Meredith O'Connor
| Meridith O'connor | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Long Island, New York, United States |
| Genres | Pop/rock |
| Instruments | Vocals, Guitar |
| Years active | 2012-Present |
| Labels | Metamorphosis Productions LLC |
| Website | http://meredithoconnormusic.com/ |
Meredith O'Connor is an American anti bullying activist, singer-songwriter, Actress and Model based in Long Island, New York.[1]
Career
Music
Actress, singer, and antibullying spokesperson, Meredith O'Connor, has been trained in vocal styles including classical, pop, and musical theatre. She also plays the guitar, and writes her own music, which as been described as featuring elements of rock and country.[2]
O'Connor released her debut EP in February 2013. The music video for the lead single "Sergey Rules My World" garnered around 40,000 views on YouTube within a week, and as of April 2013 has surpassed one million views.[3] The EP has been generally well received, garnering positive reviews from music bloggers including Andrew Greenhalgh and G. W. Hill.[4][5] see "Celebrity" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPJUjvd4iic Meredith O’Connor's single "Just the Thing" was officially released on iTunes on April 22, 2014. Meaningful lyrics, a catchy melody, and a powerful message about not fitting in with the "popular crowd" are a consistent theme throughout Meredith’s songs. Co-written by legendary songwriter/producer Heather Holley, who has produced songs for the likes of Christina Aguilera, "Just the Thing" blends a bit of country and rock to create this edgy pop song. Ms. O'Connor released her debut album "I am" in late 2015 to very positive reviews.[6] Both the music video and the Song "Stronger" from the album "I am" features Disney's Teen Beach Movie's Garrett Clayton. The video has its premiere on NBC's EXTRA TV.
The video for 'Just the Thing' co-stars Luke Bilyk who plays Drew on Nickelodeon's DeGrassi show. It was filmed at Clarkstown High School North in New York, with the participation of actual students, teachers and even the principal, who has a featured cameo role. It can be seen on the Vevo channel, http://www.vevo.com/watch/meredith-oconnor/just-the-thing/QMGR31402260
For the release of the video for "Just the Thing", Meredith O’Connor performed two benefit concerts in 24 hours: on May 8 at the Helen Mills Theater in New York City along with emcee Jason Griffin, and on May 9 in Los Angeles. The New York event included ten students from A.B.G.S Middle School from Hempstead NY, accompanying her on back-up vocals for her anti-bullying single "The Game." Recently she returned from a world tour which featured stops at packed venues in the United Kingdom and Greece.
In describing her music, O'Connor says, "My music is definitely pop, and at first had a country feel. Since I was a child actress in the musical theater world, it is influenced by that too, with a bit of rock. I want to keep my songs interesting and different, but still catchy. The song, 'Just the thing' is about accepting who you are, and loving what makes you, you. It is a fun upbeat track, and has a similar message to it like the game does, but the game is more of a ballad or anthem. 'Just the thing' is lighter and fun. It can be to a boyfriend or girlfriend, or to a best friend that really gets you. When I wrote it I was thinking about that, and close relationships with people who love you for your weirdness. I co wrote the song with Heather Holley, and she was really awesome. Writing the bridge of 'Just the Thing' is probably my favorite verse I have ever written, because it is so different and theatrical. Freddie Mercury from Queen inspired it, and the song really does describe me. I love being a singer. I really feel that I can influence my fans, and those who listen to my music for the better, and music is such a powerful way to do it. Acting will always be a job I love to do, but music is something that I can do to really tell people my story. It is such a rewarding platform to have, just like speaking for my cause." [7]
When asked about how she plans to sustain longevity in her career, O'Connor replied, "In today’s industry, that’s a hard task because people expect to be shocked, and want to see outrageous things. I have entered this industry and made a promise to not let parents and kids who look up to me down by doing anything that could hurt them. However, I do plan to continue with acting, and have plans for a feature film with Prince Lewis Productions in the near future, as well as a dance track." [8]
"I am" was produced by Grammy winner Kenny Ortiz, and features duets with Australia's Jordan Jansen, and Disney's Garrett Clayton. The video for "Stronger" also features a cameo by Madeline Stuart, an internationally known model with Down's Syndrome.
Acting
As a child and teen, O'Connor performed in many theatrical roles and was a member of a professional theater troupe in New York City. In addition to music videos and television, O'Connor has a leading role in the upcoming anti-bullying horror film Red Head Randy by Raymond Deane productions. It was filmed on Long Island, New York. The release date is Fall of 2014.
Modeling
O'Connor began her modeling career when she was 6 years old. She was scouted by Model Management Group(PEDO) based in New York City, and then signed her first contract the next year.[1][3] In recent years, she has done modeling work for companies including Lord & Taylor.[9]
Rise to fame
Meredith O'Connor rose to fame with her music videos on Vevo and YouTube, which have almost 3 Million views. She has recently visited Pinewood the American International School of Thessaloniki.
