Megan Nadin’s “In Another Life” is the backstory of heartache, reflection, and unexpected love — but, ultimately, growth.
From Thunder Bay, Ontario. “Family is everything to me and music is a close second. I grew up surrounded by music and fell in love with writing songs at a very young age after being influenced by my music loving, songwriting, songbird of a grandmother.” Your music has been influenced by fellow Canadians Avril Lavigne, Alanis Morissette, and Celine Dion. Which artists did you and your grandmother listen to as you were growing up?
This might sound funny, but I remember the little ditties my grandmother used to sing more than any particular artists we’d gravitate to. She was always singing, and there’s a list of songs she passed down through the family — songs she sang to my mom, my aunts, my cousins, and me. To this day, when we’re all together, we sing our way through them. Songs like “Hey, Look Me Over” (Lucille Ball and Paula Stewart, 1960), “The Band Played On” (Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians, 1895), her rendition of “Paddy McGinty’s Goat” (The Two Bobs, 1917), the Irish lullaby “Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral” (1918), and “Me and Bobby McGee” (Roger Miller, 1972). Funny enough, I didn’t hear Janis Joplin’s version of “Me and Bobby McGee” until I was 27!
Didn’t publicly share your love of singing and songwriting for years — until you were teaching children in a small village outside Siem Reap, Cambodia. When you returned home, your family and friends encouraged you to keep sharing. Your debut single, “Gypsy Sea,” was released in 2018 and followed by the signing of a writing contract that brought you to Nashville. What was the first song you wrote after moving to Music City?
The first song I wrote after moving to Music City was actually “Heartless Heartbreak.” Although I released my album, This Was Then, after moving, they were all songs I had written and begun recording before making the move. “Heartless Heartbreak” wasn’t just the first song I wrote after moving to Nashville — it was also the first song I wrote with the intention of writing a song to release, as opposed to the intention of trying to find some sort of clarity or healing.
Took some time off to study songwriting, then returned to releasing new music last year, “Make It Out Alive” and “High.”
New single, “In Another Life,” is a song about reminiscing the journey of finding a love that mends the old cracks of heartbreak only to find out it was the ‘right’ love at the ‘wrong’ time. Produced by Josh Northwood and yourself, it’s the first release from a series of music you’ve spent the past year creating. What is the backstory to the new song?
The backstory of this song is one of heartache, reflection, and unexpected love — but, ultimately, growth. It was inspired by a need for healing and a sense of moving forward. I crossed paths with someone at an unexpected time, and we connected so naturally. They were only in Nashville briefly, and because they lived in Canada, we just enjoyed the time we had together, without pressure. As time passed, we realized there was potential for something long-term, but it became clear we both had personal growth to do. We eventually parted ways as friends. After it ended, I found myself overthinking everything, feeling disappointed by what could have been. Writing this song helped me release that sadness and find closure. I also wrote it as a quiet message to him — so that if he ever heard it, he’d know it was about him.
You wrote about ‘life lately,’ saying you are enjoying gems in Nashville as you continue working as an indie pop and alternative artist. Where do you recommend first time visitors go?
I apologize in advance for my long-winded answer, but I promise — hidden gems only!
Phat Bites: A dive bar and restaurant I stumbled upon while looking for a vibey place to journal. I quickly realized what a gem it is. The food, curated by Julie Buhler, is so good it’s been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives — twice! The space draws an eclectic music scene with open jams, full-band orchestras, writers’ rounds, and live shows across all genres.
Peeler Park: A peaceful escape from the big-city vibes of Nashville. You can walk beautiful trails, spot wildlife (I once saw an owl in broad daylight!), and even feed raccoons and stray cats that take shelter in community-built homes.
Taqueria Y Birrieria Arandas: As a self-proclaimed birria taco connoisseur, I can confidently say these are some of the best I’ve ever had. Authentic, affordable, and their consommé is beyond packed with flavor.
Live True Vintage: This spot is so magical I almost don’t want to share it — but the owner, Tammy Pope, is a beautiful soul who exceeds fabulous and has created a thoughtfully curated and magical space filled with pre-owned treasures waiting for a new home. It’s too special to keep hidden.
Working and collaborating with several organizations like Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, Vanska Charity, and Thunder Bay Catholic School Board. Can you share a fan story of how your music has impacted their lives?
Collaborating with organizations like these always reminds me why I share my music. Recently, I visited St. Patrick’s High School to play some songs, share the stories behind them, and talk about my journey. Afterward, a young girl approached me and said, “I’m really happy you came today. I’ve been set on med school, but I’m passionate about singing, and my dad encourages me to pursue music. It just never seemed realistic — until hearing your story. I can’t wait to tell him about this!” The look on her face was priceless, and the feeling it left me with was even more so.
Dealing with anxiety spells. How do you make sure to take time to balance your private life with your public one?
Anxiety spells used to fall upon me quite frequently. However, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve become a lot better at setting boundaries and taking time for myself in order to find balance and steer clear of them. Through it all, I’ve begun to realize that time with me has been the key. The more time I spend with myself in intentional moments alone, the more I get to really know myself and become aware of what truly creates balance in me. Building that sense of self-awareness has helped me become more comfortable and confident navigating through life and finding that sense of balance when it comes to all things, including my private and public life.
What’s ahead?
I plan to keep releasing songs from this special series of music I’ve spent the last year writing, producing, and working to bring to life. Although I do have a vision for it all, the timing of how it unfolds is going to depend on what God has planned for me. The only part I have planned is the music and how I’d like to present it to my audience, piece by piece.
