Megan Callahan

Artist Information

Biography

Megan Callahan and her band rock the house with her bluesy vocals while pulling at your heart strings with lyrics that come to life. She stands out among her peers with her affecting and evocative sound. She fronts a several piece band with as much as ease as when playing a solo act, engaging and exciting the audience. Her songs are stories of loss, triumph and wandering. Her music has a sometimes subtle edge while evoking a deep reverence for music's transcendent power. Her sets include a mix of original music and intriguing covers. The many facets of Megan's musicality are evident on "Since the Fire", her independently recorded full length EP.

Upon the release of her album, Megan launched a European tour, gigging at legendary spots such as the Roisin Dubh, Galway, Ireland; Bruxelle's, Dublin, Ireland; Sandy Bell's, Edinburgh, Scotland; The Dublin Castle, London, England; Bull and Gate, London, England; The Hide-out, Paris, France and Ma Nolan's, Nice, France. Domestically, she has played in New York City, New Jersey, Hawaii, Detroit, MI, San Francisco, CA, Portland and Seattle, Washington and Vermont. Among several current and steady gigs within its city limits, Megan has played at Buffalo's famous Elmwood Festival of the Arts.

The fiery fairy gypsy spirit that is Megan Callahan has made Buffalo, NY her home base. The gritty and compassionate arts scene, the city's commitment to community revitalization, and the space for artists to express themselves makes Buffalo the perfect city for someone as multi-faceted as she.

Martha Graham once said, "Above all else, keep the channel open." Megan Callahan does just that. Her self-expression and energy flow in many forms; her life long love of music and performance also show in her work as a theater artist. In addition to performance art in its many forms, Megan is a writer and holistic care practitioner.

Megan was born and raised in New Jersey. She attended Ramapo College majoring in American Studies and Theater. She studied Massage and Reiki at The Institute for Therapeutic Massage, an affiliate of The University of Medicine and Dentistry. She also went on to earn her Master of Fine Arts degree at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI.

Influences: "My Mama was a rolling stone," Megan says. "My pops loved Elvis, opera and Rosemary Clooney." As a wee one, she was introduced to the likes of legendary Nina Simone, Jeff Buckley, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder and Thelonius Monk. She is wild about PJ Harvey, Bjork, Regina Spektor and many others. "I love music. I listen to just about every genre, from folk to soul to hip hop to electronic and world to Puerto Rican mountain music to bluegrass to indie to latin to hardcore to Classical and everything in between! Lately I've been experimenting with a loop effects pedal as well as the accordion."

Additional recognition:

Megan has been honored to play with many amazing musicians. Among them are Mary Ramsey of "John and Mary" and "10,000 Maniacs," and Jeremy Wall of "Spyro Gyra". She has also played with Andrew Moroze, Scott Celani, Rob Falgiano, Michael DiSanto, Tim Baldwin, Scott Nestler, Noa Bursie, Dee Adams, Dave Conway and Bobby Kane. She also has been featured performing live on the television show "All That Matters" in Buffalo, New York.

"Since the Fire" is available on iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon.com, as well as locally in Buffalo, NY. This is her first recording since 2002, when she released a six song album entitled, "Studio Sessions." She already has plans for another full-length release, and a celtic inspired ep.

Formerly a member of the duo "Voxangelica," Megan continues to search for ways to combine her two passions of music and theater. Her original score and arrangements for Bertolt Brecht's "Mother Courage and Her Children," were honored in the Detroit Free Press's "Ten Best Plays of 2004." She has also composed music for productions of "Twelfth Night, or What you Will," "The Merry Wives of Windsor," and "The Servant of Two Masters." She will be working this year on scoring some independent films as well.

For videos, video clips from the tour and All that Matters, please visit http://www.youtube.com/MeganCallahanChannel http://www.myspace.com/MeganCallahanMusic or
http://www.megancallahan.com

Instrumentation

Megan Callahan- Vocals, Guitar, Piano, Clarinet occasional Accordion
Carl Armstrong- lead guitar
Roger Draper- upright bass
Emily Gaines- djembe
Martin Cameron-Safford- Electric Violin

Discography

Megan Callahan, Since the Fire, 2008
Catskill, Oasis Acoustic Sampler 2008
Megan Callahan, Studio Sessions, 2002
Voxangelica Live, 2002

www.megancallahan.com
www.myspace.com/MeganCallahanMusic

Audio

• Happy Song
  Listen   Download
• Song For You
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Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Sonic Jive/Jive Wired Review [+ Show ]
  

