Seattle, USA-based Americana singer songwriter Megan Brickwood releases introspective debut album, All The Same.

By Graeme Smith

Feature photo by Taylor McCutchan

Megan wrote All the Same while transitioning back from Los Angeles to her home country of Northern California. During that time, she looked within herself, ruminating on concepts such as identity, purpose and authenticity. Simultaneously, she was drawing on classic influences including Joan Baez and Nick Drake.

The result is a debut album that pays tribute to the greats as much as giving us in insight into Megan’s own world. Opening with its title track, All The Same brings an instant sense of atmosphere through finger-picked acoustic guitar. Megan’s expressive vocals are instantly arresting as they deliver storytelling lyrics.

The first single released from the album was Broken In The Middle, a tribute to the timeless sound of Joan Baez that also shows us plenty of Megan’s own soul. There’s a nostalgic warmth about it all while the vocals are full of longing. The track ends strongly with a soaring, pleading final chorus.

Elsewhere Hey Little Darling is a gentle, encouraging moment while Trinity River Blues canters along, standing out through its atmospheric, descriptive lyrics. Nothing New is a moody and stripped-back affair that builds to a ghostly finish. Fifth Mile brings with it a natural warmth and elements of psychedelia.

The album is rounded off by the lonesome and defiant You’ll Never Find A Girl Like Me, the expansive and cathartic The Line, and the bluesy Over The Bridge.

It’s clear that Megan has given her whole to this album, and her heart is writ on every note. She masters Americana atmosphere while telling her personal tale. It’s a thing of beauty.

All The Same was recorded at Bear Creek Studio in Woodinville, Washington with producer Ryan Hadlock. It’s out now and you can give it a listen below.