Megan Wheeler has always been a storyteller, but with Now That I’m Gone, she steps into a new chapter—one shaped by collaboration, growth, and a sharpened sense of artistic direction. The track sees her breaking away from her piano ballad roots, embracing an up-tempo sound that captures the strength in walking away and knowing your worth. In this interview, she discusses the influence of working with producer Channing Nuon, the challenge of sifting through hundreds of unfinished ideas, and the impact of her time in Nashville. From early inspirations to the producers she dreams of working with next, Megan offers insight into her evolving craft and the themes shaping her upcoming projects.
Megan Wheeler, welcome to A&R Factory! Your passion for songwriting has been evident from an early age, and it’s exciting to see how your music continues to evolve. Now That I’m Gone feels like a turning point in your songwriting, showing growth from your early work. What emotions and experiences shaped this track, and how does it reflect where you are now as an artist?
This track came from the inspiration of an artist and song I love. I came to the point in my songwriting where I wanted to try collaborating and also write something up-tempo compared to piano ballads. I wanted to write something that gave a sense of empowerment in knowing your worth and knowing not to go back to old habits. I would say this reflects a part of where I am now as an artist. I have a lot more range in my songwriting to continue to show.
This is your first time collaborating on a song. How did working with Channing Nuon influence the final sound of Now That I’m Gone, and did the experience change the way you approach songwriting?
Working with Channing Nuon was a great experience. He produced this track, and we co-wrote it, which is something I’ve never tried before, so he definitely had a big influence over this track. This experience gave me a new approach to try. It helped me become more comfortable in collaborating, sending ideas back and forth, and writing over a track already produced for the first time. I’m used to producing the tracks myself, so it’s incredibly helpful to have another person work on this project.
You’ve mentioned that storytelling has become a bigger focus in your music. What kind of stories do you find yourself drawn to, and do you feel like your songwriting process has changed as a result?
The kind of stories I find myself drawn to are ones I can relate to and also stories that make me think of things in a different way. I love songs with lyrics that make me think “I’ve never thought of putting it that way before”. Songs that are relatable to my life make me feel heard and my feelings validated so I automatically become drawn to them. I definitely think this has changed my songwriting process as now, I focus on writing lyrics that can make people really feel and relate to what I’m trying to say.
With over 200 unfinished pieces stored on your phone, how do you decide which ideas are worth developing into full songs?
There are certain ideas I feel drawn to more than others. I know I want to work on developing an idea if I find myself listening to it over and over again, feeling that sense of rush in writing something I love and think others will. There are some ideas I hear and think, it’s okay but I could do better. The more I write, the more I find ideas that excite me to develop them.
Your time at Belmont University and in Nashville must have given you a fresh perspective on the industry. Did your experiences there shape your vision for the kind of artist you want to become?
Being in Nashville and in a school surrounded by songwriters, I see the dedication and work ethic people put in and it inspires me. I have met professors that have done things in their careers that make me think my dream is possible to achieve. It instills confidence and inspiration in me to be surrounded by such talent. My vision for the kind of artist I want to become now is someone who takes the inspiration of others and turns it into motivation to reach my fullest potential.
You’ve expressed an interest in working with producers who have helped shape the careers of well-known artists. If you could collaborate with anyone right now, who would it be and why?
My dream producer collaboration would be with either Max Martin, Jack Antonoff, or Dan Nigro. These producers have created songs I’ve grown up listening to and inspired me to be like. They’ve created possibly some of my favorite songs with some of my favorite artists and I’ve always wondered what kind of songs I could create with producers like them.
As someone who started writing at a young age, how has your relationship with music evolved, especially since taking time to focus on your mental health?
When I was young, I used to write for fun as a hobby of mine before even knowing how to develop a full song. Over time, my relationship with music has evolved into something more fulfilling. There were times, especially when struggling with my mental health, when I questioned if this was something I really wanted to pursue. Taking time to focus on myself has taught me that this is something I really am passionate about, and if I didn’t at least try, I would regret it for the rest of my life. Now, I feel confident in the path I’ve chosen for myself.
Your music is deeply personal but also relatable to your peers. What kind of impact do you hope your songs have on listeners going through similar experiences?
I hope listeners feel validated in their feelings and in their thoughts. Hearing songs that are relatable yet personal can create a connection I hope to have with my listeners on a deeper level.
Looking beyond Now That I’m Gone, are there any themes or sounds you’re experimenting with in your upcoming projects?
In my upcoming projects, I’ve been experimenting with more production ideas and instruments I haven’t used before. Something that can still feel authentically myself while expanding and creating my own sound.-
Discover more about Megan Wheeler via her official website; and listen to her sophomore single, Now That I’m Gone, on Spotify from February 28th.
Interview by Amelia Vandergast
