Megan Barker has long been a force in the songwriting world, but 2025 has marked a thrilling new rise in her artistic journey. After more than a decade of releasing heartfelt singles and standout EPs, she stepped into one of her most exciting seasons yet with three powerful independent releases, unforgettable festival performances, and a finalist spot in the 2025 John Lennon Songwriting Contest. With her debut full-length album on the way in 2026 and a spot on Doug Stone’s Farewell Tour, Megan is entering a defining chapter filled with momentum, creativity, and bold new milestones.
In this interview, she opens up about the stories behind her latest songs, the joy and pressure of preparing for her first album, the impact of touring across major cities, and the inspiration she draws from her family’s musical legacy. Megan speaks with warmth, humor, and honesty about what this era means to her and what fans can look forward to next.
Here is our conversation with the ever-inspiring Megan Barker.
2025 has been a major year for you musically. How would you describe this chapter of your journey as an artist?
Thank you so much! I’ve been releasing music for over a decade. I’ve put out a ton of singles, a few EP’s, but I’ve never done a full length album. The songs you heard this year year will be on the upcoming project. So it’s been a really wild new experience to be prepping to release a full record! SO FUN!
You released three independent singles this year. What personal stories or experiences inspired “Bad Boy,” “Heartache Heaven,” and “Summer Makes Me Homesick”?
I think I can speak for so many people when I say bad boys are mysteriously irresistible. I certainly cried some tears over a bad boy or two so at some point I HAD to write about it. “Summer Makes Me Homesick” takes me back to being a kid. I hope that song takes everyone back to a place or a time. I thing being “homesick” is sometimes synonymous with being nostalgic. It definitely is for me.
v You have performed at some incredible festivals including Tin Pan South, Key West Songwriters Festival, and the first-ever Destin Songwriters Festival. How did these shows shape your growth this year?
Being on these official lineup blows my mind. I always feel like the doorman just let me in by mistake. I think if you wanna continue to grow, you gotta continue to surround yourself with people who are better than you. So I constantly try to surround myself with the best songwriters, performers etc and being at these festivals is a good way to do that. Being the weakest link can make you insecure, but I try to use that as ammunition to keep working harder at my craft.
“Cowboy’s Church,” your song with Zane Williams, was a finalist in the 2025 John Lennon Songwriting Contest. What did that recognition mean for you creatively and personally?
I can never overstate how cool it’s been to have Zane featured on one of my songs. He’s one of my heroes! So all the praise we’re getting for “Cowboy’s Church” is really just the cherry on top if you will. Getting an email from the JLSC blew my mind. Out of all the songs that get submitted, what a treat to be recognized!
You have your long-awaited debut album dropping in 2026. What can fans expect from this body of work?
It’s definitely me. I think it’s a wonderful mixed bag of twangy country, pop country, soulful, singer-songwriter. That might make more sense after you hear it…
You are joining Doug Stone on his Farewell Tour next year. How are you preparing for such a significant opportunity?
I’m just so excited to make him proud. I don’t take opportunities lightly and my favorite thing in the world (besides writing songs) is being on stage! I am forever grateful he’s trusting me with his adoring fans for a few minutes before he takes the stage.
Your musical journey started early, influenced by your father’s songwriting legacy. How has that background shaped your style and identity today?
My parents had a huge influence on my musical upbringing but they never forced music on me. A lot of kid’s parents push them into piano lessons or things of that nature, but that was never my story. If anything I think my parents would’ve loved for me to NOT go into music HA! But they were thrilled when they realized I had an undeniable passion for it. I’ve been blessed to have love and support along the way.
You have performed in major cities from Las Vegas to Nashville, and toured internationally. How have these experiences shaped the artist you have become?
We’re really trying to hone in on building fans in certain areas so that we can start selling out venues. So this year we focused on California, Texas, and Florida a ton. Being on the road has always been a dream of mine! So I am addicted. The more I do, the more I want to do. Look out, 2026!
Looking ahead, what are your biggest hopes and goals for the next phase of your career?
I would love to manifest these next opportunities into even bigger ones. I look forward to having the opportunity to open for more artists next year. Performing on the Opry is on my to-do list! I know they’ll call one of these days if I just keep up the hard work. And I sure hope my new record reaches people who love it.
Thanks so much for chatting with me!!
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