Before I get into the bulk of my first blog of the school year, welcome back. I’m so glad that you’re here to read more about everything music-related running through my head, and I’m sorry for putting you through a whole summer of boredom with no amazing new music recommendations or hilarious and entertaining Music Man blogs to read. But I’m back now, with more fantastic music to write about and bad puns to make for headlines, along with a new, albeit awkward blog mug. Needless to say, I’m ready to make this a great year of blogging.

Now, on to the good stuff.

Two years ago, Meg Myers was a relatively unknown artist. She had recently signed to Atlantic Records and released her first extended play (EP), “Daughter In The Choir.” Fast forward to early 2014, and Myers was beginning to receive attention for her second EP, “Make A Shadow,” with some help from stars such as Jay-Z and The Pixies. However, it wasn’t until a Kansas City alternative radio station, 96.5 The Buzz (known for breaking alternative band alt-J), began playing her single “Desire,” that Myers received national attention. After “Desire” became popular, Myers skyrocketed toward fame in the alternative music world, even garnering a performance at music festival Lollapalooza.

But, what is it that makes Myers’ music so special? Well, it’s a combination of many things. First, her style manages to mix electronic, rock, pop and acoustic music into a comfortable blend. Some songs, such as “Curbstomp” and “Tennessee” are driven by dubstep-influenced beats created by longtime production partner Doctor Rosen Rosen, who is also featured in the latter song. Other songs, like “Make A Shadow” and “Go,” utilize guitars and drums to create music reminiscent of modern rock. “After You” and “Poison” take traits from pop music, such as piano-centric verses and adding electronic effects to vocals, and add them to Myers’ unique sound. And still others, like “The Morning After” and “Heart Heart Head,” use an acoustic basis to build from, accented by guitars and a string section.

Lyrically, Myers’ music overall seems pretty dark. It’s not clear whether she draws from her own life or not, but nonetheless she sings convincingly. Most of her songs deal with love or self-image, only making exceptions for humor in “Tennessee.”

The biggest factor in Myers’ success, though, is her awe-inspiring vocals. Sometimes, she chooses to use soft vocals to add seriousness to her music and messages. Most of the time, however, she uses her big, powerful vocal ability and range to hold notes and add emphasis. She even goes as far as adding screams (tastefully) to a few of her songs.

If you haven’t heard her music yet, I definitely would recommend you listen to Meg Myers. While all of the aforementioned songs are great, my favorites would have to be “Heart Heart Head,” “Make A Shadow” and “Poison.” Even though I don’t know when or if it will happen, I am definitely in support of a full-length album from Myers, along with another concert in Kansas City. But for now, I have more than enough good music from her to listen to, and hopefully you do too.