Megan O’Neill

Megan O’Neill

(Photo Credit_ Andy Teo )

Megan O’Neill

Irish singer-songwriter Megan O'Neill has released three EPs and two albums to date, with new music currently in production. Megan's music has been featured on major TV shows such as Netflix’s Firefly Lane and ABC’s Nashville, and she has performed twice on RTE's Late Late Show. She has toured globally, sharing stages with the likes of Sir Tom Jones, Lighthouse Family and Glen Hansard. Megan graduated from UCD with a degree in Psychology in 2012.

1. What skills and knowledge did you gain as a psychology student that have benefited you most in your career?

As a psychology student, I gained a deep understanding of human emotions, behaviour, and the complexities of interpersonal relationships, all of which has deeply influenced my songwriting and artistry. Psychology also taught me valuable communication and self-awareness skills that aid in both creative collaboration and navigating the business side of the music industry (which has never been easy!). One of the standout modules for me was Sports Psychology with Prof. Aidan Moran, who has sadly since passed. This module offered a profound understanding of the mental processes behind peak performance and creativity, which I believe enhanced my approach to songwriting and helped me to cultivate strong focus and discipline in my craft.

2. Did you grow up in a musical family?

Yes, very! My Mam was and still is very musical and we were all encouraged to learn an instrument growing up, which has, of course, benefited me throughout my career. Thanks for paying for all those lessons, Mam!

3. What was your experience as a UCD Choral Scholar like?

Fantastic. University is an incredibly formative time and I was quite unsure of my future then – whether I wanted to pursue music as a profession or go down the psychology route. Being part of the Choral Scholars of University College Dublin and training under Dr Desmond Earley gave me so much confidence in my voice and musicality and instilled the belief in me that I could actually, potentially do music full time. Des is a genius and I was so fortunate to learn so much from him, as well as developing incredible friendships with other Choral Scholars. I look back on that time now with great nostalgia.

4. The Choral Scholars of University College Dublin performed your beautiful song Ireland You’re My Home at the
UCD Alumni Awards 2022. What did you miss most about home when you lived abroad or were away on tour?

I missed my family of course, my friends, the wide open spaces and the endless shades of green. I’ve always loved hiking, running and spending time in nature, and while living in London, I often longed for the space Ireland offers for that. Now, being back, I feel incredibly lucky to live where I do - sometimes I have to pinch myself because it feels like living in a little pocket of paradise, surrounded by beautiful nature and loved ones! I absolutely don’t take that for granted - I know I’m so lucky to be living somewhere peaceful and safe. 

Touring is slightly different as I suppose you’re constantly on the go and hardly have time to think. But I always get a bit homesick on tour and miss my home comforts (Barry’s tea and Dairy Milk chocolate!). I’m becoming more of a homebird as the years go on.

5. Where do you find creative inspiration for your songwriting?

In deep conversations, in nature, in my life events (such as becoming a new mother!), in grief and loss and darkness, in love and kindness. I find creative inspiration in so many aspects of life because, at the end of the day, we are all living similar realities where we feel lost and then found and then lost again.

I also love collaborating with other artists and songwriters and telling stories that aren't just autobiographical.

6. What is your proudest moment, personally or professionally?

My proudest moment is becoming a mother. Nothing in my past life compares to this experience. It’s beautiful chaos every waking hour and I feel like I am evolving and learning moment to moment. It’s the greatest privilege and honour to be raising this tiny human and to be learning from her all the time. Despite the challenges that come with pregnancy and motherhood, I find them to be the most empowering experiences I’ve ever had.

7. Have you had any important mentors in your life?

Absolutely, mentors have been invaluable in my life. Both of my parents were important mentors throughout my life and my mother continues to be. I’ve also had incredible mentors in music - veterans of the industry, fellow songwriters and musicians, producers and more. Mentors in music are so important as it’s such a tricky industry to navigate. 

I’m also discovering now that other mothers around me are becoming mentors and people I go to for advice at each new stage of my daughter’s life. Isn’t that a wonderful part of being alive? We are always learning and always finding new people to learn from.

8. Have you any words of advice for our current students?

Enjoy your time at UCD. Get involved with societies, sports, etc and foster great friendships. The years absolutely fly and you’ll wish you could go back.

9. Do you still keep in touch with fellow UCD alumni?

I do. Mostly alumni from the Choral Scholars who were part of the choir at the same time as me. Bunch of legends!

10. How would your closest friends describe you in three words?

Passionate, creative, resilient.