Interview: MORGXN Muses About the Power of Songwriting and Transcending Genres

Nashville native MORGXN discusses his latest single, “Fading,” and making a new album with a live band in his hometown.

Written by Carolyn Parmer

Photo courtesy of Jen Rosenstein

Fans of pop-like music with high-energy beats and honest, introspective lyrics best know Morgan Isaac Karr as the creative genius MORGXN. His third album, Beacon, is set to release on Feb. 2, 2024.

Afterglow: How would you explain your music style?

MORGXN: Indie pop with queer Americana/singer-songwriter bent. Or… Jack Kerouac meets Rumi.

I love how vulnerable you are right from the start of "Fading." What does this song mean to you?

I wrote this with the same group [that] I wrote the song “WONDER” with. I think that was important to revisit that group because when I put out that song, I had no idea the journey it would take me on. I also didn’t know if it was worth it — if the pain of the experience would lead to some beautiful new ground. I think the song “Fading” exists in the moment of heartbreak, and wondering if it will be worth it in the end. There’s no answer in my songs. Just questions.

What do you hope listeners get out of Beacon when it comes out?

I hope they find that they are not alone. I hope they find their own hero’s journey and use these songs as a soundtrack to that experience. Whether you are in your revival or in your “to be human” feeling, winning and losing come together. There is no journey that is only rainbows and sunshine.

What was special about the process of making Beacon? What moments stand out in your memory of this time?

I always wanted to make a record at home, in Nashville. It was important for me to use a real band and real musicians throughout. From the band to the strings to the choir, you are hearing real people bringing these songs to life. I hate thinking about genre because it is limiting even though every interview I’m asked to define the “sound.” I say indie pop because it’s closest, but not a lot of “indie pop” makes music outside of the box, so it doesn’t really fit. I don’t really fit. What I set out to do was make an honest album using real players and in my hometown. The whole experience was thrilling.

What got you into making music, and what keeps you motivated to keep making music today?

That’s such a hard question to answer when the world is on fire. I remember seeing a documentary of Simon & Garfunkel making “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” I forget what war it was during but they posed the question, ”How can we be making a pop album while the world is hurting?” And someone basically said, ”We are no good on the front lines.” I’m not a fighter. I can barely fight on social media. But I can craft a song. And hopefully one of my songs helps someone keep going another day. In fact, I receive messages like this all the time, and it means the world to me. I think about quitting a lot because I don’t know if I can stand the algorithm we live in. But then I think that my contribution is to share what is real. And if it moves one person, I am honored and know I’m living my purpose.

How did your upbringing influence the music you make?

I think growing up in Nashville always made me a fan of the songs. No matter the clothes I wear or the color of my hair …. It is about the song. No matter the production or style, the heart of the thing is the songwriting.

You can follow MORGXN on Instagram and stream their music on Bandcamp, Spotify, and Apple Music.

This interview has been minimally edited for clarity and length.