Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan McPherson.
Hi Morgan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am a pianist/singer/songwriter, drummer, and music producer. I started playing piano at age two, started lessons at age five, and went on to study music at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
I started becoming interested in songwriting at age 12. I used songwriting to help self-soothe. My first full song was written when my grandfather died, as I processed losing him. It’s called “Ghost Winking.” Soon after, my songs told the stories of my coming of age- with teenage angst, relationships gone wrong, and feelings of abandonment as common themes.
Initially the collection of songs that make up my first full-length album “Stranger in the Mirror” (2008) were not intended to be professionally produced; they were intended to be kept on a CD-R as a personal time capsule. However, as more and more people heard my songs and were impressed, I thought producing my music for others to hear would open up new avenues.
After my first album was released, I wrote, performed, and produced 6 other projects, totaling over 75 original songs. I’ve continued to write here and there since my last project “Origins” (2020); however several personal circumstances challenged my work and my relationship with music. I recently did a lot of soul-searching and inner work to come to a place where I feel comfortable sharing my songs again.
I have a brand new song “Moment of Truth” that is coming out soon. It’s expected to be released March 1, 2026 on my website www.morganmcphersonmusic.com and most all streaming platforms.
I am currently building a powerful set-list to continue playing more live shows this Spring with options for solo and full band performances.
My new song “Moment of Truth” is
about breaking your own negative thought patterns and facing the truth that sometimes you’re the only person holding yourself back.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My life has definitely not been a smooth road! I was in critical condition in 2012 and almost didn’t make it. Because of the oxygen deprivation to my brain, the doctors thought I would be permanently disabled and living in assisted living for the rest of my life. It was devastating to lose control of my body, my mind, and my ability to play the piano; in the worst moments of my illness, some people at the hospital took me to a piano, but I could not produce any intelligible sounds. I had to re-learn all my own songs as my brain healed.
It was a very long and difficult healing process, but with patience and a strong belief that I would be totally well, my health was restored. I am also very grateful for loyal and dear friends like guitarist Hans Rolf, who came to my home during my rehabilitation for practice, even if I could only sing one song. His encouragement kept me motivated to keep the music alive.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a songwriter, musician, and producer. I write all my music and lyrics and perform piano/keyboard, vocals, and sometimes drums on my tracks. Oftentimes I co-produce with another producer. I am known mostly for my albums “Stranger in the Mirror,” “Destiny, Save Me,” and “Burn,” for my deep and artful lyrics and haunting voice.
As far as songwriting goes, I would consider my skill as a lyricist to be my best gift. I love writing deep and meaningful music that impacts people on a soul level.
I am really proud of the fact that I’ve personally funded seven recording projects, six of which have had physical copies with professional imaging, packaging and shrink wrap …all with the income I made while working at Starbucks! I’m a creative visionary. I see projects to fruition and know a lot about the steps and the process to get there.
I would say my most requested song from people at my shows is “Fragile Little Me.”
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I do see already how AI is changing music production and although I never intend to do anything completely with AI (as that would take the fun out of my work) I do see the benefit of putting some of my demos through AI, prompting it for what I’m going for, and getting some new ideas that maybe I haven’t thought about to help me with parts of my production.
Of course I have my boundaries- like AI is never going to replace my voice on a recording. But I do see it as a valuable tool for helping make my music more modern and marketable.
I think in the next 5-10 years (and I’m hoping my prediction is right) I think artists like me with a bit more depth to their lyrics and writing may be even more valuable because I think people will get tired of AI and find the music not as emotionally fulfilling as a living breathing human artist.
Accompanying photos by Hans Rolf.
Pricing:
- $250/song for Full Music Production
- $80/hour for Artist Consulting Services
- $60/hour for Online Music Lessons (keyboard or drums)
- $60/hour for Songwriting Coaching
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.morganmcphersonmusic.com
