Check Out Megan Luttrell’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Luttrell.

Hi Megan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve played music my whole life, but it wasn’t until the past three years that music became my career. I started like a lot of people do, in elementary school band. I played flute and bassoon. I picked up guitar in high school, which is also when I started writing songs. I studied Russian language and literature in college and went on to get my PhD in Slavic languages and literature at KU. That’s what brought me to Lawrence. I grew up in Massachusetts and did my undergrad in Vermont. I played a few shows at bars at coffeeshops in Vermont while still in school and did a lot of songwriting at that time.

I moved to Lawrence in 2011. A friend in the KU Slavic department encouraged me to get out and play the Gaslight open mic. That’s where I met some fantastic local musicians who immediately welcomed me into the local music scene. They helped me book my first few shows.

I played out when I could, but graduate school took up most of my time.

I finally defended my dissertation and graduated in December 2018. My plan was to teach Russian at a university and music would stay a side project.

I got my first real teaching job at a university right after graduation. Three weeks into my new job, my mother unexpectedly passed away. As such a new employee, I didn’t qualify for leave of any kind. With limited options, I made the difficult decision to resign.

Music was my refuge during this time. It helped me heal and it offered me a new and unexpected career.

I started performing full-time, 3 or 4 shows a week.

Eventually, I started creating opportunities for other songwriters to share their music. The owner of kaw Valley Public House and I began the Women’s Songwriter Showcase in April 2019. It’s a monthly songwriter round, where three women and I perform our original songs.

Since I got my start at an open mic. I wanted to start one of my own and recreate the supportive environment and sense of community that helped me launch my music career. So, I started one at Kaw Valley Public House on Monday nights.

This past year, I started working with the Lumberyard Arts Center in Baldwin City to create a live local music program. I also serve on the board of a wonderful music nonprofit in Lawrence, the Americana Music Academy.

All the while, I’ve continued performing, writing, and recording new music. I’m excited to see where music takes me and will keep striving to build up and support other musicians and our beautiful community.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The path to becoming a full-time musician wasn’t easy. Losing my mother is what led me to leave my job in academia and subsequently pursue music. However, there have been other obstacles along the way. One of the biggest was, of course, the COVID-19 pandemic. It completely shut live music down for a year. That meant a total loss of income for performers, myself included. We are still in the middle of the pandemic, and with flu season and indoor shows on the horizon, no one is sure what will happen. It makes financial stability difficult.

Another struggle, one that I think a lot of artists share, is self-confidence. Songwriting is incredibly personal. Performing original music leaves you vulnerable. In a world of social media, you constantly compare yourself to others. Knowing you are capable, that your art matters, is a constant struggle.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a singer-songwriter in the folk/Americana/roots/classic country genres. I’m known for powerhouse vocals, energetic and sincere performances, compelling original music, and singing the occasional song in Russian.

I’m most proud of taking the leap into a music career and all the progress I’ve made. I started at an open mic in 2016, and by 2020 I was named #1 solo artist in Best of Lawrence. I’m also proud of the work I’m doing to support other musicians and build our community.

I think that is one thing that sets me apart. I work hard to move my career forward of course, but I’m deeply committed to helping other performers and to creating a supportive and inclusive music community.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
This is a tough one! Songwriters are open books. Our music often comes out of our most personal struggles and intimate thoughts. I don’t talk much about my academic career because it’s something I’m still grieving. I usually say that being a musician was the best choice, but to be completely honest, I really miss teaching and being a part of an academic institution. I will always feel that by leaving, I’ve let people down and missed out on a career I love.

Contact Info:

• Email: Meganluttrellmusic@gmail.com
• Website: www.meganluttrell.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/meganluttrell
• Facebook: Facebook.com/luttrellmegan
• Twitter: Twitter.com/megan_luttrell

Image Credits:
Photo credit John Knepper for all photos except the Women’s Songwriter Showcase logo