I love it when friends tell me about new music they have discovered. This happened twice last year. Two different friends caught Meagan Hillyer’s show, and both thought enough to mention her to me. One thing both mentioned was her voice. I finally got the chance to see her last Saturday, and even with her being a little under the weather she delivered an outstanding set. I left a fan that night, and you will as well once you catch her set at Gnarbeque in a couple of weeks.

TUNED UP: What attracted you to this festival?

Meagan Hillyer: I was attracted to this festival because I had seen/heard plenty about the fest being from Columbus. A lot of friends and acquaintances have been on past bills and the current line up as well! I’ve always wanted to be a part of this festival.

Are you working on anything at the moment?

I am currently working on writing some new songs for Gnarbeque in general. I always feel stagnant if I don’t write something new at least once a month. I let it come to me on its own; I don’t like forcing any creative flow.

What is your favorite summertime drink?

Love iced tea for sure. Whether it’s sweet or with lemon, not real picky.

Favorite summer activity?

Favorite summertime activity would be hiking around in the woods. I love looking for rocks (yes, I said rocks), playing in a creek, or swimming in any body of water. Anything outdoors is usually my go to. Really love festival season as well, and gallery hop! Support local art in all forms!

What makes a good summer song/album?

Dang. That’s a hard one to answer. Honestly, a good song, in general, can outlast any season it was released in if it’s good enough. And not good enough deemed by society’s terms of “good enough” but, good enough to the audience it is intended for. Music speaks to the soul, so if your lyrics don’t really carry any meaning to them, they tend to fall flat faster than truthful words. Honesty is key, and clever turns of phrase for sure. The more it gets stuck in your own head, the more it will stick in other’s minds as well. Just my opinion though.

Do you have a favorite festival?

Pfffttt. I wish I had a favorite, haha. There are far too many. I will say, I have always loved Supermoon Music and Arts Festival in Whitesburg, Kentucky, and I really enjoyed my time at Clustxr in West Virginia, and Rootwire transformational music and arts festival (R.I.P to Rootwire ❤️ sad to see last year really be it’s last.)

If you could have your own festival, what would it be called, and who would play the first year?

Oh, hot dang. Haha, another tough one. Hmm. If I had a festival it would be super eclectic like how Gnarbeque is. I would have a ton of different artists, and make the focus of the festival about community and supporting all forms of local crafts; that can stretch as far as local honey being sold, to local artists having an open mic night at a different stage in the fest. Things like that are important to remind the masses that we are all here and in this shit together. I honestly have no idea who I would book. Haha, my brain immediately goes to the business side of it, and who I would want to book would be a task and a half ? but I can dream and learn from the Gnarbeque team 😉

What is one thing you enjoy about the summer?

One thing I enjoy about summer is how beautiful the landscape becomes after a very sleepy/cold winter. It’s like watching the earth give itself new life over and over again—pretty amazing to witness. I also love that people tend to be in better spirits with more sunshine at their disposal. Can’t say I mind that either!

What are your thoughts on socks with sandals?

I really don’t care, lol. If you want to wear that then go for it, I’m not going to tell someone how to live their life or care how they chose to do so. It’s silly, but hey, their body. They can do with it what they will. More power to ‘em.

If you had to pick one thing that makes summers awesome in Columbus, what would it be?

Summers in Columbus are awesome, because it feels like every week, if not every day, there is something to do. Whether it’s outside or in, there is some kind of show or event you can experience. It’s really interesting and can be a tad overwhelming sometimes, feeling like you missed out on so many events. But that’s the beauty of this place- there will be more, always! So cool to live somewhere so versatile.