East Nashville-based Americana singer-songwriter Meghan Hayes will release her third LP, “Seen Enough Leavers,” on May 31. A video for the first single, “A Birthday in The Pawnshop (Morristown),” is now available for viewing on Americana Highways. Filmed here but referencing a city in the great state of New Jersey, Meghan’s gripping vocal follows the blistering lead guitar of Nashville stalwart, Audley Freed. It’s a song that many of us first heard on “The Other Side: Music from East Nashville” compilation.

Say’s Meghan: “Coming to Nashville opened my eyes and challenged me to up my game. I wrote and wrote and discarded and rewrote and learned at the feet of incredible writers. For some reason, the music community here has been kind and generous to me and I am insanely grateful for that.” I’m sure you too will agree that Meghan has met this Music City challenge with her well-crafted new LP. 

If you are reading this now, you are late like me in noticing her May 15 release show at The 5 Spot. Sorry about that Meghan, but we’ll catch you next time around. Thanks though for doing such a fab job on the 11 Questions.

Where are you from originally, when did you move to Nashville and why?

I was born in Ithaca, NY, but I started moving all over the country and then the world very early in life. I’d list off all the places I’ve lived but that’s just boring. I moved here from Arlington, VA to pursue the glamorous career of songwriting.

What are the first and the last records you bought, and where did you buy them? Were they CD, vinyl or digital?

The first record I bought was the 45 of Andy Gibb’s “Shadow Dancing.” The last record I bought was Galax by Wild Ponies. I got the CD, so I can play it in the car, but they offer it on vinyl, which was tempting.

First and last live concerts that you’ve seen?

First: Cyndi Lauper (Bangles opened) at Hammersmith Odeon in London. Last: Lori McKenna opening for Patty Griffin at the Ryman

Whose star should be added to the Music City Walk of Fame?

Taylor Swift.

Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza?

For coffee, I go to Sweet 16^th Bakery unless it’s Sunday or Monday, then I go to Ugly Mugs or Bongo Java. For pizza, I go to Five Points Pizza or, for a super treat, to Lockeland Table.

What’s your favorite record to ever come out of Nashville?

Bob Dylan’s Blonde on Blonde.

Where’s the best place to eat late night after a show?

Depends on mood. Often my kitchen is the winner, but sometimes I’ll grab a slice at Five Points Pizza or a burger from Dino’s.

The Bluebird calls and asks you to host an “In the Round.” Pick three local songwriters to join you.

Is this a trick question? I’d start with Mando Saenz, Shannon McNally, Tim Carroll, Megan Palmer, Bob Lewis, Amelia White, David Mead, Meg Braun, Steve Poltz, Sally Jaye, Patrick Damphier, Renee Wahl, Dave Coleman, Luisa Lopez, John Byrd, Kira Small, Stephen Simmons, Kristen Hall, Derek Hoke, Annie McCue, and Mercy Bell.

Wait! Did you say THREE songwriters?  By my count, I’d pick 21 songwriters, which is divisible by 3! The trick would be getting that many people to cram into the Bluebird and still have room for an audience!

What are your favorite music venues to play in town?

Since The Family Wash has shut down, The 5 Spot, Radio Café and The Basement (OG) are faves

Name a musician who you’d like to see move here?

Ana Egge

Finally, what’s in your musical future?

I’ll be working hard to get Seen Enough Leavers heard widely, which will involve hitting the road starting this summer. Like everyone else, I’ve got a number of new songs that I’m eager to record but I need to figure out how to find the time to do that while I’m promoting the new record. I really enjoy collaboration, and I look forward to more writing, recording and playing out with my friends and other musicians here in town.