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Meg Washington on Creativity, Purpose, and the Joy of Making Music
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Melbourne, Australia – Award-winning musician Meg Washington is contemplating the core reasons behind her enduring passion for music, a question that has taken on new weight as her career has blossomed over nearly two decades. The singer-songwriter, known for her introspective lyrics and versatile vocal style, has become a prominent figure in Australian culture, balancing multiple creative endeavors while grappling with the role of art in a capitalist society.
A Multifaceted Career
Washington’s career began with a meaningful early success, winning an ARIA Award for her debut album, I Believe You Liar, in 2010. Beyond her solo work, she has gained widespread recognition as the voice of Calypso, the beloved teacher in the animated children’s series Bluey. In 2024, she further expanded her creative portfolio by co-writng the screenplay for the film adaptation of Paul Kelly’s iconic song, “How to Make Gravy,” alongside her husband, director Nick Waterman.
“I love having a million different things happening and I love learning,” Washington shared in a recent interview on Double J’s Take 5 program. “I love learning new ways to be creative.”
Did you Know? Meg Washington’s work on Bluey has introduced her music to a new generation of listeners, solidifying her place in australian popular culture.
The Question of Purpose
Despite her achievements, Washington has been engaged in a period of self-reflection, questioning the purpose of creating music within a capitalist framework, notably as her professional life has diversified.This internal debate led her to a basic realization.
“Because its in my nature,” she explained. “If I was on a desert island all by myself and there was nobody to listen to me, I would still sing because I’m there.” This intrinsic motivation is a central theme in her latest album, Gem, specifically in the song “Honeysuckle Island,” where she sings, “It’s all or nothing.”
“I really do think that you have to fully surrender to the mission. You can’t half try,” Washington emphasized.
Gem: A New Chapter
Gem, a self-described “concept album,” marks a significant turning point in Washington’s career as her first release of original music since becoming an independent artist. This transition prompted a deeper examination of her relationship with music and her artistic practice.
“I had to renew my vows to myself and to ‘The Muse’ and whatever my art practice means to me,” she stated. “And it means the same thing now that it did when I was 14. Now I’m kind of showing up in a way that before I didn’t really feel like I had the capacity to.”
A Shift in Songwriting
Washington’s approach to songwriting evolved with Gem,moving away from strictly autobiographical narratives. Previously,her songs often drew directly from personal experiences,such as her 2014 album There There,which explored the complexities of a broken engagement. However, she found that repeatedly revisiting painful emotions during live performances could be emotionally taxing.