Introducing Megan McCormick: Ryko announces new artist signing

Ryko is proud to announce the signing of 23 year-old singer-songwriter and guitarist Megan McCormick.

Born in Idaho and raised in Alaska, McCormick left home at the tender age of 16 and headed to Tennessee after receiving the coveted Public Performance Scholarship at East Tennessee State University.

In a very short time, McCormick became an integral part of the young, independent singer/songwriter community in Nashville, garnering respect for her exceptional songwriting, beautiful vocal style and virtuoso guitar playing.

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McCormick is currently putting the final touches on her debut Ryko album, which is being produced and mixed by Grammy Award-winner Dave O'Donnell (James Taylor, John Mayer, Aaron Neville, Keb' Mo') slated for release this summer.

Ruby Marchand, head of A&R for Ryko, states "I initially heard about Megan through my colleagues at Warner Nashville and BMI. I was intrigued that she was equally praised for her songwriting, her voice, her guitar skills, and her live performances. When I saw her play at a small venue in Nashville, I knew I was in the presence of an exceptional artist. Megan is a signature talent and we warmly welcome her to the Ryko family."

Raised in Alaska by jazz musicians, McCormick's background set the stage for a career in music. She grew up listening to the likes of Bonnie Raitt and Steely Dan, but her most essential influences were from her family. "Watching and listening to them was life-changing," notes McCormick.

She started singing and picked up her first guitar at age 9, delving into a variety of styles, from blues to folk to alt-country, until finding her own personal style. She also plays the lap-steel, mandolin and bass and writes all of her own music.

McCormick has won two International Bluegrass Music Association Awards for Recorded Event of the Year in 2006 ("Back To The Well") and again in 2009 ("Proud To Be A Daughter of Bluegrass") -- both for a special Daughters of Bluegrass project. This past year, she also landed her song, "Bullseye", in the Emmy-Award nominated film, Prayers for Bobby, featuring Sigourney Weaver.

From pensive and intimate ballads to rock n' roll to indie-pop, she describes her sound today as "unique, well-rounded and genuine." McCormick adds "My songs reflect a deep look inward as well as the world around me. I find inspiration sometimes in my guitar, on a street corner, or even in a lover. The new album will touch on love, family, addiction and the never-ending search for self-understanding."

Megan McCormick 2010 tour dates:

(Dates and information subject to change.)

March 2010

3/9 Nashville, TN The Rutledge with Angel Snow, Vicktor Krass & Black Lillies
3/12 Charlotte, NC The Evening Muse with Darden Smith
3/13 Roanoke, VA Kirk Avenue Music Hall with Darden Smith
3/25 Lake Lotawana, MO The Canoe Club with Daphne Willis
3/26 St. Louis, MO House of Rock with Daphne Willis
3/27 Dubuque, IA The Bank with Daphne Willis
3/29 Madison, WI High Noon Saloon with Alejandro Escovedo
3/31 La Salle, IL Uptown with Alejandro Escovedo

April 2010

4/01 Danville, IN The Royal with Alejandro Escovedo
4/02 Newport, KY The Southgate House with Alejandro Escovedo
4/03 Chicago, IL Old Town School of Folk with Alejandro Escovedo
4/16 Chattanooga, TN Barking Legs Theatre with Angel Snow
4/17 Starkville, MS Mississippi State University opening for Amos Lee

Photo credit: John Chiasson

For the latest tour dates, music and more, go to:

Megan McCormick MySpace