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Meg Tennant’s “Driving With You” Named May “Best Song Of The
Month”
By Dale Kawashima
Meg Tennant, a gifted, veteran singer/songwriter based in
Vancouver, BC, Canada, has won the SongwriterUniverse “Best Song Of The Month”
Contest for May, for her song “Driving With You.” This song is one of 10 cuts
featured on her debut CD release (also titled Driving With You), which
was released in June 2001.
Meg Tennant
“Driving With You” is an excellent, midtempo, acoustic/folk
cut, which features Tennant’s expressive vocals, and solid, backing music
tracks by Tennant (who played acoustic guitar) and her producer, John Ellis
(who played guitar, bass and drum programming). The music arrangement creates a
gentle, easy-going mood, and the Tennant’s lyrics are thoughtful and
articulate.
Tennant grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and she
learned to play piano at an early age. During high school, she also started
playing guitar, and she eventually began writing songs on both guitar and
piano. Her favorite artists growing up were Joni Mitchell, CSNY, Bob Dylan and
the Eagles. Then in her early ‘20s, she moved to Vancouver, where she sang and
played in several groups, including the Lingo Sisters, a duo she formed with
her friend, Janet Russell. The Lingo Sisters performed actively in the
Vancouver area for five years, and Tennant & Russell wrote all of the duo’s
songs.
Subsequently, Tennant decided to concentrate on her solo
career, and she began writing and recording her album. “I’d been wanting to
make a CD for many years, but I waited until I was happy with all the songs,”
explained Tennant. “I was excited to work with John Ellis, who is an amazing
producer and musician (who is known for producing prominent, Vancouver-based
acts the Be Good Tanyas and Wyckham Porteous).
Meg Tennant performing live at the Railway club in Vancouver.
“Driving With You” is a contemporary love song, but it was
also inspired by Tennant’s fond memories of growing up, and riding in the back
seat of her parents' car. “When I was young, I really enjoyed riding with my
family, sitting in the back seat, and watching the world go by,” recalled
Tennant. “I wanted to evoke the carefree, breezy feeling of driving along. It
feels very free.”
Since its release, “Driving With You” and her CD have gotten
a very good response in the Vancouver area, and in the Canadian folk music
community. The album has received airplay in Vancouver, and throughout Canada
on CBC radio. Tennant also performs regularly in the Vancouver area, including
both club gigs, and local festivals. “I just want to keep writing, and also do
more touring,” said Tennant. “I’d love to get my songs covered by other
artists. It would also be great to collaborate with other writers. I love
co-writing, and just creating a good song.”
Here are the Top Five Songs which were submitted for this month's contest, with the songwriter credits, plus their e-mail and website links. To hear the songs, please click on "Listen To Song".
"Best Song Of The Month" Winner
"Driving With You". Written & performed by Meg Tennant, Vancouver, BC, Canada.