probably be my ‘desert island’ choice. Like everyone, I have listened to a lot of Ella and Billie, also Tierney Sutton. Her improv stuff is great! 🙂 The most constant artist I have listened to is probably Ben Folds… (buy his new album! it’s so good!)
JA: What do you look for in a rhythm section?
MW: Understanding 🙂
JA: What are your favourite lyrics, and why?
MW: That’s an impossible question! I think that the best lyrics to a standard are those to ‘nobody else but me’.
JA: What are you listening to now?
MW: At the moment, I am listening to Martha Wainwright’s new album, and Clare Bowditch’s first Album, ‘autumn bone’. Also Damien Rice’s ‘O’.
JA: What do you hope to get out of the Wang competition?
MW: It’s going to be so good to hear so many talented people!
Links to National Jazz Finalist Q&As
Emma Gilmartin>
Gian Slater>
Jo Lawry>
Alison Wedding>
Kristin Bearardi>
Edoardo Santoni>
Sophie Brous>
Megan Washington>
Jo Fabro>
Note: Elana Stone is also a finalist but chose not to participate in the Q&A.
