Ryan Morgan Surrender Interview

Ryan Morgan Surrender Interview

Sydney Pop/R&B singer, Ryan Morgan is scheduled to release his debut single -Surrender' on March 17 (2014).

Currently finalising the tracks on his forthcoming EP, 'Surrender' is certainly enough to whet your appetite for Ryan Morgan and what will become his musical imprint. Written and self-produced by Morgan, -Surrender' is a song about succumbing to your deepest passion. Working together with Director/Videographer Patrick Jaeger, Videographer Celia Yu, Editor Benjamin Hargrave and Australian model Cindy Carino, Ryan simultaneously debuts his music video for the single.

The songwriter and producer has slowly but surely built on his craft having already ventured from Sydney to New York, where he performed at Ashford and Simpson's infamous Sugar Bar in New York City, before the buzz and diverse nature of the UK music scene became enticing enough to call London home. 'I was heavily influenced by the musical styling in the UK and it really allowed me to explore the Dance/Euro movement which has really put an imprint on my own Pop/R&B sound".

Ryan returned to Sydney in 2012 where he penned his single. "'Surrender' is a reflection of the way I felt about music at the time", explains Morgan. 'For the first time I felt the effects of the struggle and began to reconsider music as a career, however I came to accept that there was no way I could give up the passion." Ryan launched his own record label titled -Bluprint Records' with 'Surrender" being the first release from the label, which he co-owns with his Sister Liya.

Recording his EP, Ryan has worked with the best, multi-platinum selling producer Audius, (Delta Goodrem/Jessica Mauboy) along with US billboard chart topping songwriter and drummer Tommy McConnell from the 80s R&B/Funk group Skyy.

View the music video for -Surrender' on YouTube

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Interview with Ryan Morgan

Question: How would you describe Surrender?

Ryan Morgan: I would describe Surrender as melodic, energetic, dark and expressive and a reflection of my struggles with the art. It expresses the way I feel about music, binding, and at times I've felt like a prisoner to the passion.


Question: How difficult of a journey has it been to release this EP?

Ryan Morgan: It has been a tough but exciting process. Starting a label and planning my own release has been something new and foreign to me. It's forced me to rely on instinct and take risks with a lot of the creative and business decisions.

The creative aspect was also quite difficult to get together, we had to do several edits for the production and the single itself and the video was planned, shot and edited over a period of a year. I guess it makes sense that a song about struggle would be a struggle to plan, create and execute.

I'm looking forward to the future tracks though as I feel like the pressure of the first release and the expectation its represents me accurately as an artist has be lifted.


Question: What did you enjoy most about filming the video for the song?

Ryan Morgan: I enjoyed expressing myself at this amazing location. It was a perfect day, with clear blue skies and an amazing sunrise. By chance I had brought the instrumental to set instead of the radio edit and was forced to sing the track live. The process of performing on this amazing set really allowed me to let loose and give a real and authentic performance, something I'll always remember.


Question: Do you write your own songs? What's your inspiration?

Ryan Morgan: Life is my inspiration, I write a lot about struggles, heartbreak and pain and a lot of times I'm writing music about my experience with music itself.


Question: What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?

Ryan Morgan: I like to listen to a wide variety of artists but majority of the time when I'm in a laid back mood I'll be listening to a lot of Aaliyah, Toni Braxton, Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men, Craig David, Whitney Houston and Usher.

If I'm looking for a different kind of energy I'll put on some Guetta, Afrojack and MJ.

Question: What's next? Tour/Album/Single?

Ryan Morgan: I've got a strong concept for the follow up single and my next focus is the music video, shoot and perfecting the mix and production for the single. I'm also looking to tour in Australia and the UK to back the future release.


Question: Was there a moment you contemplated throwing in the towel?

Ryan Morgan: There was one moment that I considered this, just after returning back from the UK I was disappointed in how music had worked out and questioned if it was worth it and considered giving it up. It was then when the lead single Surrender came to me.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Ryan Morgan: I can't say that I prefer one or the other. Performing live is a rush each time as there's always a different audience, vibe, location and sound which contributes to the performance & experience. It's something I treasure as each performance is unique and it's a way to share spontaneous expression.


Question: What/who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Ryan Morgan: I would say my mum and my sister are my inspiration and the reason why I'm in music. I remember being inspired after listening to my mum's voice as a kid and saw my sister's determination as a teen to become a singer, she was very sure of it at a young age and has guided me and given me the confidence to be a musician.


Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?
Ryan Morgan: This release was the biggest challenge for me, putting together the different aspects of the release the production, recording, mixing, mastering, organising, planning and executing the video, marketing and promotion and timing it was an extremely challenging process.

Not having a standard structure/ plan to follow along with the guidance of an experienced label added tenfold to the challenge.


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Ryan Morgan: Being able to create something tangible that I know will be there forever.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Ryan Morgan: I would love to work with Timbaland, he is a great innovative producer/artist that has created distinct classics. I'd also would have loved to work with Aaliyah, she was a great all round artist with a strong vision and those sweet tones.


Question: What message would you like your music to say to your fans?

Ryan Morgan: The main message I want to pass on to my fans through music is to have the confidence in yourself, to not let societies judgements and expectations influence your life decisions and to follow what truly makes you happy.

60 Second Quiz

Full Name: Shasti Ryan Morgan
Star Sign: Cancer
Favourite Food: Chicken
Favourite Film: The Lord of the Rings
Favourite Actor: Rosario Dawson
Pet: I don't own a pet
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Oprah
Hobbies/Interests: Gym, Running, Chilling with friends
First Job: Sales
Are you a Pub, Bar or Club kind: Club and Bar
What Can You Never Leave Home Without: Hair Gel
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning: Music