Introducing Matt Morris - Listen to "The Un-American"
January 06, 2010
Matt Morris is quite something different.
When I first heard his crunchy folk-infused soul-pop, it was hard to believe that this Nashville crooner used to be a performer on the Mickey Mouse Club together with Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez and Britney Spears. All grown up now, his music sounds nothing like the sugar-sweet pop of his past.
Since his days on the Mickey Mouse Club, the openly gay-singer (and my fellow OUT 100 Honoree) has developed a compelling style of his own as a singer and songwriter. He has written songs for people like Christina Aguilera, Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson (he co-wrote "Miss Independent") while working on his own musical material.
Morris' childhood pal Justin Timberlake took him under his wing and signed the singer to his new Tennman label. Together they have been working on Matt's forthcoming debut LP, "When Everything Breaks Open."
Timberlake's production on Matt's record sound unlike anything what he has done before. You can tell the two friends have a unique chemistry together that has resulted in a warming brew of soul, pop, folk and blues - always featuring Morris' heartfelt crooning.
Timberlake likes to describe Morris' sound as "Ray LaMontagne meets Elton John meets Stevie Wonder meets Rufus Wainwright." Check out the propulsive, politically-charged "The Un-American" to get a taste of Matt Morris. I really enjoy this song. Has a bit of a Mika kick to it.