Emerging Artist Of The Month: Meg Rasmussen

This month's emerging artist has been patient in building both her online and stage presence over the past couple of years.

Meg Rasmussen, a student at Bath University, first gained attention in local music circles during a captivating performance at Sandown Airport's Warrior Festival in 2021.

The 20-year-old singer-songwriter spoke to Isle of Wight Radio about her hopes, plans and aims for 2023 and beyond.

What's your background in music Meg?

I always remember singing and was classically trained from the age of 7 to 14. I did my BTEC at Platform One after my GCSEs.

I think my voice has changed from being so ‘strict’ (since my early training), and with it I’ve started to dabble with other genres.

Going to Uni has presented a whole new world which sees me performing loads now!

You’re at Bath University – what course are you doing and how often do you get to gig?

I’m doing a Commercial Music course and it’s unlimited in terms of how often I can gig.

You get out what you put in, so my goal is become more prolific with it.

What did you gain from your time at Platform One?

It gave me a major confidence boost and they got me out there into the public.

I also learned a lot about the industry, it was good preparation for getting on stage.

Do you think you’ll be more involved behind the scenes or in front of people moving forwards?

I prefer performing and singing, but I've definitely been given a grounding in different aspects of music.

You’ve performed at Warrior Festival in recent years — was that one of your first times in front of a big crowd?

It wasn't my first time in front of a large crowd — that was as part of a Dua Lipa tribute at the Isle of Wight Festival.

Warrior Fest was fun and for a great cause though, and there were a lot of people there. It had a fantastic sense of community.

Do you have any festivals lined up for 2023 at this point?

I’m performing in the Electro Love tent at the Isle of Wight Festival and at university I’ll be gigging as much as possible.

You don’t have all that much stuff online at the moment, is that a profile you’ll look to expand this year?

It’s definitely something I want to build on. I write music all the time but am a bit scared to put it out there!

This is the year I’m going to go for it, using social media a lot more and hopefully I'll record and promote my own music too.

Credit: Darren Hudson Photography.

How would you describe your main genre at the moment?

I would say my voice is quite soulful but I am into pop music right now.

Pop is so broad, and (specifically) I’d compare myself to Scissor, Her and Mimi Webb.

What’s the best live performance you’ve experienced?

Probably Sam Fender at Isle of Wight Festival and Boardmasters (a summer festival in Cornwall).

I really appreciate his persona and what he writes about in his songs.

Meg at Warrior Fest. Credit: Darren Hudson Photography.

Are there any other Isle of Wight musicians you think people need to look out for?

I really like Coach Party.

I remember watching them when I was in college and they’ve always been amazing.

How can people find your music or more about you?

There probably isn’t much out there at the moment – I do have one video online (see above), but I'll be adding to that this year.

I do have the content, but I’m quite a perfectionist so it has to be the way I want it first!

Finally, apart from IW Festival, do you have any other gigs lined up on the Island?

I’m going to do Warrior Fest again this summer and I performed at Strings last year, so hopefully I’ll get to do something there again at some point.