Morgan might be young, but she’s certainly not new to the music industry. At just 22 years old, the UK-based singer songwriter has released multiple singles and an EP, and has collaborated with big names, including Rudimental and Anne Marie. In this interview, she discusses the importance of knowing her roots, the impact of social media, and the inspiration behind some of her songs.
Firstly, could you please introduce yourself for those who don’t know you?
Hey guys! I’m Morgan and I’m an artist from Watford. I’ve been making music since I was seven years old, and my sole purpose is to inspire the way certain artists inspired me.
You’ve been making music since you were very young. Now, you’re 22, performing your own songs for thousands of people. What’s something important that you’ve learnt after doing music for so long?
One thing I’ve learnt about music is that it’s a journey – whether that’s creating a project, doing a performance, or simply listening to a song. I believe it’s an emotional journey that should absorbed as much as possible. A lot of meaningless music is made nowadays and that’s something I will never do. My purpose is to create, inspire and pull people out of bad places. As well as to make people want to dance and smile.
A lot of your musical influences stem from RnB artists, a genre that was pioneered by Black people. Being Black yourself, how do you see your music adding to the legacy of those who came before you? As someone who’s mixed, how do you navigate this space?
It’s important that people know where they come from – no matter what genre I’m creating, I always go back to my roots. I’m half Jamaican and then my mother is Jewish, so I have a lot of mixture, religion- and heritage-wise within my family. I try to explore both sides as much as possible. I don’t ever try and recreate my idols' journeys, or even try and be them. I want to focus on becoming the next person to do what the legends did for me but in my own way and own style.
On YouTube and Instagram, you often post mash-ups, covers and little behind-the-scenes snippets. How do you think social media has played a role in your growth?
Social media has been a huge part of my journey – it's how I got signed to Rudimental's label Major Toms! They, in turn, have been instrumental to my progression and development.
Not only are you active on social media, you’re very welcoming. In fact, you’ve encouraged your fans to message you if they ever want to talk about something. Why is it important for you to be accessible in this way? Do you think artists in general need to be more accessible?
I think a lot of artists try and be inaccessible. It may be for this prestigious persona they want to create but I don’t agree with it or think that’s healthy. I love speaking to the people who are helping me make my dreams possible. They're amazing and I couldn't do any of this without them. I don't really like using the word fans because I don't like the sentiment behind it. I'm a real people person – I like to meet and speak to people – so naturally, communication with my listeners is important.
Obviously, social media plays quite a role in your life and you have a big following. Do you feel a sense of responsibility to use your platform in a certain way? How do you navigate that kind of pressure?
Yes and no. I cannot be responsible for everyone’s lives and doings, everyone is their own person. However, I’m aware that I have quote unquote influence, and so I definitely take care in some of the things to do. I will never be afraid to speak my mind though – I have a voice as much as anyone else and I’ll use it if I can help people and communities.
Your song, Alien, prompts people to just appreciate humanity, to take things as they come rather than picking everything apart. Are you someone who likes to live life as it comes?
I have anxiety and it’s something I’m learning to deal with. I won’t say I always take things as they come, I worry a lot. However, the lyrics in Alien are what I'm working really hard to become. It's how I would like to think, and I think it's a good message to portray.
Sometimes, it can be difficult to stop taking life too seriously. What advice can you give to those who are trying to take things as they come but can’t seem to let go?
Just breathe. Always remember, we can’t change the past and worrying won’t change the future. The present is a gift and that’s why it’s called the present.
Earlier this year, you released your single, You’re Worth It, which is about loving yourself no matter your size, race, gender, etc. What inspired you to write this song?
Social media, actually! We live in a world where we have people who are filled with so much hatred towards minorities, such as the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities (visible or invisible), people with mental illness, and so forth. I wanted to include as many different people as possible in the video so that we can all come together and understand that everyone lives in their own reality, and that nobody should stamp on somebody else's life or existence.
I think a huge part of finding self-worth, especially for children, is seeing yourself being represented in popular culture. How do you see representation playing a role in developing self-confidence? How do you hope to add to this space?
I think self-love is something we can all struggle with every so often, and for some people all the time. I'd like to think equal representation would play a role in developing self-confidence, but I think there is still a lot of work to go – hopefully I can add to this space.
In April, you released your single, In My Feelings, which is about falling in love with somebody you shouldn’t. What was the writing process like for this song?
It definitely wasn't written the way I usually write songs! I really struggled with writing over Zoom during the pandemic. Music is all about feeling, energy and human connection so it's hard to do that through a screen. I wrote this one with Kurisu and Sakima, and I'm super proud of it.
Lastly, your music is ever-growing, what are you hoping to try in the future? What kind of sounds can we expect from you?
You can never guess what sound I’m going to go with. All I'll say for now is that it will be versatile, impactful and meaningful.