THE WOMEN WHO MADE ME - MEGAN WASHINGTON

The singer-songwriter waxes lyrical about her creative inspirations

- ALLEY PASCOE

SIA

Sia has been an amazing energy in my life since I first met her [in 2009] on tour as her support act. For our first show, I made her this care package with a bubble gun, scented candles and confetti cannon because I knew she liked to have fun. I’ll always remember that show; we were opening for her in Brisbane and she came down and watched our set from side stage. She was dancing and vibing with us in the wings. I appreciated her being so generous in that moment.

Since then, she’s gone on to have such an interesting and inspirational career. When I watch a performance, I question the artist’s intentions: are they singing to give or singing to take? Sia can’t exist but to give when she sings. It’s so powerful when she channels her authenticity, and that’s why I think her music has really changed the world. I look up to the way she respects herself and how she works as an artist, choosing to wear a paper bag on her head. I don’t know how you get that cool, but I want to try.