MORGXN @ Rockwood Music Hall
Photo via Tori McGraw (@afterr.hourrs)
Singer songwriter, MORGXN, creates music that explores the good and bad in life. His music captures the rollercoaster of emotions we all face, threading a commonality of shared experiences into his songs. MORGXN released his latest album, the ten-song “Beacon,” February 2nd. “This album is a journey,” MORGXN explains, “and a reminder that we're always on that journey. Where I'm at might be the end, but it's actually the beginning.”
MORGXN’s headlining show commenced in the corner of Rockwood Music Hall. He sat at the black piano as people crowded around. Audience members were pushed into the back wall of the room, hiding in every corner in order to make space. His hands hit soft notes on the piano keys. The deep sounding riffs paired beautifully with his effortless range of vocals, smoothly climbing each note and perfectly executing the transitions.
As his set began, MORGXN sang with his eyes closed. From the audience, it seemed like he felt every word he sang, the extreme focus was steeped in passion. His voice echoed like a deep chamber in the small room. Even when he stopped singing the notes didn’t end; they rang out. The soft piano chords with simple rhythm accompaniment allowed for the complete focus on the lyrics and his vocal capabilities.
MORGXN played a variety of songs from his wide discography. Some include, “Beacon,” “Backbone,” and “To Be Human.” As one song ended and the cheers of the crowd faded, he told intimate stories of what inspired each song. Many were lessons in his life. Listening to his stories felt like an open line of communication from the artist to the audience. Hearing his stories made people feel less alone, knowing others go through the same trials. Introducing the song “My Revival,” MORGXN began by teaching the audience the chorus, singing “this is my revival…” He paused and began the soft piano rhythm and sang the first line, “I was looking for a way..” When he came to the song’s chorus, he quickly said into the mic, “this is you!” Voices from the audience rose together and everyone collectively began to sing. He stopped singing and listened to the audience sing “this is my revival, revival.” No one was silent; everyone sang, supported by each other. There was something beautiful and healing listening to all the voices rise and make this a beautifully collective experience. It felt like there was a pause in the world, a common theme of humanity in a healing space.
Photo via Tori McGraw (@afterr.hourrs)
Photo via Tori McGraw (@afterr.hourrs)
“I based the whole album on the hero’s journey,” MORGXN said. “Rockwood is the first place I played songs in the city.” He explained the experience of coming back to the same places he’d been in the past, but as a different person, going though his own hero’s journey.
The audience stood still as if at a poetry reading, almost analyzing each word that rolled off his tongue, interpreting the messages personally. As the last word sang out, the quiet standstill audience erupted in vocal support. Almost saying, without words, “we’re listening and we're here.”
