Breaking Barriers: Women in Music with Tara Megan from East Moon

Tara Megan, a member of the Chicago-based band East Moon sat down for an interview with Polyjamorous Magazine, we delve into her unique perspective on music, her experiences as a female musician, and the influences that shape her creative journey.

Q. How would you describe your musical style?

a: It’s like glitter or sprinkles. You didn’t know it wasn’t complete until you add it and now you can’t have it any other way.

Q. As a female musician, have you faced any particular challenges in the music industry? How did you navigate those obstacles?

a: Double standards. Things that I have never heard my male bandmates get asked or told. i.e “oh i thought you were a groupie till you got up there” the one that really gets me is people thinking I don’t write my own parts.

The only way I know how to navigate them is through. Knowing what I bring to the table.Others opinions of me do not dictate who I am.

Q. Who are your biggest musical influences—both male and female—and how have they shaped your sound or approach to music?

a: My influences change as music changes. A couple years ago Porches was a huge influence and years before that Prince. Right now Amy Taylor from Amyl and the Sniffers is really influencing my way in how to be authentically you in music and stage. She’s absolutely killing it right now and is a huge inspiration.

Q. What advice would you give to young women who want to break into the music industry or pursue music as a career?

a: Be loud. Be authentic. Go to local shows and find like minded people with similar goals. It’s a given that you’re going to be put in double standard situations, stand your ground, don’t back out and never let anyone get you down. I’d rather be labeled a bitch than no label at all.

Most importantly, TAKE UP SPACE.

Q. Have you noticed any shifts in how women are represented in the music industry? What changes would you like to see moving forward?

a: Most definitely! The younger generation is so much more progressive. I feel like in the past couple of years women are getting more and more recognized and it’s more common to see a female member.

I would like to see it not being like “oh they have a woman in the band” just that.. It’s a band. If that makes any sense. Make it normal not a spectacle.