Wave Sensation : It is really a great joy for me to welcome Morgan Willis for this interview. Apart from the fact that I am a huge fan of his musical work!
Morgan Willis has become a reference in the fields of Synthwave, Pop, Retrowave, and although borrowed from the 80's, he offers us a timeless style and always current, whatever the generation that listens to him. A reference, an inspiration, for many artists!
But I don't make you wait any longer, let's go to the interview with Morgan.
Hello Morgan! Thank you for participating in this interview.
Who are you exactly? Tell us more, we can't wait!
I am a French artist, composer and producer with a style that has asserted itself over the years; a mixture of New Wave, Pop, Synthwave, with a strong 80's identity. I have collaborated with many artists like Paradise Walk, Parallels, Ollie Wride and other artists of the Synth scene.
In 2020, I was also awarded at the New York Long Island film festival for best film score for my collaboration on Broken Hearted. Some collaborations also for video games.
What is your main musical activity ?
My favorite instrument is of course the piano, but I also play on various electronic machines and vocoder.
What are your musical influences? How would you define yours ?
I am very much influenced by 80's artists like Simple Minds, Phil Collins, Prince, Tears For Fears etc... but also like Tangerine Dream, Klaus Schulze, Pink Floyd .... I'm also inspired by more recent artists like Daft Punk and music for movies. My style of music is very melodic, I like to provide feelings and nostalgia in my projects. I always associate a sound with a story, with memories.
Can you describe for my readers, how your creative flow develops (how a day of composition goes)?
The first thing I have to do is to be inspired by a visual, a photo, a movie, a series... I set up a frame and then I create my story. Then I let my visual thoughts play melodies on my piano. Then once I find the melody that makes me vibrate, I start working on the textures, the accompaniments, the sounds to find the unique identity of my project. I can compose thirty pieces and select only 10 in the end.
What are the things that motivate you in what you do?
Music is a passion since my childhood, I find pleasure in sharing it. My creations are for me stories of my life that I share through music. Seeing my creations cross borders to bring pleasure to music lovers like me gives me a sense of joy and satisfaction to see that many people identify with my sounds and it has also helped some of my fans overcome difficult times.
Are you proud of a particular track?
I'm proud of all the work I've done so far, I don't have a particular favorite track. Each sound gives me different emotions.
Let's talk about hardware and software: What do you use and why?
As a sequencer I use Ableton Live, the products of the Komplete range from Native Instruments. I also work with several synthesizers " Roland, Korg ", Novation...
This choice of Ableton Live because it corresponds to my expectations to work, and it is also adapted to my Live perf.
How do you see yourself evolving and what are your plans for the future?
I hear an evolution on my melodies. My projects are much more musical with more researched and worked sounds. My new project in preparation with the American singer Kel with whom I have been working for several months and which is scheduled for release in 2022. This one will have different sounds than what I did in the past.
What advice or recommendations would you give to those who would like to get into music like you?
To make music that gives them pleasure without trying to identify with the current fashion. To take the time to work on their project and to embellish their music and not to be blinded by labels that promise you a high visibility but that erase your identity by locking you in a frame. Get informed before signing your first project, there are many platforms that allow you to distribute your projects with the freedom of your choices. Believe in yourself and your project and don't let anyone change your mind.
A word for the end?
See you in 2022!
We will be there!
Thanks Morgan for this interview! I hope to see you soon for more news, especially about the live shows in preparation.
Morgan Willis albums
Follow Morgan Willis
Editor : Richard Raw
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