An up-and-coming singer/songwriter in Rushmere St Andrew is preparing to release her debut album inspired by the Suffolk landscape on Friday – three years after she nearly gave up music for good.
Meg Burrows, 26, will be performing a special album launch gig at St Peter’s by the Waterfront in Ipswich this Friday, where her debut recording Songs From the Lane will be released.
The talented singer, who previously performed in acoustic trio Fireflies on Mars, has penned her own batch of original songs over the last 14 years, and recorded them alongside guitarist Jordan Hay and well-known Suffolk pair Lucy Sampson and Jon Hart (Honey and the Bear).
But the extraordinary collection of songs almost didn’t make it into the studio after a rough patch in her life three years ago.
“After I came back from travelling in India I planned to move to London, but all these things happened which meant I didn’t do it and I just went away from music for a bit,” she said.
“Getting on the tube and listening to my iPod for the first time in four months was the turning point.”
Another turning point came with meeting fellow singer/songwriters Jordan Hay and Lucy Sampson, who have dovetailed their own performances with that of playing for Meg.
Meg’s varied collection of tunes is inspired by everyone from Ben Howard and the John Butler Trio to soundtrack composer Thomas Newman, Carole King, Motown, soul and classic rock and metal bands.
“I just want it to be a celebration of Suffolk – I feel very honoured to be part of this creative community,” she said.
“I always say that Suffolk song is strong and I believe that very strongly.”
For Friday’s launch, Meg will be supported by Keith Sadler, Polly Haynes and celebrated Ipswich band JS and The Pomp.
But her collection of acoustic tunes isn’t all the creative bookseller has up her sleeve – with instrumental piano music, songwriting for other artists, poetry and fiction writing also on the cards.
“It’s a bit surreal, but at the same time it’s nice finally sharing with the world what’s been in my head for quite a long time.
“I think because I nearly came away from it, coming back to it now I know how much it means to me.”
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