In 2018, MORGXN was riding the top 10 airwaves. His hit single “Home’ featuring Walk The Moon had landed on Top 10 Alternative Radio, Billboard Alternative Songs Chart, and Billboard Rock Airplay Chart. However, he had no idea of the storm that awaited ahead as the fog of a painful few years rolled in.
Grappling with the grief of being dropped by his label, the newly independent artist questioned the sustainability of a music career. “The thing I love so much feels impossible to do from the place of JOY I used to have doing it,” he wrote on instagram.
However, after navigating heartbreak and discovering love, the fog finally began to lift as a literal and metaphorical rainbow arched its way across the sky, a reminder of his own humanity guiding him toward his “Revival.” This awakening continued with a series of inspiring singles, including his latest single, “Fading,” and will culminate with his much anticipated third studio album, BEACON, dropping on February 2.
We sat down with MORGXN, now with Nettwerk Music Group, to discuss his journey and where he’s headed next.
What inspired your new single “Fading”?
I think a lot about the purpose of heartbreak and heartache. Like if we are going to feel pain / is there a reason? I read somewhere that “grief is love with nowhere to go.”
“Fading” is asking the question – how do we know in the moment of our pain that it will break way and lead to a beautiful new pasture? Or will it go on forever?
A lot about the last few years were painful, and I wondered if it was leading to something new or not.
What was the production process like?
I always wanted to record with a full band and in my hometown. I sang about home for long enough- that I had to find it. Full band. Real strings. Choir of friends. It was real.
Marshall Altman – the main producer – helped bring together the players to bring these songs to life.
How does this song tie into your upcoming album, BEACON?
“Fading” is track 8. Or the denouement of the story.
You acknowledged on an Instagram post that your path from your debut album, vital in 2018, to this project was much like the classic hero’s journey, filled with transformation and obstacles. Where does this song fall on your own hero’s journey?
I thought a lot about the arc of this album, with “BEACON” being track 1. It was something that set the journey in motion. Meeting Gabe and falling in love was a big part of the journey, too. But the minute “My Revival” happens in the album – the pain also comes too. Sometimes, winning comes at a cost. “Fading” comes at the moment where the breakthrough is hopefully about to happen.
Who or what has been your beacon through this journey?
I literally would not be here without my friends and my partner, Gabe. And my dog Stevie.
What did being an independent artist teach you that you carry with you for the rest of your career?
The day that I was dropped by my last label, Billie Eilish posted about my music. So, while I was having the worst logistical day – my phone was blowing up.
I think I realized then that a lot of these gatekeepers are just illusions. It is harder than ever to be independent, but I’ll never sell the rights of my music the way I did before. I’m in my Taylor Swift era, and I’m not going back.
In a video on Instagram, you shared, “I was no longer making an album. The album was making me.” What have you discovered about yourself through the making of this project?
I discovered I’m impossibly human and feel everything at all times.
If you could set fans up in the perfect environment to listen to this single and this upcoming album, what do you imagine it looking like?
Give yourself a road trip from your home to your getaway home.
What can fans look forward to next?
Some shows around the album release. Some new visuals are on the way. And then some wild moments in the spring 🙂
What is one quote that you have heard or that you go by that you want to ECHO out to the world?
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.”
Bernard M. Baruch
Featured Photo Credit: Jen Rosenstein