Kyle Meagher – already an established Canadian actor, is making his way into the popular music scene. The 17-year-old Ottawa native's acting credits include his recurring role on Neflix's Anne with an E, as well as numerous TV commercials and shows including Odd Squad and Murdoch Mysteries. Musically, he's on the rise, accumulating an international following and opening for many notable names such as Austin Mahone, Mike Posner, Why Don’t We, Madison Beer, Bryce Vine and NF.
It wasn't until Meagher began working on a TV pilot, that he serendipitously got the chance to showcase his musical talents to the world:
"When I was working on a TV pilot called “7 Hills”, the director wanted to include some original music in the pilot. He knew I had a lot of music interest and training, so he asked if I would want to help write and record an original song for the pilot. I did and I really enjoyed it and decided it was a passion I wanted to pursue professionally!"
His debut EP Beats in a Bagel Shop has garnered over 400,000 plays across streaming platforms. Kyle gives fans a taste of what's to come in the form of a music video for his latest single "Game for 2."
CGI and reality work together in the video to capture the story within – inspired by the rise of technology and its impact on relationships.
The video – taking place directly in the frenzy of Fortnite, walks us through the story of a boy who likes a girl whose boyfriend is more focused on playing video games than on her.
"Game for 2" features a tropical pop melody with a splash of reggae that fits well with the track's fun and playful theme. Though having a laid-back sound, Meagher aims to remind listeners with an important message – to not take relationships for granted.
Q: Already a notable actor, what inspired you to crossover into the music industry?
I have always been taking music lessons – playing guitar, sax, piano and singing – but when I was working on a TV pilot called “7 Hills”, the director wanted to include some original music in the pilot. He knew I had a lot of music interest and training, so he asked if I would want to help write and record an original song for the pilot. I did and I really enjoyed it and decided it was a passion I wanted to pursue professionally!
Q: “Game for 2” conveys an important message about technology and relationships. How did the idea for the track come about?
I have definitely seen a lot of friends my age who get so tied up in video games or their technology or
smartphones rather than the real people around them. So when I was writing with my co-writer, Joe, we were playing around with the idea and came up with a real playful song about a guy who pays more attention to playing Fortnite than his girlfriend. Technology has given us so many opportunities – everything is now at our fingertips but I know I have gotten carried away with it, as have most people in this world, and we have to remember to include the people around us in our lives. It’s meant to be fun and playful but at the same time a great reminder.
Q: How would you describe the concept for “Gamer for 2”’s music video?
We had a lot of fun with this music video. Basically, the song is about a guy who is more into playing his video game, Fortnite, than his girlfriend. When we were planning this video we thought it would be super cool if the girlfriend and I were actually kind of sucked into the game and I include her in what I’m doing as we battle and run away from things in the game and drink potions. It was my first experience with working with CGI and I think we made a pretty entertaining video.
Q: Tell us about your time on set in Indiana, how was it working under the direction of Nuge Music?
We had an amazing time in Indiana. I have worked with Nuge before and we just seem to click and have the same ideas and have the same quirky humour – so I think he was the perfect director to make the song come alive in a quirky but playful way. He is a young director who also knows a lot about technology, Fortnite and CGI, so he really made the vision come to life. We ran around in fields in Indiana and got to do some of our own stunts. We also did a lot of green screen work, which was also very cool. It was a great time.
Q: What are you hoping listeners/viewers can take away from the theme of “Game for 2?”
I hope that people will think it’s a fun and quirky video reminding them that enjoying technology is fine but not forgetting the people around you is more important than technology. Including people in your past-times and not isolating yourself to the online world is important and there really is a way to do both!
Q: Being from Ottawa, are there any Canadian musicians that you resonate with?
There are so many Canadian artists today that are so amazing but I have to say, I do really enjoy Shawn Mendes. He is just such a great singer with a fantastic sound and seems to be very down to earth. My music tastes are pretty wide so of course, I also have to mention I love the Tragically Hip, Justin Bieber’s music, Drake, Avril Lavigne and many of our favorite Canadian artists.
Q: What’s next for Kyle Meagher?
Well, I am an actor and singer so a couple of my acting projects are coming out – Anne with an E is
currently on CBC and will be released on Netflix on January 3rd. Another project I worked on, Killer
Prom, will be out in 2020. My short film and visual album for Beats in a Bagel Shop which was my first EP I released earlier this year is making rounds at film festivals, and was nominated for “Best Musical” at the Orlando Film Festival last month and is an “Official Selection” at the Toronto Shorts International Film Festival this weekend. I have new music also getting ready to release in the new year and I’m hoping to embark on a new musical film project later next year!
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