On The Row: Megan Moroney Highlights Her Creative Talents Beyond Making Music

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Megan Moroney. Photo: David McClister

Megan Moroney first took the country music scene by storm with her breakout smash “Tennessee Orange,” captivating fans with her strong yet soft sound and clever writing style.

With songs such as the witty “I’m Not Pretty” and the uniquely relatable “Hair Salon,” she has maintained her superstar momentum. As “I’m Not Pretty” hit the airwaves, Moroney took some time to share a little about herself and her career thus far with MusicRow, serenading us with the radio-ready tune and more, including “No Caller ID,” a vulnerable track that she co-wrote with Jessi Alexander, Jessie Jo Dillion and Connie Harrington about an ex spontaneously-yet-constantly reaching out.

Megan Moroney. Photo: Courtesy of MusicRow

Born and raised in Douglasville, Georgia, the singer-songwriter began playing guitar at age 16, after her dad suggested it as an outlet to process post-breakup emotions and taught her how to play. Moroney then began posting covers on social media, some featuring three-part harmonies with her dad and brother.

The University of Georgia alum was known as “the country singer” in college. One of her first live performances was at her sorority’s spring philanthropy event. There she caught the attention of country star Chase Rice, who asked if she would open for him at the Georgia Theatre the following month. In the time leading up to her supporting appearance, Moroney started writing her own songs.

She then shifted her studies from accounting to marketing, digital marketing and music business. Through the music business program, Moroney met her current producer Kristian Bush as well as his brother Brandon Bush, and served as their publishing intern in Atlanta during the second semester of her senior year.

After graduation, she made the move to Nashville in June of 2020. Moroney spent her first year in Music City writing and working as an influencer. Kristian then reached out and introduced her to her now manager Juli Griffith, who connected her with some of her frequent collaborators. One of them being Ben Williams, who has co-written many songs with Moroney.

Last year, Moroney began to gain traction with “Tennessee Orange” and her Pistol Made of Roses EP, which led to a record deal with Columbia Records/Sony Music Nashville. She has since been named one of CMT’s Next Women of Country for 2023, released her debut album Lucky, made multiple fairs and festivals appearances and opened for the likes of Brooks & Dunn and more.

“Hearing people sing my songs back to me has been the coolest [part of my career] so far,” says Moroney.

Growing up, Mononey’s father had her analyzing songs by The Eagles, James Taylor and other great acts at a young age, showing her how to identify the various riffs and patterns that draw fans in. During her time as an influencer, Moroney was able learn and hone in on other creative components that get people’s attention. As a result, she brings a blend of those skills into her music career. When it came to developing her first full-length project, Moroney had full creative control over every aspect.

“I have everything to do with every single creative [element] you see. All the visuals are 100 percent me,” she shared. “When I thought of “Lucky” I [could picture] line dancing in a casino and knew I could create a whole world around it.”

Moroney co-directed the recently released video for “I’m Not Pretty” alongside Jeff Johnson, which stars the artist in a dual role as the song’s protagonist and the mean girl trying to put her down.

“[When] I started writing songs, I was seeing music videos in my head. I feel like [that’s the case] with a lot of my songs, I can [usually] visualize what they’re going to look like,” she expressed. “To have creative control and be with a label that trusts me creatively is really fulfilling for me, because I love that side of it just as much as songwriting.”

Moroney recently unveiled “Can’t Break Up Now,” a collaboration with Old Dominion, and will continue to pour her heart into her songs and bring her visions to fruition this year as she hits the road on her headlining trek, “The Lucky Tour,” which kicks off Sept. 20 with her New York City debut at The Bowery Ballroom.

Liza Anderson
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