Upcoming Irish singer-songwriter Megan O’Neill impressed a London audience on Thursday, marking her final performance of 2019. After a successful year - including opening stadium shows for the legendary Sir Tom Jones, playing at key UK country music festivals (British Country Music Festival, Country 2 Country, Body & Soul) her fans seemed keen for her closing headlining gig at The 229 Venue.

Previously known for hosting a range of high profile names from the Kings of Leon to Florence and the Machine, the central London location provides a great venue which delivers a real intimate experience for fans.

After an impressive acoustic support slot from Emily Faye, Megan kicked off her full band show with a mix of her songs past and present, with a substantial amount of new and upcoming material; set for release on her 2020 album.

She started the show with Let’s Make One Up - providing a slow soul-type feel accompanied by her playing keys. This song was off her 2018 album Ghost of You. Keeping the vibe chilled, she continued with Bottle, also from her 2018 album. Stepping things up a little, the eponymous Ghost of You followed, which has gained a #1 iTunes chart position. Next came Without - a nice catchy fun breakup song, which was good to get the audience dancing. Slowing things down a little Why I Need You followed to calm the mood, then Strangers Before We Met was performed by her solo. Marking the end of the wave of her previous releases, Megan sang Any Younger.

Now, fans were about to get a taste of her upcoming material, as she showcased a series of new songs, some of which were previously unheard. Starting with Devil You Know, this song provided a catchy memorable phrase that will no doubt become a future fan favourite. Next came Fighting Fire With Fire, this song was described by Megan herself as a “bitchy song”. Winter Sun then followed, a chilled-out number which featured great harmonies. Next was Sometimes I Learn, which was written with singer-songwriter Katie Ray. Next up, Break Hearts which she explained was a song about liking someone else but not wanting to break a heart. Following on was Underrated, which she wrote eight years ago - long term friends and collaborators The Dunwells suggested she released it.

The Little Big Town classic Girl Crush cover was then greeted well, her version has been well received online racking up high numbers of streams in its own right. Then, her next song Ireland was described as a song close to her heart. Adding a little Christmas theme, Megan threw in classic White Christmas to her set which went down well with the audience too. Bringing her inner rock chick out, new song Should’ve Known got things lively with great crowd participation. After two encores, she ended the night with Rootless - her latest single, which we previously reviewed here.

Throughout the set, Megan switched between keyboard and guitar and regularly complimented her band. Whilst predominantly an Americana / Country artist, her songs often deliver a range of styles including; blues, soul, rock and pop elements all bound together with a stunning voice. 

With her new album due out soon and her name making waves in the UK Country scene, who knows what 2020 will bring for Megan O'Neill? 

 Americana      Country