Exclusive: Meghan Kabir’s Return To Nashville Inspires 2-Part Concept Album And Video Series

For the past decade, Meghan Kabir has been writing songs for the likes of Kelly Clarkson (“People Like Us”) and Selena Gomez (“Live Like There’s No Tomorrow”) in Los Angeles. She was even once signed to a deal with Warner Bros. on the west coast but is just now making her solo debut as an independent in Nashville.

The Franklin, Tennessee native’s solo debut comes as a two-part concept, the first as Blackberry Winter. The self-release pairs with an already recorded video series.

“All these years I’ve done writing for a lot of pop artists, but my perspective as an artist influences my songwriting,” said Kabir in an exclusive interview with MusicRow. “I missed performing as the voice behind the art. I had this turning point over the holidays and I started to see more of what I do in the pop scene in Nashville. That’s why I had ventured out to L.A. Now I’ve come full-circle, reconnecting with people in Nashville and making this record here. For years there have been so many deals and reasons why things couldn’t come out. So [this release] is the culmination of all the years of making music. It’s just good for the soul.”

Recorded with BMG Nashville producer/songwriter Jarrad K. (Ruston Kelly) at Music Row’s old MCA Records studio, the six-track collection is described as more hippie-friendly spirit of the ’60s-’70s with the punch of modern pop influences. Kabir’s vocals offer soaring grit with promising songwriting chops, collaborated with the likes of Blair Daly and Jeffrey Steele.

“When I sat out to do this conceptually, I was looking at it as a record but I’ve been drawn to releases done in a non-traditional way,” recalled Kabir. “I admire artists who think out of the box. And nowadays it’s hard to keep people’s attention, so a constant flow of content keeps fans engaged.”

There is a five part video series titled Wildfire waiting in the wings—already complete. “It is sort of a lifestyle piece,” says Kabir. “Kind of done in a Lana Del Rey narrative-esque way with the soundtrack underneath. Right now I’m working on a partner to premiere that, like a VEVO or Vimeo.”

Indian Summer, the second EP, is planned to be recorded and released later this year. The project is said to offer a warmer sound, pairing with the season it was inspired by.

“Pretty much all of the writing is done for [Indian Summer],” said Kabir. “If I write another song that will beat out what I have, I’ll do that. Hopefully by summer we’ll have somebody else paying for the recording. I have definitely put everything I got into [Blackberry Winter] because I believe in it so much.”

Kabir is also sitting on major business changes as of late. The expiration of her joint venture publishing deal with Greg Wells and Maria Egan with SONGS is nearing and the songstress recently released her Los Angeles-based manager. She, however is currently in talks for an agency deal.

“It’s about finding the right partner, somebody that is passionate and excited about my vision for the project,” says Kabir. “It has been really nice to be able to recalibrate back in Nashville. Over the years I’ve had teams of people around me telling me one thing, then another. I’ve found myself with the creation of this project without anyone else in my ear.”

Blackberry Winter Track Listing
1. Joyride (April Geesbreght, Meghan Kabir, Jeffrey Steele)
2. Yellow Lines and Headlights (Ferras, Jarrad K, Meghan Kabir, Jordan Palmer)
3. Kiss and Break Up (Blair Daly, Meghan Kabir, James Michael)
4. Falling Down (Jeffrey East, Meghan Kabir, Andrew Petroff)
5. Read Between The Lies (Blair Daly, April Geesbreght, Meghan Kabir)
6. Where Does Love Go (April Geesbreght, Meghan Kabir, Davis Naish)