When you're new to a city, a great way to explore is by walking around with your camera. And when we heard that Australian singer Meg Mac actually does this, we jumped at the chance of letting her get snap happy in the Big Apple. Before she was set to perform on the first day of Governors Ball 2016 (June 2), we handed her a Polaroid 600 and let her loose on Madison Square Park. From making friends at the dog park to capturing the tall buildings, we learned that's not only an impeccable singer who loved to perform at festivals, but she's also got an eye for photography.

How has all the hopping around from place to place been so far?

It’s really cool. It’s my first time doing festivals in America, and I love festivals. They’re special. I like them.

What makes them special?

I think it’s because the people buying tickets aren’t just buying it for one person. They’re buying it for the experience. You’re just a piece of it. You’re not the only they’re buying a ticket for. And then backstage, there’s always new people to meet. It’s more social. I guess you [also] realize how much music there is and how many styles there are when it’s not your own show.

And Hangout Music Festival was your first in America. What was that experience like?

It kind of felt like the way I felt at my first festival in Australia. I was really hoping for people watching. When I first walked into the backstage bit, there were only 20 people or something. That’s not that many people, and I was like, “Phew.” But by the time I got outside, there were way more people. So it was good. But even with 20 people, I was so happy there were people there to watch.

How do you prep for these festivals?

I make sure I warm up because sometimes festivals are a bit more nerve-wracking. You don’t have that same prep time on the stage [like other shows]. Usually I try do something with the band and my backup singers while getting ready. It’s very on and off. You get on, do your set and then hop off.

So it’ll be your first time at Governors Ball, and I presume first time on Randall’s Island?

Yeah.

So knowing that you’re playing a big festival in New York City, are you nervous?

I am nervous, but I’m more excited because everyone around me is really excited. Everyone I speak to can’t believe I get to play it. They’re really excited for me; so it makes me more excited. It’s a pretty big lineup and pretty big deal. So I’m really happy that I was asked to play it.

Which of your songs is your favorite to perform?

I think “Roll Up Your Sleeves” because it’s the one that people know. So sometimes they sing along. I don’t know if that’ll happen tomorrow, but it’s a good song.

“Grandma’s Hands” is originally by Bill Withers. What inspired you to do this song?

I really like Bill Withers, but the first time I heard that song, I just knew I wanted to sing it. I never planned to record it. I just played it at my shows and worked on it with my band and played it for myself. But it turned out to be one of the favorites in my set.

Well, the arrangement is amazing.

Yeah, people really loved how it was stripped back in the beginning and how I upped it at the end with a dramatic end. So people really liked that one, and that’s when I thought I should record it.

You released MegMac last year. So are you working on anything new? Maybe an album?

I finished recording the album in Fort Worth, Texas.

That’s interesting. How was it recording there?

It was good. There’s not too much to do in Fort Worth. So I kind of was working pretty hard and spent most of my time in the studio.

So when should we expect to hear it?

It’s all finished. The music is done; so now it’s all about the planning and scheduling. It could come out at the end of the year, at least that’s what I’d like. But we’ll have to see what happens.

You’ve had success at home. How does it feel to bring the music to the U.S.?

It’s exciting because it’s different people. In Australia, I’m lucky because my music is played on radio on a national station. A lot of people around the whole country can hear it all on the same station, but here, [in America], I can go to a place and no one has maybe heard of me. So it’s very new.

See Meg Mac's photo skills at work below: