With Role Models, we learn more about today’s most exciting acts — and the artists who inspired them. This time, Meg Ward explains how Moby’s music changed her life.
When she’s not busy working on her Master’s in Psychology, Meg Ward can be found performing at venues like Motion Bristol and The Warehouse Project, sharing the stage with high-caliber house and techno acts like Alan Fitzpatrick, Pete Tong, Skream and Patrick Topping.
Hailing from Pontefract, West Yorkshire, Ward is currently based in Newcastle. She first blew two years ago with he release of her debut Phenol House EP. And since then, she’s released big house and techno tracks on Shall Not Fade, &Friends, Trick, and Needwant, which just released her new sweltering single, “Last All Night.”
With all eyes on Meg, we wanted to know more about who inspired her journey into electronic music. Her answer: Moby.
Who has most inspired you on your journey to becoming a DJ/producer?
Musically, I don’t think anyone has inspired me quite like Moby. His genre-bending masterpieces are really what got me into producing in the way I do. His music inspired me to step away from boxes and create music depending on how I’m feeling on the day.
How did you first discover them?
I got Moby’s album Play on CD when I was really young. It was the first time I was exposed to electronica in all its glory, and I was obsessed.
What made them someone you wanted to emulate?
It was his broad creative concepts that feel like proper works of art. He can make really niche stuff as well as music that appeals to everyone and pulls it off every time.
Have you ever met them in person? Or worked with them?
No, but I’d honestly be so starstruck I’d not know what to say! Would be a dream to get in the studio with him and get a look into the way his mind works.
Did you have any other mentors along the way?
In terms of my DJing, I’ve looked up to Denis Sulta, Honey Dijon and Mall Grab from the moment I bought my first decks. The energy they bring to every set (and impeccable tune selection) is what I aimed to be. I definitely think I’ve emulated a lot of that into my sets.
Why is representation so important in the music industry?
It makes it feel a lot more natural to look up to someone who has the same gender identity and ethnic background as you. I don’t think there were many women at the forefront of electronic music when I was growing up. If there was, maybe I would have gotten into DJing a lot younger. When I started to see other amazing women coming through and headlining gigs I went to, this was when I decided to jump into the scene. Therefore, representation is important: giving younger generations inspiration and belief that they can be up on that stage killing it too.
Do you hope to one day serve as an example for the next generation?
Yes, 100%. I just want to inspire people to be their authentic selves, because nobody can do you better than you.
