Feature:: Kris Morris Interview
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Kris Morris Interview Band: Kris Morris Fri Jul 27 18:57:49 2007 |
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| by Jo Vallance | |
R13: Why did you decide to move from Australia to London?
Kris: I felt I needed to move somewhere bigger - experience a side of life beyond the smallish town I grew up in. I also had a sense there'd be opportunities for me to pursue my music and stuff over here. I enjoy the diversity and room for folks to do their own thing. This translates into the music scene as well I think.
R13: Do you think that it's easier to break into the music industry in the UK? Have you found any support from other groups on the London scene?
Kris: I feel like things are just starting to get rolling for more here so I don't talk as any expert. I think its possibly easier to find opportunities to play - there's a lot going on and as there's more people it's easier to find a niche. I've found support mainly from a few venues and promoters that like what I do. I've got a lot of love from the Welsh folks too - BBC Radio Wales have been the first to give me airplay and get me down there. I'm looking forward to playing in different parts of the UK too.
R13: Could you recommend any undiscovered Australian bands to us?
Kris: Everyone should listen to Paul Kelly - Australia's greatest songwriter (in my opinion). He's a great storyteller and it's criminal he's not more widely known outside of Australia. Everyone should also listen to You Am I. Undeniably the best indie rock band to come out of Australia and Tim Rogers, the frontman, is a fantastic songwriter and he just oozes rock and roll charisma. Brilliant. I'm also liking Josh Pyke who is starting to make waves over here.
R13: How long have you been writing and playing music?
Kris: My dad is a guitar player and I grew up with guitars around the house. I got my first acoustic guitar when I was twelve so I've been making music for a while. My first guitar lesson with dad ended up with tears when the strings hurt my wussy little fingers. I don't tend to cry so much these days which is good.
R13: What kind of topics inspire your tunes?
Kris: I generally write about stuff I'm going through and experiencing. The stuff on the 'Little Light' EP is all really about the process of growing up, experiencing difficult times, but somehow seeing a way through. It's honest but hopeful.
R13: What's special about your live shows that we should come down and check them out?
Kris: Usually I embarrass myself by making cricket references that no-one understands. Other than that I always try and give a passionate performance. I love playing and I love interacting with the crowd. It's fun when I can get the intensity of the songs across but also have some banter with the crowd. I love a good heckler too.
R13: Do you find it easy to stand up infront of an audience?
Kris: Depends how friendly they are : ) I really enjoy performing and don't get massively nervous. I enjoy it though when there's a few friends in the crowd that laugh at my jokes. That helps.
R13: Do you think that singer/songwriters get a bad press these days being categorised together and often marketed at an older age group?
Kris: It's kind of true but in practice I haven't been pelted with eggs or anything when I own up to being a guy that sings and writes and plays guitar. Real music lovers are open minded enough to have a listen and make their own minds up. As long as you are being yourself and doing stuff you believe in I think that comes across.
R13: Thanks for your time and good luck.