The amalgamation of quantity and quality presents a formidable challenge. Some artists produce an abundance of exquisite music, yet there’s a looming risk of taking their offerings for granted. Jeremy Morris exemplifies this phenomenon. For instance, last year he collaborated with Ken Stringfellow to create the beautiful ‘High Fidelity’, and now he presents ‘Footprints‘, maintaining the same level of excellence. In an interview with Sweet Sweet Music blog, he mentions that he’s already embarked on his next project. Let’s delve into his insights on ‘Footprints‘ before proceeding further.
You can discover ‘WON’T LET YOU DOWN’ featured on the Best Power Pop of 2024 Spotify Playlist.
Was there a particular moment or experience that struck you, signaling that you were onto something special with this project?
When I am making music if it moves me emotionally then I know that I am usually on to something special.
Success can take on different meanings as time goes on. When envisioning success for this new record, what does that picture look like now?
I choose to create heartfelt music that connects with people and impacts them in a positive way, I consider this to be a great success when that happens.
I wish to bring heavenly sounds to planet earth!
Within this collection, do you feel that the best song you’ve ever written finds its home? If not, what distinguishes this record’s essence from your prior work?
The album “Footprints” is a story …so really it’s made to be listened to as a whole from start to finish. Not all my albums are made this way. So that is one thing that makes this album different from my other albums.
Among the gigs you’ve performed, which one holds an indelible place in your memory and why does it stand out?
The very first time our band played the Cavern Club in Liverpool for the International Pop Overthrow festival was an amazing experience. The atmosphere of the place and the crowd were electrifying !
Striking a balance between experimental artistry and commercial appeal is a challenge. How do you navigate this dynamic within your music?
When creating music I let it flow out naturally. I don’t try to ever make it fit into a certain genre or category. This way it will always remain pure.
Lyrics often carry profound meaning. Are there particular lines you hope listeners will always remember from your songs? If so, what’s the significance?
Yes, I have a song “ITS GETTING BETTER where the chorus sings ” It’s getting better every day ….better in every way”. This kind of thinking can be life transforming.
Can you recall the last instance when you felt the immediate certainty of having penned a hit song?
On my new album “Footprints”, I felt that the opening track “Everlasting Friend” has all the qualities of a hit song.
While you can’t dictate how people interpret your music, are there specific elements you wish to highlight that set your songs apart?
I think the main difference is the lyrics and music are mainly uplifting. There is not enough positive music out there.
With the record completed and the music released, do you believe the pinnacle of enjoyment has been reached, or is this just the beginning of an exciting phase?
It’s always just the beginning for me. I have already gone on to recording the next album.
Can you take us through the creative journey of bringing this album to life? What were the key milestones, challenges, and breakthroughs you experienced along the way?
I first make an album by creating acoustic demos either on a 12 string guitar or a grand piano. Once the demos have been created, then I will record an official version of the song. The demos are like a sketch. It’s a very important process and if the demo sounds good on just one instrument, then that usually means the song is ready to record.
How would you describe the evolution of your sound in this new album compared to your previous works? Were there intentional shifts in style of themes?
The new album has a lot more harmony vocals than previous albums. For this new album there is an emphasis on lots of layered vocals.
Albums often involve collaboration with various musicians and producers. Could you shed light on how these collaborations contributed to shaping the album’s identity?
This new album was a collaboration with Ken Stringfellow. He has a lot of experience with recording for decades and his experience combined with my own makes it twice as easy to complete an album. The album was not a struggle to make. It’s a labor of love.
In the digital age, visual elements are intertwined with music. How did you approach the album’s visual aesthetics, such as album art and accompanying visuals? How do they complement the sonic experience you’ve crafted?
I work with a graphic artist named Layne Stricker here is in the US. He will listen to my music and then visualize it with the artwork he creates. It’s a perfect match and his visual contribution has been a huge part of what we do. He is an amazing artist and we have been working together for over 20 years now. I am grateful for the people I get to work with. They have made me better than I would be on my own.
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