Meghan Trainor Shares: ‘I Used to Think Feminists Disliked Me’
As Meghan Trainor prepares to release her new album, she opens up about the effects of sudden fame, her experience as a judge on “The Voice,” and her changing views on feminism. Meeting Trainor, she greets me with a hug and a quick apology for being late due to a bathroom break. Her casual, unfiltered demeanor is evident, surrounded by her team, including her mother, making the interview setting comfortable.
Trainor, 26, shot to fame with her 2014 hit “All About That Bass” Despite its success, her subsequent albums have often been dismissed by critics, leading to a perception of her as a superficial pop star. This perception was recently challenged when she impressed listeners with a live performance on Radio One, showcasing her true vocal talent.
Trainor’s journey has had its share of controversy. The lyrics of “All About That Bass,” promoting body positivity, were criticized for lines like “skinny bitches” and suggesting self-worth is tied to male approval. This led to a social media backlash, culminating in Trainor denying being a feminist, a statement she now regrets. “I was just, like, stupid and young,” she says, explaining that her initial rejection of the feminist label stemmed from not fully understanding its meaning and feeling attacked by feminist critics.
Trainor’s misunderstanding occurred during a cultural shift in 2014 when pop culture was grappling with changing views on feminism. Influenced by high-profile advocates like Beyoncé and Emma Watson, Trainor eventually embraced the term. She acknowledges the criticisms of her early work, including songs like “Dear Future Husband”, which presented a traditional view of gender roles. “People were picking apart everything,” she notes, highlighting the intense scrutiny that comes with fame.
Born and raised in Nantucket, Massachusetts, Trainor faced health challenges during middle school due to an allergy to mold in her school, causing her to miss significant amounts of education. This experience left her feeling self-conscious about her intelligence, a feeling exacerbated by public scrutiny. Despite these challenges, she pursued her passion for music, ultimately attending Berklee College of Music.
Her new album, “Treat Myself“, reflects her journey and personal growth. The album features tracks that address relationship struggles, media misconceptions, and self-improvement. Trainor describes the album as containing her usual empowering anthems, but with a deeper layer of introspection. Songs like “Evil Twin” and “Workin’ On It” reveal her ongoing efforts to navigate life’s complexities.
Trainor admits to feeling the weight of her celebrity status and the isolation it can bring. Despite her upbeat public persona, she struggles with confidence and often feels misunderstood by those who aren’t in her position. She expresses a desire for a support network of fellow female pop stars who can relate to her experiences.
As Trainor prepares to release her new album and continue her career, she remains focused on personal and professional growth. Her journey from misunderstood pop star to a more self-aware artist reflects her resilience and determination. With her new album, she hopes to connect with listeners on a deeper level and continue to evolve as both an artist and an individual. Meghan Trainor is embracing who she is and moving forward with confidence.
