interview by JANA LETONJA

In the 10 years since the release of her chart-topping debut album Title, GRAMMY award-winning singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Meghan Trainor has continued to raise the bar for herself. Over a decade into her prolific career, Meghan has released 6 albums to critical acclaim, completed multiple sold out world tours, written countless hits for herself and other artists, crafted songs for film and tv whilst writing her first book. She is also a mother to two beautiful boys. Now, fresh off the release of Timeless and the biggest tour of her career, Meghan is taking time to look towards the future and celebrate her most confident chapter yet. We had the privilege to chat with her about the incredible journey she’s been on thus far, and where she is now and what she is looking forward to in the future, including allowing herself to have more fun.

Meghan, it’s been over 10 years since ‘All About That Bass’ first hit the airwaves. When you look back at that moment, how do you feel about the young woman who made that song and album?

When I think back to that girl, I feel so proud of her, and honestly, very protective of her too. I was only 19 when that song came out. I wrote it from this place of honesty and humour, not realising the impact and the success it would have. Suddenly, I was being labeled a body positivity icon everywhere when I was still figuring out how I felt about my own body. But I admire how brave she was. I still look back to this day and think “Wow, she was so fearless.” She was unapologetically herself to the public even though she was still learning how to love her own self. I wouldn’t be who I am today without that moment and everything that came after.

bodysuit LA ROXX
jewellery SELF PORTRAIT
shoes SADI

How do you think your songwriting has evolved since then, both lyrically and emotionally?

I think it’s grown up with me. Back then, my lyrics were playful and cheeky, still meaningful but coming from a younger perspective. Now, there’s more depth and vulnerability. I’ve lived more. I’ve gone through big life changes, marriage, becoming a mom, navigating fame, healing my panic disorder, and all of that shows up in my writing. I’m more intentional now. Every word has to mean something, but I’ve also learned not to overthink it. Some of my best songs come when I stop trying to be perfect and just tell my truth. Overall, I’ve lived more, felt more, and that shows up in the songs.

coat TATA PR ARCHIVE
shoes AMINA MUADDI

You’ve always been so hands-on — writing, producing, engineering your own music. What keeps you inspired to stay so deeply involved in every layer of the creative process?

I’m a control freak. Creating music is my happy place. It’s where I feel the most myself. I’ve always been obsessed with every part of it. Being hands-on gives me control, but more than that, it keeps me connected to the message. If I’m going to sing something every night on tour or have fans connect to it, I want to know it came straight from me. That’s the magic of writing music, you can take an idea in your head and turn it into something millions of people sing back to you. I never get tired of that. When my fans tell me one of my songs helped them or made them feel seen, that’s the best feeling ever and that’s why I do it.

You’ve described this moment in your life as a new chapter. What does this era of Meghan Trainor feel like to you?

It feels like I’m finally starting to give less fucks, which is incredibly freeing. For a long time, I felt like I was constantly trying to prove something, to the industry, to the public, even to myself. Now, I’m more focused on joy. I’m more confident, and more comfortable in my skin. I’m creating because I love it, not because I’m chasing a hit. I’m in this beautiful season of life with my family, and I’m trying to give myself permission to slow down and enjoy it. This new chapter is about being authentic, playful, and grateful.

dress RICHARD QUINN
earrings SELF PORTRAIT
rings KALLATI
shoes MARC JACOBS
belt and crown stylist's own

What’s currently been fuelling your creativity the most?

My kids, 100%. They’ve opened up this whole new world of inspiration. Watching them discover the world is wild. Seeing life through their eyes feels like I get to be a kid again. Even the smallest things, a silly dance, a funny phrase from Riley learning to speak, or a bedtime story, can spark an idea. I’m also really inspired by other artists right now, especially women in pop who are pushing boundaries and embracing fun again. And of course, social media. I always picture dancing to these new songs on stage and on social media and it gets me so excited.

How has motherhood changed the way you see yourself, your career, and your voice?

Motherhood changed everything for me. I see myself as an incredible strong woman who works her ass off for her family that she absolutely adores and would do anything for. Being a pop-star, a songwriter and a touring artist while being a mother is the hardest, coolest job ever. As exhausting as it is, it is the most rewarding part of my life. Doing it all. And I’m pretty great at it. Becoming a mother with this crazy career has taught me to be more present in life, to appreciate the little things, and to make sure I live every day to the fullest with my family. If I want my kids to be confident and kind and unafraid to take up space, I have to model that. My voice has changed physically too. It’s stronger, deeper, more emotional. I think there’s a new level of honesty in my music because I’m not just singing for me anymore. I’m singing for them too.

bodysuit LA ROXX
jewellery SELF PORTRAIT
shoes SADI

You’ve been open about mental health, body image, and balancing fame with real life. What are you still learning about yourself?

I’m learning that healing isn’t linear. I’ve struggled with anxiety, with self-love, with feeling like I have to be “on” all the time. But I’ve gotten better at asking for help. I’ve surrounded myself with people who lift me up and remind me that I don’t have to be perfect to be loved. I’m still learning how to say no without guilt. How to rest. How to protect my peace and still show up for everyone. I’m learning to be kinder to myself and not to let my negative thoughts steal the joy. It’s hard work to rewire your brain, but I do the work with my therapist and I’m doing much better. It’s something that I will always be working on.

bodysuit LA ROXX
jewellery SELF PORTRAIT
shoes SADI

You’ve said you’re finally feeling confident experimenting and pushing your style. What sparked that shift?

It was a mix of things, therapy, becoming a mom, hitting my 30s, and also finding the right team. I just stopped caring as much about what people thought. For so long, I tried to fit into this mould of what a pop-star “should” look like while also covering myself completely because of my old insecurities. Now I want to wear what makes me feel powerful, hot, and what makes me smile. For me, fashion has become fun again. It’s an extension of my personality, not something to stress over. Every time I’m in a fitting, we all do a high pitch scream for joy because we love it so much. I’ve got an amazing team who helps me dream big and pushes me to try things I never would’ve tried on, let alone worn out in public five years ago. This new team sees me for me, but also has me taking risks in ways that it still feels authentic. Now, getting dressed for an event is something I look forward to. It’s expressive, it’s creative, it’s a party and it’s finally fun.

left:
skirt FANCI CLUB
necklace ANAYAH
earrings ANABELA CHAN
scarf stylist's own

right:
dress MOSCHINO
rings HOUSE OF EMMANUELE
earrings SELF PORTRAIT
roller skates stylist's own

How has your relationship with fashion changed since you first broke into the industry?

At the start, I knew nothing about fashion. The ‘All About That Bass’ video was the first time anyone picked out an outfit for me, put professional make up on me, and put extensions in my hair. I felt like a robot in a factory being put together and I loved it. I was learning so much. I was letting go of how terrified I was and just trusted these professionals, and we made a monster of a music video that is ‘All About That Bass’. But I never saw bodies like mine being celebrated, and I often felt like I had to hide or shrink myself to be accepted. Now, it’s the opposite. I dress to stand out, not to blend in. I’ve embraced new styles, textures and colors, all things that used to scare me. Fashion has become this empowering tool, not a source of anxiety. It’s a way for me to tell people who I am without saying a word. And I love that my style can continue to evolve with me.

How do you feel fashion lets you express yourself, and what role does it represent in your life, both personally and as an artist?

Fashion is storytelling. Every outfit I wear, on stage, in a video, or just out with my kids, says something about how I’m feeling that day. Some days I want to channel vintage Hollywood glam, other days I’m in full cozy mom mode with a messy bun and sweats. Both are me. As an artist, fashion helps bring my music to life visually. It sets the tone for a new chapter. But personally, it’s also about reclaiming space. I used to think I had to wear certain styles or cuts to hide parts of me that I didn’t like. Now I wear whatever I want and what makes me feel beautiful.

top UNTITLEDCO
skirt DAVID FERREIRA

earrings SELF PORTRAIT
shoes vintage
bodysuit stylist’s own

What are you dreaming about for this next chapter — musically, personally, creatively?

Musically, I’m dreaming about longevity. I want to make music that sticks with people, that they come back to when they need a pick-me-up or a cry or a dance break. Personally, I’m dreaming of more time with my family, maybe another baby, and continuing to grow as a mom and a partner. Creatively, I’m dreaming outside of music too, maybe a children’s album with a book, maybe more acting. Honestly, no idea. I just want to keep surprising people, and myself. I’ve learned that there’s no one path to success, so I’m following the joy and seeing where it takes me.

Do you have any exciting projects lined up that you can tease about?

Yes! I just started back in the studio and so far, it’s already exceeded all of my expectations. I’ve been working with some incredible collaborators who are pushing me in the best way. My kids are already dancing to every song and making requests in our car rides to play these songs. It makes me so excited for when it’s finally done so the world can hear it.

TEAM CREDITS:

talent MEGHAN TRAINOR
photography DANA TRIPPE
styling DANYUL BROWN at The Only Agency
styling assistant HALEY LUX
makeup ETIENNE ORTEGA at The Only Agency
hair GREGG LENNON JR at The Only Agency
1st photography assistant CONNOR GILMORE
2nd photography assistant ANA FLETCHER
styling interns PAYTON BRECK and SID SULTAN
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN

IN CONVERSATION WITH MEGHAN TRAINOR

IN CONVERSATION WITH ZIGGY CHEN