Local artist profile: Megan Hooley

THIS week we chat with another member of emerging local rock/metal group Two Steps Forward – rhythm guitarist and singer Megan Hooley, who said her fellow band members have been her biggest supporters and she couldn’t be more grateful for the people she gets to share a stage with.

What motivated you to take up rhythm guitar?

I’d always been a musically inclined person so when the opportunity came up to start learning an instrument, I took that chance immediately.

For years I would perform trumpet solo and in group settings, but it wasn’t until year 11 that I took up guitar.

It was an instrument I’d been wanting to play for a while (and) was something different, exciting.

It helped that I was able to play songs I knew – I’d watched other bands play through school events and decided that could be me, so I started teaching myself.

Which other rhythm guitarists inspire you?

Having watched another local Bendigo band, The Unknown, play during our schooling years, the skill and stage presence of every one of them was a reason I started looking in a rock band direction.

Although their guitarist is more of a lead, it’s still super impressive watching him nail both aspects, and being local it made me realise just how achievable it could be for me too.

Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong and Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl also made for big inspirations, being both a guitarist and singer myself.

Have you had any mentors over your career?

My biggest mentors have actually been my fellow band members.

Starting out self taught and not confident in my abilities, they all make sure to reassure me that what I can do is enough.

They’ve been my biggest supporters and I couldn’t be more grateful for the people I get to share a stage with.

What are some highlights you have from your time as a co-songwriter in the band?

I love the collaborative aspect of our songwriting so much.

We try to write as a band and use all of our collective thoughts and ideas to make our work, OUR work.

I think that makes it really special, knowing that we wouldn’t be making the same sound with one of us missing.

Days sitting with a notebook open, scribbling down possible lyrics and finally nailing the tone we’ve been trying to convey is a feeling that proves this is what I want to do.

What are you working on right now?

Our aim is to eventually release an LP.

With five (original songs) already performed live with demos, a couple in the works and a few more ideas written down, we’d like to hope it won’t be too far into next year before we have our own album.

Other than that, we’re still taking every chance we get to perform.

Now that we’re being offered spots for events and getting to broaden our audience, we’re hoping that we can (build) a consistent fanbase for our LP to premiere to.

What would you say to young regional aspiring rhythm guitarists who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

Take the chance.

The creative life has always been about doing what you’re passionate about and if guitar is your thing, share your passion with whoever will listen.

Starting small (and) making your way up is a great feeling.

I never would’ve gotten to where I am today if I didn’t take the leap.

You can always decide it’s no longer for you, but a lot of times, doing something you love will never get old.