A few years back, many aspiring singers probably thought Meaghan Williams was on top of the world. She was touring the country with John Legend, singing background for one of the hottest R&B acts to break into the scene in decades. The money was great and the exposure was immeasurable. But even though the entire world thought she should be, Williams was anything but happy.
“They were nice people, but it was a very uncomfortable situation,” Williams said. “Working in the R&B industry there are not a people like you – and with me having salvation, it wasn’t a blend. It was like mixing oil with water.”
After giving up the lucrative grind of the secular scene, Meaghan decided to step out on faith and is performing her first solo live recording this Sunday night at Gateway Area Bible Fellowship Church in East St. Louis.
“I left and started to do my own thing musically,” Williams said. “It was scary stepping out front and facing the masses alone because I’ve always been a background singer.”
Since leaving Legend’s camp Williams has gone on to work with nationally renowned local producer/songwriter Levi “Too” King and presently sings background for gospel contemporary artist J. Moss. She is happy with her life and career and the choices she has made.
“Working in secular music is difficult because you’re trying to live a certain way, which at times can be totally contrary to what you sing,” Williams said.
“Life and death is in the power and the tongue, so we have to live what we sing,” said Williams. “And if we don’t believe it then we shouldn’t sing it.”
Williams is as convicted about using her music to inspire and uplift and her forte includes everything from traditional to hymns to rock to praise and worship.
She believes that using her music as an opportunity to praise, witness and “to lift His name high” will allow people to be encouraged and is tied to her purpose in life.
“When I sing, I sing to encourage the brokenhearted, the people with low self-esteem and those who may be suicidal,” Williams said.
It was her own suicide attempts stemming from depression and confusion following her parents divorce that left Williams trying to end her life.
“I tried everything from overdosing to slitting my wrists,” Williams said. “But I woke up the next day and realized there was purpose for my life. Nothing but the Holy Spirit pulled me out of it.”
And nowadays Williams considers the Holy Spirit and her Christian walk in everything she does – especially her career. She highly recommends, even warns at times, for other musical artists do the same.
“Go for the Christian side of things it pays off in the end, “ Williams said. “The money is better on the secular side, but while you’ll have the money, you will be paying for it with your peace.”
MeToo Music presnts Meaghan Williams “Live Recording” with special guest Shae Norman, Sunday, Jan. 20 at Gateway Area Bible Fellowship Apostolic Church, 8625 State Street in East St. Louis. For more information visit www.metoomusic.com/meaghan.