Her Song Traveled The World; Now She’s Ready For The Journey

Last summer, Arnold resident and Key School seventh-grader Audrey Meigel traveled to Florida to attend a scouting competition for aspiring actors, singers and models, and came home with many new contacts and sky-high goals.

Audrey met and ultimately partnered with NI Music Group, a Los Angeles- and Chicago-based company that specializes in developing emerging talent. Within months, she had two feel-good, dance-inspiring teen pop music songs reminiscent of the early career of Taylor Swift.

Her first two songs, “Just Through Hearts” and “Summer Kissed Breeze,” were recorded at Studio City Sound last December in Los Angeles. She also made a music video, and she and her family received a crash course on how to market her music to the world.

Released February 6, “Just Through Hearts” has now been heard in more than 60 countries according to Spotify data. “Summer Kissed Breeze” will be released April 10. Audrey wrote the majority of the lyrics and collaborated with a songwriter and producer at NI Music Group to pull the lyrics together with music.

Audrey is a well-rounded artist. She has been playing the guitar for two years, taken voice lessons for three years, and is now teaching herself to play the piano.

“I think it’s very important to be able to play multiple instruments because they are very important to the mood of the song,” Audrey said. “A guitar can sound upbeat, while a piano might fit better with a more serious song.”

In addition, Audrey is an accomplished gymnast and feels that her athletic ability will enhance her stage performance and endurance. She also has modeled and feels that it will help her with interviews and stage presence.

In June, Audrey and her mother, Jennifer, who is also her manager, will head to Florida to record at least eight more songs over the course of five days in the studio. The completed 10 songs will be released on her first album later this year.

She taps into the often-changing moods of a 13-year-old girl to write her lyrics. “Lyrics come to me kind of like a mood swing,” she said. “I’m happy one minute and the next I want to cry, and that’s what happens!”

Once the album is out, Audrey hopes she will be picked up by a record label.

“I want to try to make a career out of this and be able to perform and show off my music,” she added. “Music is definitely something I want to do with my life if I have the opportunity and I am able to. I want to take this as far as possible.”

Her inspiration comes from the music of Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift, Benson Boone and Gracie Abrams. “Just Through Hearts” is a song about a best friend who moved away, and “Sun Kissed Breeze” celebrates the joy of a carefree summer.

Audrey will make her local live debut at O’Loughlin’s Restaurant in Arnold on Saturday, April 11, at 6:45pm. All are welcome to attend.

Check out Audrey’s music and career on Instagram and TikTok at @audrey.meigel, and YouTube at @audreymeigel.