by tiffany arunarsirakul
photo by alex sovoda
With the release of her debut EP Unaccompanied Minor, morgen discusses personal growth over the course of the previous two years. morgen's music is about honesty, vulnerability, and creates a relationship with listeners of relatability. Relating to mental health, morgen says, "You're not alone. I know it can feel like the weight of the world is pressing down on you, but trust me, you are not alone in that. Everything is temporary baby, you got this."
Hi morgen! How are you feeling with your recent release of your debut EP Unaccompanied Minor? Would you advise your listeners to listen to your tracks in order, or would it still be alright to listen in a shuffle?
morgen: “I’m just so happy it’s released… two years is a long time I feel, especially with the amount of personal growth that’s happened. And as far as listening goes — whatever works, if you want to listen to my songs shuffled go for it… whatever makes you happy. That’s kind of what I want this project to be: just a safe and relatable space to just enjoy oneself.”
With two years in making the EP, how would you say that the pandemic has affected yourself and your music? Were you always interested in creating your own music, or did this interest develop over quarantine?
morgen: “I’ve always created my own music, ever since I was little, however the pandemic definitely helped me figure out what genres I love and different writing styles. It was a really experimental time which was great, and honestly so necessary.”
Would you say that the songs on the EP are a representation of yourself, whether being the "Odd One Out," "feeling like a sweet sixteen never meant that much to [you]," or even "watching too much TV?”
morgen: “Absolutely, they are pretty much just the inside of my head in song form. I used to write very poetic lyrics when I was younger, but recently I’ve kinda just started saying things how they are and being completely honest in my songs.”
I love the vibes of your music, it's very catchy and honest. I feel like I can relate, even if we are not living the same lifestyles. Is this something that you wanted to resonate with your listeners as well?
morgen: “Yes yes yes, I truly hope my music creates a relatable environment, that would be ideal. :)”
Considering how the suitcase in your album art contains "emotional baggage," what does emotional baggage mean to you?
morgen: “I guess to me it just means venturing into adulthood isn’t as effortless as one would hope because a lot of the time when you’re thrown into new situations the problems of the past come back around to haunt you. Recently I’ve had to work through some emotional baggage because I can’t function to my fullest capacity in a new environment if I’m constantly dealing with things from my past.”
Your EP is filled with a mix of emotions. What is the number one message you would like for others to leave with?
morgen: “You’re not alone. I know it can feel like the weight of the world is pressing down on you, but trust me, you are not alone in that. Everything is temporary baby, you got this.”
Even with your EP just released, are you currently working on other projects? If so, is there anything you can hint to us?
morgen: “Teehee yesss, working on so much music. I’m so hyped to release this stuff, aaahh!! I can’t hint at much, but I will say there’s a ton coming your way very soon. :))))”
How has your life shifted from before pandemic, to pandemic, to current day life?
morgen: “Sheesh well, I feel like before the pandemic I was so caught up in being this version of myself that everyone would like and during the pandemic I had the time to unpack a lot of insecurities and my sexuality as a whole, and now I feel like I’m kind of stepping into the world as a different person in a way. Which is dope but also very new, coming back to the outside world has been a trip.”
What is something you would like others to know about, whether life or music?
morgen: “Well I guess a little fun fact is I teach karate, which I love haha. :)”