The singer, now songwriter, who drew national attention on The Voice Australia this year, came home to Inverell last week to perform at Inverell’s Got Talent. 

Megan closed the show with her single, Ice Girl. By all accounts, her performance was embraced by the audience and they didn’t want to let go.

“They wanted more and more of Megan” said event organiser Tim Newberry.

The reception was likely a relief for the 20-year-old who opened her heart to compose the song. Ice Girl was born from a need to reflect the time after her father, Gary Longhurst died from Motor Neuron Disease in 2007. 

Megan said her emotional remoteness at that time earned her the nickname, Ice Girl.

She admitted at that time of heartache, it felt safer to gird herself with impenetrable walls, rather than allow the pain to leak out.

It was the encouraging music team at The Voice that inspired Megan to start the writing process, and asked her if she had tried songwriting.

“They know to do well in this industry, the more skills you have, the more chance you have to succeed,” Megan said.

“But I had to go back to unblock everything that was going on, which I think was Ice Girl, which was the nickname mum gave me after my father passed away, because I kind of shut down emotionally and wouldn’t talk about it; wouldn’t let anybody talk to me about it,” she said.

She penned the lyrics and conceived of a song, made reality with support from Inverell musician and producer Chris Richter.

Megan’s mother, Lisa Longhurst, was candid about the vulnerability her daughter expressed in the lyrics.

“This is Megan honest and true,” Lisa said. 

“These painful things can make you stronger and a better person.”

There is a dichotomy between the vulnerability in Ice Girl, and the assurance Megan projects to the world. She said the lyrics were like a diary of her raw feelings, and triggered some nerves, but despite her nerves, she said performing Ice Girl for her home town audience was a comfort.

“I feel safe in Inverell’s arms. I know that they will support me and they’ve been great through this whole experience.”

Formerly living in Brisbane, Megan said she has made the move to Sydney, working for a quid at the Sydney Dance Company and hungrily pursing a career that is all she ever wanted to do.

She doesn’t expect her single to be an overnight success, but felt optimistic that there could be a glimmer of opportunity around the next corner. 

“It is going to be hard to get my music out there, but I think in this industry it is down to luck, and just that one person right time, hearing it, and see where it goes from there.”

Ice Girl was released on Wednesday on iTunes.