Local artist profile: Megumie Alcala

THIS week we chat with busy singer/guitarist Megumie Alcala, who brings her talents to three local bands – This Sweet Sickness, Superluminal Objects and Polar Lows.

What motivated you to take up singing and the guitar?

It started as a way to process difficult things when I was growing up in the Philippines.Singing was a solace in the midst of family violence and childhood bullying.

It felt instinctive.

I remember when I was a kid, I would sing to my mum when we were faced with extremely confronting realities that we needed to mentally escape.

It was a fun way to enter a whimsical space in a chaotic environment.

As for the guitar, my older sister took up playing as she was gifted one by our uncle.

She would lend it to me and we would start learning it together.

One of the first songs we tried was Romance de Amor, also known as Estudio en Mi de Rubira.

My sister would buy “song hits” and we could access the chords of the latest songs along with a guitar tab guide.

How would you describe your singing style as well as your guitar style?

My singing style is quite intimate and restrained.

I’ve always preferred to have the same level of volume as the guitar so the two can entangle to create something that would pull people into my quiet hurricane.

With guitars, it’s more textural than technical – I lean into decorating the sound and atmosphere around me.

(This) developed naturally from the kind of music I listened to.

Which other singers and guitarists inspire you?

I’m inspired heavily by Radiohead, A Perfect Circle, My Bloody Valentine and the Pixies.

The way these bands have created music that is their own is admirable.

What are some highlights you have from your music journey so far?

I really enjoyed playing at Goldfields Gothic, held in Maldon, with This Sweet Sickness.

It was a different approach to how I do things as we went to have costume(s) made by local costume designer Scarlett Menagerie.

The Burra Block Party in Eaglehawk was such a meaningful gig as well because playing our music in the open field gave a different experience.

It was definitely a first for me!

Lastly, all the gigs we’ve had at Trash Cult in Eaglehawk are the best as we were amongst friends, other musicians and an amazing crowd who were very supportive and fun to hang out with.

How can people check out your work online?

This Sweet Sickness is on Bandcamp, Superluminal Objects is on Bandcamp and Spotify, Polar Lows is on Spotify.

You can follow our socials @thisssweetsickness, @superluminalobjects and @polarlows

Do you have any performances coming up?

We played at Trash Cult (recently) with three Japanese bands touring Australia, The Fax, Tokiyo Ooto and Meshia To Ninjin.

This Sweet Sickness will be releasing an EP in February 2027.

What would you say to young regional aspiring singers/guitarists who are thinking of making a go of it?

I would say believe in the music you make and find a great mentor that would give you good advice.

Don’t be scared to share rough ideas with people and be open to criticism, but filter out anything that doesn’t align with your authentic identity as a musician.

It’s also helpful to engage with local event organisers, community radio, news agencies and venues as we all work together to promote the music scene.