Disney Channel actress Meg Donnelly finally released her debut single, and we are 100% obsessed. The Zombies star has been teasing new music for quite some time, and now the wait is finally over. We chatted with Meg all about the making of “Smile” – from what went into the lyrics to what her Zombies cast thinks of the jam. Check it out!
J-14: Congrats on your first single – how long has this been in the works?
MD: I’ve been writing song lyrics in my free time since my early teens. However, this past spring, I traveled back home to NYC for four weeks. I was working at The Practice World Wide studio, collaborating with an amazing team of songwriters and musicians. “Smile” was the result, along with four other songs!
J-14: When can fans expect more music from you?
MD: EP coming soon…
J-14: What was the Zombies cast reactions when they first heard the song?
Meg Donnelly: We are a big family! They all reached out to me immediately. I have felt so much support and love around the release of “Smile.” I am so lucky to have them all in my life!
J-14: Can you tell us about the creative process for Smile?
MD: Well, I went into the studio with a bare beat. I knew RIGHT away that it had to be a summer song. I instantly imagined being with someone you love, running on the beach, driving with the top down, laughing and having butterflies… you know? I also knew we needed a dance break! So yeah…we felt out the summer love vibe and “Smile” was born!
J-14: What inspired you to write this song?
MD: In a relationship, there’s always that time period where you’re so in love, your only worry is to make that person smile! I think it’s one of the best feelings ever. So, it’s a summer fling type of thing. Like those montages you see in the teenage rom-com movies. Ha!
J-14: Are you equally passionate about both acting and singing – or are you more focused on one?
MD: I am equally passionate about both (and dance also)! Acting allows me to experience characters that are different from myself. Writing lyrics, singing and dancing are a more personal way of expressing how I feel.
J-14: What has the fan reaction to “Smile” been like so far?
MD: I love my fans! They have always been so supportive and their comments are inspiring. The memes they have been posting are hilarious. I am thrilled they love the song as much as I do!
J-14: Did you let anyone special listen to the song before putting it out there?
MD: My parents. They are always honest, in a nice way, and their opinions really matter to me. Also, the creative leaders of World Wide Practice, Kausal Kas and Ali Theodore! We have similar visions of what music can be and they have believed in me from the start. I am thankful that we found each other.
Listen to Meg’s song “Smile” down below!
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