Anti-bullying and Mental Health Advocacy
O'Connor recounts that when she was in middle school, she was a victim of excessive bullying due to having an appearance and personality that didn't fit in with social expectations. In an interview with the Long Islander, she stated that "the thing that causes bullying for a lot of teens is just being different. When teens are insecure with themselves they pick on others for being different ... I stood out."[3] Based on her experience, she became an advocate for victims of bullying and an anti-bullying spokesperson, becoming an official advisor, speaker, and writer for non-profit Reach Out.[1] She also will be played a lead role in a crowdsourced horror film about bullying called Red Head Randy. Additionally, the song on her debut EP titled "The Game" explicitly addresses bullying.[3][10]
In Steppin Out magazine, O'Connor said, "I was bullied from a very young age. It got really bad in middle school, and when 'Celebrity' came out in high school, people began to be nicer to me. I saw how silly it was at that point, and saw it all as a game, hence the title of the song. I wrote it very honestly, hoping that fans would see it as proof that it gets better." [7]
In 2013-14, O'Connor embarked on a ten city tour, in conjunction with the release of her video for "The Game". During this nationwide tour, Meredith and her team performed for thousands of young people in their schools, taking questions, signing autographs, and encouraging the victims of bullying to stay strong. Her appearances are extremely popular-- "Celebrity singer Meredith O’Connor hoped to put an end to it [bullying], as she shared her songs and personal story of being bullied with the students just a few years younger than herself. The gym was filled with posters including "Gators (heart) you" and "We love Meredith," and students waved additional signs of adoration as she sang." [11]
"If you’re feeling alone, know you aren’t, and bullying is only temporary. But lessons you learn from it last a lifetime. So make sure you don’t believe what others tell you and you’ll be ahead the game".<ref name=Meredith O'Connor Spreads Awareness through Music>Tate, Amethyst (2 February 2014). "Meredith O'Connor Spreads Awareness through Music". International Business Times. IBT Media Inc. Retrieved 4 August 2015.</ref> although she regularly receives hundreds of messages from her fans, Meredith still finds time to answer most of them individually, and she remains a source of strength and inspiration to youth who have been bullied. See "The Game" video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4Qv90HjS_s In 2014-2015, she toured internationally, including appearances in the United Kingdom, Greece, New York and California.
She has also performed at various venues in Nashville, including the famous Orchid Lounge, and in New York, including the prestigious Highline Ballroom.
O'Connor will continue her touring with appearances around the US and Europe. and appearances can be booked by her management, CGTalent, accessible through http://meredithoconnormusic.com/
Discography
| Year | Album details |
|---|---|
| 2013 | EP| Meredith O'Connor
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/meredith-oconnor-ep/id596073152 |
| 2014 | single| Just the Thing
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/just-the-thing-single/id843495558?ls=1 |
| 2015 | album| I am |
References
- 1 2 3 Stone, Kellie R. (11 March 2013). "Meet Singer Songwriter and Bullying Victim Advocate Meredith O'Connor". Women's LifeLink Magazine. Life Link Marketing. Retrieved 1 May 2013.
- ↑ Smotherman, Joshua. "Meredith O'Connor Sings Celebrity From Her Anti-Bullying Platform". Middle Tennessee Music. Retrieved 1 May 2013.
- 1 2 3 4 Birzon, Jacqueline (21 February 2013). "From Bullying Victim to YouTube Sensation". The Long Islander.
- ↑ Greenhalgh, Andrew (22 February 2013). "Review: Meredith O'Connor - Meredith O'Connor EP". Along the Journey. Retrieved 1 May 2013.
- ↑ Hill, G. W. "Meredith O'Connor: Meredith O'Connor EP". Music Street Journal. Retrieved 1 May 2013.
- ↑ Gamboa, Glenn (November 1, 2015). "Meredith O'Connor's Message gets Sweetly Delivered". Newsday. New York.
- 1 2 DeSantis, Valentina (11 June 2014). "Meredith O'Connor". Steppin Out Magazine. Highway 61 Media LLC. Retrieved 19 June 2014.
- ↑ Davis, Todd (23 June 2014). "There's Something About Meredith". The Hype Magazine. Retrieved 23 June 2014.
- ↑ "From Bullying Victim to YouTube Sensation". Enterteenment Magazine. Boston, MA: Enterteenment. 1 (1). 7 April 2012.
- ↑ Hogan, Matthew (20 February 2013). "Meredith O'Connor Hosting EP Release Show at Vibe Lounge". Rockville Centre Patch. Patch. Retrieved 1 May 2013.