  Since The Fire, the first independently produced full-length album from Megan Callahan is a masterfu...Since The Fire, the first independently produced full-length album from Megan Callahan is a masterful gem beaming with a number of feel-good hits. If she had a mission statement, Megan would probably say it is to write songs that celebrate life's ups as well as it's occasional downs. Not saccharine or forcefully idealistic, the music here is instead joyous, alluring and effervescent. The dulcet melodies, sublime vocals and unassuming lyrics speak volumes; they are neither manipulative nor overstated. When Megan sings "I've got a soundtrack in my head today, a little Stevie Wonder and some Stevie Ray" on the single "Happy Song", it is easy to visualize that sense of optimistic jubilation. There's no moral or story here, just genuine happiness. It's that sincerity that makes this CD so good.
  
  That being said, Megan is cognizant to present her message with a sense of intimacy throughout the album. Combining elements of bluesy-rock, alt-folk and jazz, the album is not entirely solo, but the instrumentation is so sparingly added to Megan's vocals, (cajon drums, guitar, bass, violin) that it may as well be. This puts most of the focus on Megan's dusky vocals, and it works well; the CD is very reminiscent of the VH-1 "Unplugged" series except for the fact that it is studio recorded. It's that cozy. Megan's vocals are strong when necessary and understated for effect when needed; the production and musical arrangements are laid-back and perfectly polished. Musically, Megan and her band are capable of appealing to anyone who has been charmed by Sara Bareilles or Natasha Bedingfield
  
  The album opens with the song "Catskill", an innocent charmer that immediately grabs your attention, a rustic alt-hipster piece that has a sophisticated ear for both harmony and counterpoint. Perhaps reminiscent of Joni Mitchell, this song alternately flirts with hints of folk, blues and jazz while remaining untethered to any one specific convention. "Song For You" is a wonderful follow-up and Megan shines vocally here, remaining crystal clear and pitch-perfect yet vocally flexible. There is no naivety here, independent production not withstanding. Both songs are intricate and hauntingly beautiful, carefully and complexly composed but wholly natural to effortlessly satisfying effect.
  
  "I'll Get By" offers a slight shift in speed and though the mood is slightly more remorse, it doesn't impede the feel or rhythm of the CD. The violin solo works well here too, and the music is upbeat enough to keep from making the song too melancholy, though it does have a familiar west coast/alt-country flavor along the lines of Bonnie Raitt.
  Aside from the stellar first three tracks, other highlights include "Happy Song", "Copout" and "The Battle". "So Into You" is a longing, slow-burning song that in its ennui fails to restrain its contradictory sexually-charged feel. The theme is not nearly as innocent as its lyrics conveys. It is a standout song and my personal favorite.
  
  "Since The Fire" is a first-rate CD and worth purchasing. There is a lot to like about it and it's strength lies in Megan's vocal abilities. Even at the high end of her range she maintains a purring edge, capable of being sweet and sultry at the same time. The disc definitely sets or perpetuates a mood, but there is enough melodic diversity overall to keep things interesting while maintaining its intimacy. Her backing band is skilled and a perfect accompaniment, and "Since The Fire" would be a great addition to your CD collection.
  

• Megan Callahan CD Release [+ Show ]
  

  The Irish Classical Theatre Company will host a release party for Megan Callahan’s independently pro...The Irish Classical Theatre Company will host a release party for Megan Callahan’s independently produced album, Since The Fire. A recent transplant to Buffalo who was drawn here by the music scene and arts community, Callahan is a New Jersey-born singer-songwriter whose sound combines folk, rock, and soul. Her profound voice, acoustic guitar, poignant lyrics, and individual style are reminiscent of Buffalo’s own Ani DiFranco. Recently finishing an international tour, she has performed at such legendary venues as Bruxelle’s in Dublin, Sandy Bell’s in Edinburg, the Dublin Castle in London, and the Hideout in Paris. Callahan will perform a pre-show musical Happy Hour that will be followed by Eugene O’Neill’s comedic play, Ah, Wilderness! as a part of ICTC’s 20.20.20 (20 $20 tickets available 20 minutes before curtain).
  
  —lindsay berman

• Fotografia Studio/Gallery [+ Show ]
  

  "Megan Callahan- Local musician with the voice of an angel, and an earthy, ethereal sound that you w..."Megan Callahan- Local musician with the voice of an angel, and an earthy, ethereal sound that you will want to play again and again."

