Megan Burtt is redefining the model of building a career in music with an aggressive approach to marketing through volunteer activism, social media and community involvement. She produced “In Good Company Vol. 1,” convincing 10 top Colorado artists to co-write songs with her for charity. She secured sponsorships to cover costs for studio time, mixing and mastering services and pressing CDs, then launched the album to a sold-out performance at the Soiled Dove Underground. Proceeds from the effort benefited the Love, Hope Strength Foundation, an international nonprofit DNA bank for bone marrow matches.
Biggest achievement
“Making a living as a full-time musician. There have been some really fun things along the way, but they all feel like building blocks. Getting asked to play with the Colorado Symphony was huge. Winning the Rocky Mountain Folk Festival was a big one for me because I’d grown up going to that.”
Making an impact
“If you can make music and you’ve chosen to make it, you have a responsibility to share it. I like to perform everywhere I can for all sorts of people. You strip away all of the boundaries of judgment and separation of class. It’s sort of like a gift and an exchange to one another.”
Role models
Joni Mitchell, Gillian Welch, Shawn Colvin, Bonnie Raitt.
Best advice
“If you don’t like where you are, let’s change the story.”
Off-duty
Rock climbing, hiking.
“I’m a Colorado girl at heart – so being outside.”
By Margaret Jackson