Menlo School grad Megan Keely is celebrating release of new album with concert on July 12

Menlo School graduate Megan Keely is celebrating the release of her new album of songs recorded this winter in Nashville with a concert on July 12. The album, Deciduous, becomes available on iTunes that day and is available for pre-order now on Megan’s website. The concert takes place at The Chapel (777 Valencia) in San Francisco. Doors open at 8:00 pm; advance tickets are available online. Megan will play  at 9:00 pm, followed by Jessie Bridges, who is also releasing her first album that night.

InMenlo: When did first realize you wanted a singing career?

Megan: I remember when I was a very little girl, the first time I lost my voice. I kept talking and talking despite the raspiness, so someone told me,  “If you keep talking like that, you could lose your voice forever.”  I
think that made me cry, because I was scared I wouldn’t be able to become a singer some day. So according to that vague memory, I think I realized it at a pretty young age, despite the fact that I didn’t get up the courage to sing publicly until I was 18.

InMenlo: What led you to go to Nashville?

Megan: I had passed through Nashville with my family on my first cross-country tour in 2011, and instantly fallen in love with the place.  There is a  rich songwriting community there, unlike any other music nexus.  So when I decided I needed to send myself on a little songwriting/recording  trip, Nashville was an obvious top choice.  I reached out to a  Nashville-based friend and fellow Menlo alum, Brittany Haas, who recommended I call Erick Jaskowiak if I wanted to schedule any recording time. Next thing I knew, I was in the studio for a week straight  with Brittany, Erick, my brother Brandon, and a whole bunch of other fantastic musicians.

InMenlo: What kind of music do you enjoy singing the most?

Megan: My absolute favorite thing is to sing three-part harmony.

InMenlo: What can people who come to see you on the 12th expect to hear?

Megan: Our show on the 12th will be a great sampler of the new music.  My Dad and  brother will accompany me, joined with our fiddler friend Antja  Thompson. Our music will range from intimate ballads to upbeat
foot-stompers, so listeners should be ready for a variety.

Photo courtesy of Megan Keely