Megawave
Written by: Cait Elizabeth - October 15, 2020
Edited by: Travis Ryan
Introductions
Despite COVID shutdowns, Megawave continues to make a jumbosplash. Their combination of emotionally charged lyrics, punchy drums, and honeyed vocals rolls over the audience, catching them in its tide. The trio of Mike DiGiulio (guitar), Michi Turk (vocals/keys), and Michael McCarthy (drums) has been consistently performing via the interwebs no matter what craziness 2020 has thrown at them. Every Wednesday at 8:30 EST, the band streams live performances, interviews, and pup sightings via Facebook and Twitch!
Though Michi has been involved in music and poetry from childhood, the decision to seriously pursue music came at a pivotal point in her life. When college became a financial impossibility, Michi was forced to put formal education on the back burner and drop out of school. That same night she found herself out at karaoke with friends when she received devastating news: a good friend had been in a tragic, fatal accident. At that moment it was decided that, in her friend’s memory, Michi would become a singer.
Tours & Shows
Megawave is a frequent flyer at cherished local spots such as Mr. Beery’s, Katie’s of Smithtown, and Amityville Music Hall. Since shutdown has began, Megawave has adapted to streaming shows instead. They’ve been taking the e-stage at virtual open mics and concerts in addition to hosting their own weekly stream on their social media platforms. Their interaction with friends and fans during these streams have garnered them a loyal following and solidified their reputation as an approachable and welcoming group of folks.
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Writer’s Room
Michi comes up with a lot of her lyrics on the fly, jotting down snippets of prose while otherwise engrossed in day-to-day tasks. Bits and pieces will come together while in the shower, driving, or washing up dishes. “Do you ever lie awake contemplating for the ages? Won't you lie awake with me?” The chorus to “The United Shakes of America” came to her while she was unsuccessfully trying to sleep. “Due to having ADHD, I have a strong sense of ideation but not a strong ability to finish tasks because I get distracted.” Traditional writing sessions are more challenging, so when ideas show up, Michi adds them to a list that she pulls from when composing songs. Then she knits the one-liners together into a cohesive musical quilt.
Motivation ofttimes comes while watching others’ live performances. Inspired by the talent on display—and avoiding the overwhelming crush of the crowds—the songstress will regularly slip away to put words to a feeling she just caught from the act on stage.
Though Mike and Michi have been together for eight years, they have only recently started writing together actively. Michi hums ideas to Mike to flesh out into fuller pieces, and the two combine Mike’s arrangements and Michi’s lyrics before bringing the product to Michael on drums. “[Mike] is one of my favorite musical composers. Instrumentally, I just love how he tells stories with music and I think it pairs well with my lyrics and musical theatre-esque vocal performance.”
“Don’t be afraid of getting older. It’s actually a blessing. Do not spend too much time focusing on “why you aren’t where you’d like to be” in terms of achievements. Life and your dreams and goals aren’t about one singular moment in time or one achievement but rather your lifestyle. If you spend so much time focusing on “why you don’t have your shit together” you miss good things that are possible. If you believe good things will happen, they become possible.”