• Press Release: Portland, OR Tour 09 [+ Show ]
  

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MEGAN CALLAHAN TO BE WELCOMED TO PORTLAND ON HER NORTHWEST TOUR. Thursd...
  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
  MEGAN CALLAHAN TO BE WELCOMED TO PORTLAND
  ON HER NORTHWEST TOUR.
  Thursday, April 9th, 2009
  6pm The Monkey and The Rat, 131 NW Second Avenue
  8:30pm Davis Street Tavern, 500 NW Davis Street
  Friday, April 10th, 2009
  6pm-7:30pm Awakenings Wellness Center, 1016 SE 12th Ave $5 suggested
  9pm Good Neighbor Pizza, 800 NE Dekum St, Portland Oregon.
  
  Portland, Oregon – April 9th and 10th – Megan Callahan will descend on Portland this Thursday and Friday! All details are available at MeganCallahan.com. Megan is thrilled to be visiting one of her favorite cities and to be able to perform at four establishments that should really fit her personality. Megan has many influences, and she is excited to be coming to visit Portland and perform at a unique store, a cool new tavern, a wellness studio and a sustainable pizzeria!
  
  "Sweet and uplifting," "Profound Voice," "Compelling," "Fresh and original,” Poignant lyrics," – Lindsay Berman, Artvoice Buffalo. "An earthy, ethereal sound that you will want to play again and again..." Tina Waters- Fotografia, Buffalo. Combining folk, rock and soul, Megan's songs are stories of loss, triumph and wandering. She plays with nuance and dynamics and a deep reverence and understanding of music's transcendent power. Based out of Buffalo NY, Megan has toured abroad, where she debuted her independent release "Since the Fire.” A self-proclaimed gypsy, Megan Callahan has played with Mary Ramsey of "John and Mary" and "10,000 Maniacs," Jeremy Wall of "Spyro Gyra," and many others. Come listen to original music as well as beautifully interpreted and powerful covers.
  
  Megan’s music is available on Amie Street (http://amiestreet.com/music/megan-callahan/?fms=4sv9X1MVRdgx ), a website designed to help promote independent musicians. Her album "Since the Fire" has been available on itunes (http://itunes.com/megancallahan ) since September so you can download your favorite songs or design her music into a ring tone. If you are craving that hard copy you can also purchase her work on CD BABY (http://cdbaby.com/cd/megancallahan )! She has been featured on WBNY NY, on Alooga, hosted by DJ Ottic of Germoany, Harmony ridge on NPR California, KVMR in Nevada and KRBS Oroville.
  
  Thursday, April 9th, 2009 Megan will be performing at The Monkey and The Rat (http://www.themonkeyandtherat.com/ ) located at 131 NW Second Avenue at 6 pm and heading over to Davis Street Tavern (http://davisstreettavern.com/ ) 500 NW Davis Street at 8:30 pm. On Friday, April 10th, 2009 from 6pm-7:30pm Megan will be performing at Awakenings Wellness Center (http://awakeningswellnesscenter.com ) 1016 SE 12th Ave.-$5 suggested donation. Finally, Megan will head north for Portland’s best garlic knots and sing you goodnight at 9pm at Good Neighbor Pizza (http://www.goodneighborpizzeria.com/ ) 800 NE Dekum St, Portland Oregon.
  
  For additional information about Megan Callahan, her music or future tours
  or bookings please contact: bookings@MeganCallahan.com
  go to http://www.myspacecom/MeganCallahanMusic & http://www.megancallahan.com/
  # # #
  

Setlist

Megan is comfortable headlining, opening or lending support.

The following list is all original acoustic/electric guitar, availability of piano gives additional set possibilities:

Copout
Song For You
I'll Get By
So What
Catskill
Buccaneers
Staple Me Here
Metta
Iron Lung
Goodbye
The Battle
Lullaby for K.
Second Floor
Destiny Car
So Into You
Happy Song
Sweet Harmony
The Park
Wait and See
One is You
Fare Thee Well
No Vacancy


Comfortable with entire sets of original music or covers, here are some of her unique interpretations:
Jeff Buckley, Radiohead, Van Morrison, U2, Neil Young, The Cure, Nina Simone, Sufjan Stevens, Lenard Cohen, Tracy Chapman, Nirvana,Tori Amos, The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, ELO

*Traditional Folk and Irish Songs
*Contemporary Irish
*Additional Covers upon request

Basic Requirements

Calendar