Today we’d like to introduce you to Meg Allen.
Hi Meg, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I got my start in music at age 8, I was in a traveling performance group lead by my elementary music teacher. There was little time as a kid and teen when I wasn’t at a rehearsal or performance of some kind. As a young adult, while performing and later teaching in local theaters, I ventured into singing jazz and blues live, which is my favorite genre to sing. In 2024 I met, my now music partner, Ken Sarmiento with Zenjii, who encouraged me to begin writing original music. We’re now finishing up our 7th song in line to record and publish.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No substantial challenges. I didn’t have much luck attempting to put bands together before Zenjii. A halt on performing in 2020 like all musicians, then an injury and subsequent surgery that kept me out of performing for almost a year, I’ve been lucky enough to perform most of my life otherwise, in some capacity. The times in my life I wasn’t on stage I was recording or learning new instruments or techniques.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a theater director and music teacher. I love working with kids and inspiring a love for music and the arts.
This year my proudest moment would be releasing my first original song, ‘Seasons’ with Zenjii.
It’s about offering comfort and being someone’s safety. I wanted the song to feel comfortable. Warm and relaxing, like Summer. Which was the theme of our release party at the Foundation Room at House of blues in July.
As a group, we have a pretty unique sound and vibe. We’ve been described as indie R&B, Soul Pop, some songs, like Teardrops Fall, have LoFi elements.
In song writing, emotional connection is my main focus. I want listeners to feel. Not just the words but the melodies, foreshadowing and tone shifts. I love a play on words, and many moments in our songs reflect that. I like to hide things in the lyrics. Each song evokes a different feeling and atmosphere but each is authentically “Zenjii”. I would think we’re known for being soulful, blending genres, and appreciating art in all its forms.
Our merch table features local artists and jewelry makers from around the Houston area. Our drummer, Donnie Vendivel, designed the cover art for our single. Our bassist Andrew Alvarez and guitarist, keyboardist and producer, Ken Sarmiento, can play about a thousand instruments between them. We’ve invited poets and DJs to the stage with us. I love a Renaissance Artist. I love being surrounded by all types of creativity.
Any big plans?
We’re working on something exciting for later in the Fall. Details yet to be announced! We update our show and song release schedules on all our social media.
In the days between, we’ll be practicing with the band and recording the newly written songs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zenjiimusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zenjiimusichtx?igsh=MWZlZ21oa2RsdmhsOA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GoLvXWvCR/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Captured Moment by Heidi
Scot Overholster
