ALL ABOARD THE M TRAIN

Epic’s breakout sensation, Meghan Trainor, just wrapped her two-day stop at The El Rey Theatre to a sold-out crowd--on Oscar night, no less. The shows were part of her 33-date That Bass Tour, in support of her Jan. release, Title.

Republic’s buzzing pop six-piece troupe Sheppard, currently earning praise for the earworm “Geronimo,” joined the starlet on the full tour, after making a pit-stop at Pandora (pictured right). The Aussies' single is currently #16 at Hot AC radio and about to chart at Alternative, Top 40 and Triple A.

Anyway, with steps of trepidation, I entered the venue dressed head-to-toe in midnight black, accessorized with a couple of fresh, still-oozing tattoos.

You have to understand that I’ve respected La Trainor since I first heard her Grammy-nominated breakout hit “All About That Bass” and follow-up single “Lips Are Movin” (now #4 at Top 40), as they’re undeniably well-crafted, catchy songs. That being said, the last records I listened to were Beggars Banquet, Benjamin Booker and Ty Segall’s Manipulator, so I was obviously out of my comfort zone.

After almost getting the “medication” in my purse confiscated by security and dodging small, squealing pre-teens, I found a cozy spot behind the sound booth to observe.

My jaw hit the floor.

Meghan is, hands down, a mega-star. Honestly, I’ve never had my expectations exceeded so far or my mind blown so explosively by a new artist.

The set was comprised of smash after smash after smash. Her stage presence is luminous. She actively, authentically communicates with her fans. And they roar and cry right on back.

Meghan is, hands down, a mega-star. I’ve never had my expectations exceeded so far or my mind blown so explosively by a new artist.

The diva-in-training even brought up a fan from the audience, Sadie, whom she dubbed “her queen” for the night--placing a crown on her head and commanding the audience to cheer for the jubilant new friend. She then proceeded to take a selfie with the darling and teach her a dance move on stage before returning to her songs.

The songs seamlessly mix in a little bit of R&B, a little bit of reggae, a dash of doo-wop and a whole lotta pop. Her lyrics manage to lay it down and keep it real, throwing her sass and wit in your face with a hair flip, all while promoting a genuine message of self-empowerment.

Oh, and you can't deny her impeccable vocal range either.

She even took a break to blast Mark Ronson f/Bruno Mars’ Top 40 chart-topper, “Uptown Funk” (RCA), with her band played along, while Meghan and her backup girls broke into a dance party that had the crowd gyrating.

Of course, “All About That Bass,” which is almost 5x Platinum, FYI, and “Lips Are Movin’,” which is almost 2x Platinum, were wonderful, as expected, but if I’ve convinced you at all that she is – in her own unique way – the next Katy or Brit, then I suggest you buy the album and support new talent.


Prepare to dance your ass off to “Bang Dem Sticks,” wiggle those hips to "Dear Future Husband," cut yourself some slack and indulge in your past mistakes with the tongue-in-cheek “Walkashame,” let M Train talk some sense into you on “No Good For You” and belt your heart out to "Like I'm Gonna Lose You." Doctor's orders.

As Winona Ryder in Heathers would say, "Lick it up, baby... Lick. It. Up."