Morgan Johnston – After Me

By starrymag | August 17, 2022

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) Bold, fun, dreamy and profound

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) Kacey Musgraves, Lori McKenna, Maren Morris

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “After Me.”

A) “After Me” is a song I wrote about reflecting back on a past relationship and wondering if things would be different if I had him after he had me and after he learned all of the hard lessons of losing me. I wrote it with Chris McKenna, Lydia Dall and Chase McDaniel.

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) I think a lot of people in life have had to make the hard decision of putting themself first and walking away from a relationship that was not giving back to them. Even if they loved that person. I love that this song doesn’t bash the other person but highlights how we all have lessons to learn and how sometimes it is a hard pill to swallow to watch that person go on to be a better version of themselves after they lost you. I think the nostalgic aspect of the song is also very relatable.

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

A) We actually haven’t had the chance to make a video for this song, but we had a lot of short video visuals to go along with the song. I really tried to make them all match the vibe, feeling very emotional and nostalgic.

Q) With the song’s recent release how did you celebrate?

A) Thank you so much! I actually ended up taking all of my co-writers out for a couple drinks to celebrate and say thank you for such a great song. [smiles]

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

A) It’s hard to say exactly what comes first because my songwriting process is always very unique to the song. Typically, most of my songs start with an idea or a strong hook. I find it easiest to start with the idea and build around that. Sometimes I even write backwards from the hook if I get stuck. Melodies and lyrics sometimes come before one or the other and sometimes even at the same time. It just depends on the day and the song!

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) Most of my involvement regarding production is in the beginning for pre-production. We talk overall vibe, feeling, specific instruments or sounds I love and gravitate towards and also find a comfortable tempo for the song. After that, I take a huge step back. I really believe in letting people do what their good at. They’ve spent their lives dedicating to be good at this craft and I know and trust that when I choose someone, they have a good grasp on the overall vision, and I let them do their job!

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

A) Yes! I’m super proud to say that after six years of writing in Nashville, I have my first project coming out in October. There will be seven songs on the project, and it’s titled There’s No Going Back from a line in the first single.

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

A) The listening room is definitely a favorite spot in Nashville. The name of the venue speaks for itself, but it’s so nice to have a crowd that really listens and appreciates the music.

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) JP Saxe. I know he’s not country, but I just think he’s ridiculously talented and his songs always blow me away.

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

A) There are so many artists right now that I really love and feel inspired by. To name a few Sasha Sloan, Hardy, Band Camino, Kacey Musgraves and JP Saxe.

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) Social media has definitely changed the game for independent artists. I’m so thankful for the opportunity and platform it has given people like me to connect with people all over the world and share my words and songs.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) Thank you so much for taking the time to listen to my music and for being on this journey with me. All I’ve ever wanted to do is connect with people through songs ❤️