Kevin Morby Tickets

Kevin Morby: The Singer-Songwriter Redefining Folk Music

Kevin Morby is an American singer-songwriter from Lubbock, Texas whose talent and innovative sound has established him as one of the most influential figures in the evolution of contemporary folk music. Throughout his impressive career, Morby has achieved critical and commercial success, developing an expansive and devoted fan base along the way. He has sold out shows around the world, created several acclaimed albums, and taken home numerous awards for his work.

Origin and Early Career

New York City-based singer-songwriter Kevin Morby grew up in Lubbock, Texas, where he began his journey as a musician. While Morby’s original plan was to become a professional baseball player, he quickly re-evaluated his professional aspirations when he realized he was better suited to making music.

In 2010, after playing in several bands and slowly earning admirers, Morby released his first full-length album, “Harlem River.” The record's lo-fi, stripped back aesthetic made it stand out from the other folk and alt-country releases of the late 2000s. Through activities like near-constant touring, Morby became a horse whisperer of sorts for a generation of music fans in search of something more than conventional folk music.

Band History and Notable Releases

Morby went on to release a string of acclaimed albums, including “Still Life (2013)” and “Singing Saw (2016).” They featured unconventional narrative structures, introspective lyrics, and diverse influences including country, gospel, and even ambient. Around this time, he formed a backing band that soon became as essential to Morby as his flights of vocal fancy.

In 2017, Morby continued his experimental streak with “City Music,” a lo-fi indie pop record. While it lacked some of the depth of his previous efforts, it provided a much more accessible sound and remains one of Morby’s most well-known albums.

The following year, he returned with a more varied and ambitious album, “Oh My God,” that featured a unique blend of alternative and folk with hints of gospel and blues. The record was a commercial and critical success, earning Morby his first Grammy nomination.

Members and Influences

The band Morby has assembled over the years is as impressive as the singer’s songwriting. His primary collaborators are multi-instrumentalists Meg Duffy and Justin Sullivan, who also help him produce his music. These talented supporting players have helped Morby develop and refine a sound that marries folk, Americana, and indie pop.

In addition to his bandmates and contemporaries, Morby looks to the likes of Neil Young, Leonard Cohen and even The Stooges for inspiration. He cites the profound lyrics and unexpected shifts of Bob Dylan as music that resonates with him on an emotional level but his main canon of influences remains folk.

Similar Artists and Popular Songs

The breadth and complexity of Morby's vision have helped to redefine Folk music, producing a body of work that is truly contemporary yet recalls the past. Other contemporary singer-songwriters that operate within his unique sound include Bill Callahan, Kurt Vile, Cass McCombs, and Phosphorescent. All of these artists owe, in one way or another, a debt to the Folk music from which Morby draws so much of his inspiration.

Morby’s best-known songs include “Drive”, “Come To Me Now”, “Lost In A Dream”, and “Destroyer”, all of which are highly regarded among his fans. Despite the diverse range of musical styles showcased throughout his catalog, these songs demonstrate Morby’s commitment to thoughtful narratives, expansive soundscapes, and layered arrangements.

Conclusion

Kevin Morby has established himself as one of the most innovative and influential figures in folk music, captivating a passionate and devoted fanbase in the process. His ability to modernize Folk music while still remaining true to its roots allows him to flourish as an artist and attract music fans everywhere. Morby's career is one of constant growth and evolution, and his latest releases continue to captivate listeners around the world.