Morgan St. Jean – Graduation

By starrymag | February 16, 2022

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) My sound is very inspired by my LA upbringing. I think it reflects both the glamor and the grit of this city and my personality. It’s cinematic and dark but still pop. 

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I love powerful women who speak their truth unapologetically. Some of my favorites are Lady Gaga, Lana Del Rey and Marilyn Monroe.

 

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

 

A) “Graduation” is a cheeky little song about improving in a relationship. I think we all learn and grow so much in relationships, and I wanted to explore that in a fun way. Looking a little deeper, it’s really about a woman being able to express her needs and desires to someone who actually listens and responds accordingly. I want to empower women to feel confident and encourage them to be with someone who’s willing to communicate and take feedback to become a better partner.

 

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

 

A) I think in general my fans connect to my songs when I’m being honest and authentic. They really hold me accountable when it comes to my songwriting. Sometimes I write songs about my insecurities that are really emotional, and sometimes I feel like the baddest bitch alive and want to write an anthem about that. I think myself, and my fans, can be so many things at once. So, as long as I’m being truthful, they relate. 

 

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

 

A) My song writing process changes almost daily, but I usually start with a title or a concept. Once I know what I want to write about, I’ll sit down at the piano or with my producer and try to figure out the chorus. I find that my best songs usually happen pretty quickly and just sort of fall out of me. 

 

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

 

A) I’m involved in every step of the production because it’s so important to me that the songs fit my vision. I’m always there when my producers are working on a track to ensure that every choice feels authentic, and like it fits my world. I’m super grateful to work with people who can help bring my vision to life. 

 

Q) What are some themes you will be exploring on your upcoming mixtape?

 

A) The mixtape is about my experience as a woman in the modern world. There is so much power in being a woman, but there is also a lot of struggle and uncertainty. It’s important for me to explore all of the facets of womanhood from societal expectations to insecurities to sexism to feminine power and to be honest about every piece of it. I will definitely be celebrating with my friends and family, but I am also planning to go on TikTok live to celebrate and hopefully play a few live shows as well! 

 

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

 

A) I’m so grateful every time I get the chance to perform, but it’s always special to play in LA because it’s my hometown and all my friends and family come. 

 

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

 

A) I’d love to work with another strong woman who has a different perspective from me. I think it would be amazing to work with someone like Doja Cat or Lizzo.

 

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

 

A) I’ve been obsessed with an artist called Noga Erez. Her melodies are insane, and the production is so unique. I’ve also been listening to Holly Humberstone endlessly. Her lyrics are so thoughtful and visual, which I love. 

 

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

 

A) I love social media because it’s allowed me to connect with my fans in such an intimate way. We’re all going through the same things, so it’s amazing to chat about our similar experiences. They’re all so inspiring, and hearing their stories pushes me to make the best music I can. 

 

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

 

A) I wish there was a word better than thank you, but thank you is the best I’ve got. I’m truly so grateful to everyone who listens to my music and supports me. They’ve given me so much purpose and confidence as I navigate this chaotic industry, and I will never be able to thank them enough.