About the Artist

Sweet Megg s a time traveler in heels, resurrecting the golden eras of jazz and swing while infusing her performances with modern flair and wanderlust. Her voice and aesthetic harken back to smoky clubs and speakeasies, yet always feel fresh. Whether crooning a standard or an original, Megg brings style and substance in equal measure.

Sweet Megg

About the Episode (Episode 80)

Sweet Megg: The Genre-Defying Journey of a Musical Nomad

Sweet Megg is a vocalist who refuses to be pinned down by a single era or style. Originally from New York City, Megg (born Meaghan Giliberti) carved out her reputation leading the Wayfarers, a band that became a staple of the city’s hot jazz and swing revival scene. Since then, her journey has been a masterclass in curiosity, taking her from the jazz clubs of Paris to the songwriting circles of Nashville. With a discography that bridges the gap between Great American Songbook standards and classic country, her latest work—including the 2024 album Never Been Home—solidifies her status as a premiere interpreter of American roots music.

In this episode of Curious Goldfish, Megg joins Jason English to discuss her life as a musical "nomad," the transition from jazz to country, and the liberation found in living outside the traditional industry lines.

Finding Harmony in Constant Motion

Having lived in New York, Paris, and now Nashville, Megg views her physical surroundings as a direct influence on her sound. She discusses the restlessness that drives her, suggesting that her music is a reflection of her status as a perennial outsider. For Megg, the concept of "home" is less about a zip code and more about the songs she carries with her. She notes that her best work often happens when she is "living out in the country," where the space allows her soul to catch up with her travels.

The Intersection of Jazz and Honky-Tonk

Megg speaks thoughtfully about the common DNA shared by jazz and classic country. She rejects the idea that a singer must choose a lane, instead finding the emotional thread that connects Billie Holiday to Patsy Cline. This stylistic fluidity allows her to perform in varied settings, from sophisticated theaters to rowdy bars, always guided by the question of what the song requires. She observes that whether in a jazz club or a honky-tonk, the goal remains the same: "experiencing everything" and finding the truth in the melody.

Embracing the "Messy" Side of Art

In a world of polished, digital production, Megg is most curious about the raw, human elements of music. She shares her desire for her new recordings to be "a little messier" than previous efforts, prioritizing a live, authentic feel over perfection. She views the stage as her primary laboratory, believing that the "plot and purpose" of her career are revealed not in a boardroom, but in the spontaneous energy shared with a live audience.

Keep Reading