PGH is all about helping artists highlight their most recent projects, so let us all know what your latest project is – and tell us about how it come into the world. What has the initial feedback on it been like?
Jeremy Morris (JM): I have released several projects recently which is quite typical of me. They are THE JEREMY BAND –All over the world This is a live power pop album and something that is sure to please the fans. The newest studio cd released September 2015 is JEREMY –Not of this world …which is an album blending psych/ prog/power pop and jangle all into one!. This month of October is the new LEMON CLOCKS –Time to fly which was recorded both in Sweden and the US. It’s a wonderful power pop release that many will love. Coming in December is Jeremy –Christmas in my heart. This is a power pop Christmas album of mainly originals and a few covers to boot!
The Recording Process: There are so many interesting ways that music projects come into the world these days compared with what artists had to struggle through years ago. Take us on the creative arc of how this project came into being and any wisdom that you learned along the way. Also, what were some of the obstacles or struggles that you encountered when you were working on the project?
JM: I have my own recording studio at home. Many albums have been recorded there. But, I also have recorded in other studios across the USA and EUROPE. The studios in France and Sweden where quite different from the US ones. One thing I noticed is that each studio has it’s own characteristic sound. So recording in another studio can really change your sound a lot!
Are there any particular songs on this project that are special to you or communicate a message that you’d like to share here?
JM: All the songs are very special to me. But, I prefer to let the listener draw his own messages from the music.
As we all know, the music industry has been devastated for many reasons over the past 10 years, what are your thoughts on these changes and are you finding some of the changes helpful to you with getting more people to hear your music?
JM: I think it’s been tough on a lot people. I feel sorry for a lot of bands trying to make it these days. It seems our society at large has devalued the album as an art form. I will continue carrying on doing what I do though. Whether it’s appreciated or not , it is what I do! Once an artist, always an artist.
Along the lines of this discussion, it would be really interesting to get your thoughts on what you think the future of ‘music enjoyment’ will look like in the coming years? How do you personally enjoy and ‘consume’ music? Any trends you’ve noticed with your own habits compared to, say, 10 years ago?
JM: For the first time in many years, I have gone back to listening to records again. I still play the cds, too, but I am a fan of “hard copy” music. Downloads don’t do it for me.
We would love to hear what your plans on with your next project – Are you going to a full CD, an EP or just release songs as you finish them? Release them digital only or combine physical with the digital or what?
JM: I am still releasing mainly CDs on the Jam label. Overall, I find this format the most practical. Full albums are where it’s at for me. I don’t care much for EP’s or singles.
What are you finding that is working well for your music right now that others may find interesting to hear about?
JM: I still find that getting out there and playing live is important. I travel out and play many places outside of my home town. I find this has made a significant difference. (Especially when it comes to playing Europe)
Okay – time for some light humor! Spinal Tap Moment: dig deep. Locate. Relive. Share that special ‘trauma’ with all of us!
JM: I can’t say who it was….but once one of the band members crapped his pants on stage in the middle of a song! It was exit stage left immediately.
Is there a particular musician(s) you’d love to collaborate with – and why?
JM: There once was…..but many of those musicians are dead now. So I will have to let that one go!
Advance apologies: the so-called ‘classic’ questions. What other artists and bands have influenced your music and any particular reason why? Also, push come to shove: “Your Top 5 Albums Of All Time”? (Pop Geeks really are interested in this, trust us!)
JM: BYRDS, BEATLES, BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST, YES, GENESIS…but there are so many more!
We’re always trying to find new music discover here at PGH – what are some of your favorite music releases of the last few years?
JM: It would have to be the stuff I am releasing on the Jam label.
Yes, it would be great if most indie musicians could work on music full-time but the reality rarely the case for most of them. I am always asked by music fans, what are the careers or full-time jobs that the musicians of the music they are listening to do…so ‘what’s your main gig?!’
JM: This is my main gig!
Okay, last question: Where can we hear more of your music and any other releases you have?
JM: Easy ….go to www.jamrecordings.com
