‘Into my own’

Williamstown’s Megan Knight, an up-and-coming country music artist, has released her latest studio album.

“Slow Your Horses” is currently streaming on music apps such as Spotify and Apple Music.

According to Knight, the album took three years to complete and was recorded in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, where she has been recording music since 2015. The city is known as “the hit recording capital of the world,” according to its website and is home to a recording studio where famous artists such as Aretha Franklin and Mac Davis made music.

“I was discovered at a backyard party by producer Gary Nichols,” Knight explained. “I co-produced the album with Grammy award-winning producer Jimmy Nutt. It feels like I’ve finally come into my own with this album.”

The title song, Knight said, is a reminder about the importance of patience. Two other songs she is particularly proud of are “Boots on the Ground” and “Dancing in the Mirror.”

“It’s (‘Boots on the Ground’) about taking people out of a dark place,” Knight noted. “It’s about leaving your worries in the past and focusing in the present. ‘Dancing in the Mirror’ has a lot of affirmations in it. The song is meant to empower people and is based on my own experiences.

“There’s a lot of power in affirmation,” she added. “It’s a science that can change your life. Watching people say that it has helped them is the most rewarding part. I’m most proud of seeing a sense of community with the album.

“Seeing all these people come together for music is special.”

Knight has had many influences when it comes to her own take on country music. Her love for the genre first began as a kid, when she would listen to the likes of George Jones and Hank Williams. She also credits ’90s alternative rock with giving her music a blend of country with rock and pop infusions.

“I have these different influences that hopefully cultivate something new,” she pointed out.

The artist’s breakout moment happened in 2018, when her single “Fade” was featured on Country Music Television’s “Racing Wives” and introduced Knight’s music to a national audience. She also auditioned for the 18th season of “American Idol,” with all three judges voting yes on sending her to Hollywood.

Since then, Knight has released a number of singles and albums as has performed at the Barefoot Country Music Festival in Wildwood, where she worked alongside the likes of Jelly Roll, Ella Langley and Jordan Davis.

Knight is halfway through creating material for a new record she hopes to release next spring. Her next major show will take place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7, at the Froster Mug in Vineland, where she will open for fellow country music artist Trey Lewis.