Meghan at FIERCE FEMME FEST, Arlene’s Grocery. Photo by Allen Williams

Meghan Taylor isn’t just a vocalist, she is a force of nature. And if you’ve ever seen GIFTSHOP live, you’ll know what we mean.

While the band calls Astoria, Queens home, Meghan herself was born in Middletown, Connecticut. Her family soon moved to Hanau, Germany where she lived for five years before settling back in Upstate New York, where she honed her chops in several Rochester bands. With GIFTSHOP, she has the unique challenge of playing with bandmates - Damian Eckstein, Matt Santoro and Jordan Kramer - with some serious technical skills, and in both recordings and shows she is able to match them with the powerful intensity that she brings.

We had a chance to catch up with her to discuss performing, her background, and how to turn a torrential rainstorm into a blast for everyone.

We love Upstate NY! How did growing up in Rochester influence your music?

Meghan: I love upstate too! I feel like the weather makes all of us in the scene a little more gritty. I am so honored to have been a part of the Rochester music scene for so many years before I moved to NYC. My first band was an all-female punk band called White Cotton Panties. After that there was a straight up rock band called Bee Eater. Actually, I still go back sometimes to play reunion shows. So much fun.

You have a reputation as a "fiery lead vocalist." How much of your stage persona is natural expression, and how much is a conscious choice to create an energetic show?

It's generally just how I am, I think. I'm naturally a bit of a "force" but I definitely put thought into where certain accents are in the songs in order to match up cool moves for visual effect. Drawing energy from the audience is also a big part of it!

Besides music, what other art forms (literature, film, visual art) influence your style?

Being a dancer since I was 4 years old, going to college to study more, and then doing it professionally for years definitely has had an impact on my style. I can't help but hit those accents in the music on stage. In fact, it hurts me if I don't. Haha!

The band at FIERCE FEMME FEST. Photo by Allen Williams

What is your pre-show ritual, and how do you prepare mentally and vocally before taking the stage?

I always check the set list and think about how each song leads into the next energy-wise. Just to get a roadmap for the set.... Vocally, I do a few warmups but mostly hootin’ and hollerin’ for the opening band works for me.

What has been the most memorable or surreal moment you’ve experienced while performing live with GIFTSHOP?

Well one of them was actually at a show you saw at the outdoor space at Culture Lab in Long Island City. We were playing Ace of Spades and dark clouds rolled in with epic lightning storms. Then it started raining sideways, it was so windy! Our fans are so hardcore that they stayed until the song ended – then, completely drenched, we all ran for cover! Head banging in the rain (editor’s note: that was our first time seeing GIFTSHOP, and they were amazing!)

Meghan in the pouring rain, Culture Lab LIC. Photo by J. Ontibero

Do you consider yourself a live or studio band, and why?

Sure, we're a live band. Absolutely first and foremost. However, some really beautiful things have happened in the studio that completely changed some of our songs, so both are great in their own way.

When you're not writing or performing, what kind of non-musical activities or interests recharge your creative batteries?

I love making homemade pasta. Learned how during the pandemic. Also got addicted to doing jigsaw puzzles. Not sure how creative that is but it helps me decompress.

If you could join any band (past or present) on stage for a one-song performance, who would it be and which song would you sing?

I would do a duet of "Annie's Song" with John Denver.

Tompkins Square Park, NYC SOS and friends. Photo by Alan Rand

What is a common misconception about being the lead singer of a punk band that you'd like to correct?

I'm very polite- not just because I'm in hospitality (I'm also a bartender). "Please" and "thank you" matter to me. Common courtesy is important. Yes, I scream and curse on stage, but I'll also hold the door for you.

If you could give one piece of advice to a young singer starting their own band today, what would it be?

Make sure you have someone with a lot of money in your band. Haha! Punk rock is not a lucrative hustle ... .but damn, it's a lot of fun!

Go for it.

Enjoy.

And always support and lift up your fellow bands in the scene.