Meg Lee Chin - 64, singer, music producer and founder of the Temple of Ideas
The Advantages of Age Q & A
Photos by Hamish Graham
Age?
64
Where do you live?
Central London
What do you do?
I’m a singer, music producer, and the founder of the Temple of Ideas—a collective of unstoppable artists, musicians, performers, and creatives over 50, all proving that creativity has no expiration date.
Tell us what it’s like to be your age?
It’s bloody marvellous. I waved goodbye to my sex drive and blind ambition ages ago, and honestly, it’s a relief. No more being shackled to that pesky ball and chain of youthful obsession with lust and success. Now, I’m free to pursue the finer things in life—like Temple of Ideas group karaoke singalongs and not giving a toss.
What do you have now that you didn’t have at 25?
Anarchy in my veins. I’ve ditched the crap that used to weigh me down. No more playing nice, no more caring what anyone thinks—I’m living on my own terms. I’ve got a ‘take no prisoners’ attitude, a razor-sharp sense of humour, and a full-blown ‘screw the rules’ mentality. At this age, I know exactly what I want.
What about sex?
Who cares? I’d rather be singing along and dancing wildly at my Generation Landslide 60s to 90s Music Afternoon Disco—that’s the real thrill.
Relationships?
The real ones? They’re pure gold. Close old friends mean everything now—no drama, no nonsense, just solid connections that stand the test of time.
How free do you feel?
Free as a bird—only this bird knows how to drive, and there’s no speed limit.
What are you proud of?
It’s a work in progress. Watch this space…
What keeps you inspired?
I’m obsessed with my legacy right now. Since I haven’t had kids, I’m driven to mark my territory—kind of like a dog leaving its mark, but with fewer puddles and more untamed swagger. I want to screech ‘I was here’ long after I’ve danced my way defiantly into the boundless expanse of eternity’s embrace.
When are you happiest?
Spontaneous improvisational vocals and Temple of Ideas group singalong karaoke.
I used to chase the spotlight in my youth, but stardom and popularity are burdensome. It’s like wearing an addictive straitjacket, trapping you like a zoo animal, always on display. Now, I find real joy in blending with others, being part of something where we all lift each other up. It’s about the shared experience, not being stuck in a cage for passers by to stare at. I love music for the pure joy of it—no ulterior motives. It may be a cliché, but it’s true: music for its own sake is a deeply spiritual experience.
And where does your creativity go?
It never stops. I’ve always been a divergent thinker, constantly chasing new ideas and untrodden paths. I can’t settle for the ordinary; I’m obsessed with pushing boundaries and reinventing the norm. Maybe it’s my attempt at being like God—after all, if He could create a universe in seven days, I figure I can at least bend a few rules and stir up some chaos. Creativity is my way of playing with the building blocks of existence, reshaping what’s possible and finding meaning in the mess.
What’s your philosophy?
The Hitchhiker’s Guide says the answer to life is 42. I disagree—it’s actually zero. Why? Because the universe is in a perfectly balanced yin and yang state, where everything eventually collapses back to zero. Every action has an equal and opposite reaction, and nothing exists without its counterpart. You can’t have day without night, or joy without sorrow. Even the best intentions have unintended consequences. Life is all about balance—no matter how far we swing, we always return to equilibrium. So forget chasing extremes; the real answer is in finding peace at the zero point.
Philosophy of living?
I believe life is about creation—our way of emulating God. Whether it’s music, art, or any form of expression, creating something from nothing taps into the essence of existence. Music, for me, is the highest form of this, organising raw vibrations into something meaningful. It’s not just art; it’s a connection to the divine. Life, like music, is about constantly shaping the chaos around us, finding beauty in the randomness, and leaving something behind that resonates long after we’re gone. Creation isn’t just an act—it’s the purpose of living.
And dying?
There are many people, but only one soul. Each person is an entire universe unto themselves. So, there are countless universes, but still, just one soul. When your body dies, your personal universe fades, but the soul—the essence of who we are—continues eternally. Our love for life isn’t really about life itself, because life, in some form, goes on forever. What we truly cherish is our unique universe, the one we’ve built and experienced. It’s a shame that our universe dies with us. Despite its pain and troubles, it’s an endlessly fascinating place. I don’t look forward to letting it go, but I take comfort in knowing that the one soul will always exist. Even so, I’ll miss my little universe… especially the Temple of Ideas gatherings, discussions, singalong jams and karaoke.
Are you still dreaming?
More than ever. But old age has given me the experience, tools, and know-how to turn those dreams into reality. Dreams are no longer just fantasies—they’re plans in motion.
What was a recent outrageous action of yours?
I’ve spent so much of my life being what others call outrageous that I barely even notice it anymore—it’s just part of who I am. My dad was someone I admired because he knew how to play the game and conform when needed, but inside, his mind was anything but conventional. I’m the same. I conform just enough to get by, but my mind is always free. I see through society’s outdated, impractical rules. You might catch me following along, but trust me, I haven’t drunk the Kool-Aid. Thanks, Dad, for the gift of silent, almost invisible rebellion. Dad would’ve loved our Temple of Ideas!
Meg Lee Chin - Temple of Ideas
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https://templeofideas.org