I met Megan Bobo at a show she and her band Neverwonder where doing several months ago; as my family and I sat and watched this extraordinarily talented band play, I noticed what energy Megan had and how so many of the young girls; my own daughter included where so very drawn to her, that I thought it would be great to find out a little more about this former American Idol contestant, bundle of energy and what I have come to know is a soul that is so open and loving that adults and especially young girls are just drawn to this singing dynamo.
AAM: You are originally from the Mid-West, do you think that gave you a stronger emotional base to handle this business, and all the ups and downs that come with it?
MB: I was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa. Being from the Midwest you are raised with values, a strong work ethic and BIG dreams. I think being from the Midwest has many advantages to living in a city like Los Angeles and working in a business like the Music Industry. I am able to relate to people as people, I am willing to work hard to achieve success, and that it's all so new to me that I may keep my attitude positive.
AAM: At What age did you KNOW you can sing, and what did you do through your school years (JR High, high school etc) to showcase your voice or where you why about it?
MB: My family has home videos of me singing to the camera for hours non- stop from as early as 5 years old. None of my family would really sit there and watch; maybe for a couple songs, but they always knew I had talent and encouraged my singing. My first choir was the Des Moines Children's Chorus at age 7. Teachers encouraged my parents to get me voice lessons at an early age to develop my talent and my parents did. Unfortunately, the teacher just wanted to teach me was classical training and I didn't want to sing that. I wanted to sound like Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston, so vocal lessons only lasted about 2 months. I sang in choirs all the way through college and even traveled with a professional show choir called "Up with People" all to 19 cities, in 8 countries in 3 continents of the world.
AAM: You were a contestant on American Idol; what season, and what was that experience like. Did you learn anything, you wouldn't have otherwise?
MB: I was the last girl to get cut for the 24th spot of Season 5 American Idol. The process is intense and long. You have no idea what they are looking for because many other factors with singing go along with you making it to the next level. I learned a lot about the music industry, "reality shows" and mostly I learned a lot about myself. Had I not taken a chance and auditioned I would have never had the validation to pursue my talent and music as a career like I am doing now in Los Angeles.
AAM: What are your biggest pet peeves, and some of your favorite things?
MB: My biggest pet peeve is when people do not have an opinion. That drives me crazy. Some of my favorite things include Obama, New York pizza, hugs, pandora.com, Zoe, Lucky jeans, neverwonder.com and handsome men.
AAM: I have seen you on stage, you are not only an incredible singer, but a jolt of energy, how do you keep your energy up, and do you do anything special to be able to keep up that high energy performance?
MB: I think that's what's lacking in many of today's performers is the showmanship. You hope that people have talent, that's a requirement but people genuinely want to be entertained. I don't need a gimmick or props to distract; I just want to dance and enjoy the music we created. I work out every day. I actually have lost 25 pounds since moving to Los Angeles. So if you're looking to lose weight, go download some Neverwonder tunes and dance your butt off.
AAM: You perform with the band Neverwonder where you are the only female; what is it like to front a band, and how is it being around a bunch of guys all the time?
MB: Fronting a band isn't much different than being a solo artist. I say that because the vocals, melodies, the energy of show and the image of band really is a large part my responsibility. I don't mind being around a bunch of guys. It's hard on my love life, because guys don't want to approach a girl in hanging out with 4 guys, Pansies ;). No, really all the guys in the band are like big brothers to me and we treat each other like family.
AAM: What is your wildest dream for the band? Do you guys have a step by step plan for achieving your collective dreams?
MB: I think the wildest dream for the guys would include 100,000 screaming fans while we play in huge venues all over the world with ridiculous dressing room requests like only red skittles and lots of groupies. I share that dream, minus the groupie part.
AAM: As the only female in the band, how do you deal with the guys and their antics? Also, as the lead singer, do you feel in any way that you are the leader, or does that fall on another band member
MB: I totally say what I think and the guys know it. But believe it or not, the guys are very considerate around me. There hasn't been too many times when I have had to go off, but when it has happened they stand there quietly and roll their eyes and change the subject. We all take the lead in different instances. Where some of us lack, Vince picks up. Go Vince!
AAM: So many Female artist are seen as role models for young girls, do you feel that is a good or bad thing, and what type of role model would you make to the 14-20 year old set?
MB: I think because the culture we live in and its emphasis on celebrities and artists they automatically become role models. Sometimes it's a good thing and sometimes not so much. I have been told that I have a positive energy and a kind spirit. I would hope that those traits along with my talent would be requirements for a good role model.
AAM: What does girl power mean to YOU!?
MB: Girl power to me is the celebration of diminishing the objectification, limited roles, and stereotypes of women with class, intelligence, strength, courage, outspokenness, beauty, and empowerment.
www.myspace.com/meganbobomusic
Contact: Doug Deutsch (213) 924 4901
