Will Morton – The Long Way

By starrymag | May 29, 2025

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I’ve never really thought my sound was extremely unique, but thinking about it, I guess it really is! Every song on the new album has its own feel and vibe, from classic country storytelling and instruments to rock guitars, mixed with pop influence.  I really listen to my favorite artists and find what I love about their songs and try to draw inspiration from them.  We go from “Fixer Upper,” which I leaned into Cody Johnson and Riley Green, to the title track “The Long Way,” which I feel is more in line with artists like Jelly Roll with bigger choruses and a gospel choir.  Then, we have songs like “Back,” which is a previous single driven by 90s rock guitar riffs.  I just love all music and you’ll hear inspiration from all genres and eras!

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) In the traditional country sense, I’m probably stereotypical, but George Strait, Randy Travis, Cody Johnson and Riley Green are my go-to.  I love modern country like Jelly Roll and Morgan Wallen.  And I’ve always been a big [Jason] Aldean fan as he crosses into heavier riffs on lead guitar.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Good Ol’ Boys Don’t Cry.”

A) “Good Ol Boys” was written to break the stereotype that tough guys aren’t supposed to cry.  I really just wanted to let my son know that you can be tough, but you don’t have to hide your emotions.

 

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

A) The instrumentation alone in this song expresses an emotion that you can feel.  I’ve had mothers reach out to me and tell me they shared with their sons, which is the true testament to our power of this song.

 

Q) The video was directed by Justin Hammond. How does it play into the message behind it?

A) In the video, it’s me writing the lyrics of the song and reflecting on where this song came from.  It portrays me thinking about the emotion of the song and about my son and my family. The imagery of me walking down the road by myself is kind of the symbolism of the struggle of being a man and not knowing how to share emotions.

 

Q) ”Good Ol’ Boys Don’t Cry” was co-written by you, Mark McKee and Chris Ayer. What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

A) We approached every song differently. Some songs come from a line of a lyric or maybe a song title, while some come from a melody that a guitar may be playing. Working with these guys has expanded my sound and songwriting, as each one of us comes from a different musical background, from rock to country to pop and Americana folk.

 

Q) Mark actually also handled the production of the song. How much of a say do you have in the production of your music?

A) I have worked with Mark for a very long time now and over the years we have grown a harmonious relationship where I get to put a lot of my own input into the direction of this song. Mark definitely takes the lead, but I love being able to chime in, whether it is on a drum fill or maybe how a guitar comes in or out. It’s awesome that Mark, as a producer, loves for me to offer my input.

 

Q) With this single out now, is this a prelude to a full album or EP?

A) This song is actually the first single release of the first album I will be releasing, titled The Long Way.  It has been eighteen plus months in the making and I’m super pumped for everyone to hear it.  I’ve wanted to write this album for a very long time as it is a story that I have lived and I just wanted to share the stories with everyone and let them know no matter where you are in life, whether it’s struggling with addiction or whether it’s love or loss – we’re all there and have all been there. 

 

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

A) I’m just getting started on this musical journey. I’m looking forward to playing many places, but I would love to be able to play the Opry, as it was my grandparents’ favorite.

 

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

A) I would love to collaborate with Luke Combs, Riley Green and Cody Johnson.  These are the guys I listen to frequently and respect and look up to.

 

Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening t,o and why do you dig them?

A) I love all different types of country music from the 80s, 90s to today’s country. I also love metal, post-hardcore and punk rock.

 

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

A) I’d like to thank everybody for following me on social media and streaming all of my releases. A special thanks to everyone sharing and commenting and helping me get the word out! As a newer artist, it keeps me motivated seeing that people are truly listening to my songs and getting meaning from their messages!