Interview with Alan Morphew
Californian and Iowan Indie Rock Guitar Hero Likes Intimate Venues
Alan Morphew is an eclectic rock artist (think Rob Thomas meets Cat Stevens) who lives in L.A. He has left the bright lights and big cities of southern California for his hometown of Estherville where he spends his summers. For Alan it is a homecoming because he is a native of the small Iowa town and, he says, a Midwestern boy at heart. When one listens to tracks off his new CD, Four More, heart is what comes through his original lyrics.
Morphew Loves Live Performances
“I really love performing live," Morphew said. "I really draw energy from interaction with people." In addition to live performance, though, Morphew says he equally loves recording in the studio. "There is a time for recording and a time to play live," he said.
One of the most exciting things about being in the music industry today for Morphew is the fact that "the industry is ever changing. Like all businesses we see around us it is tough times overall but there are a lot of exciting things going on with music."
Alan is a diverse artist, performing in all types of venues, including concert halls, rock clubs, acoustic listening rooms, coffeehouses, wine bars, outdoor festivals and street fairs, radio stations, schools, house concerts and more.
He has performed not only in private homes but has had gigs at bonfires also. He stated that he is booking house concerts and bonfires and will be around the Iowa Lakes area all summer. Morphew relishes the more intimate settings for playing his music and considers it a treat to play in a smaller space.
Washington DC Veterans Tell Stories
Maybe the most interesting venue Alan has played was not a factor of the venue itself but the circumstance. He was in Washington, DC and a musician he knew invited him to play. There was a huge protest happening in Washington at the time, he said. "I got there and it was a beautiful thing. Most of the other people there were veterans telling their stories of the war and different things that have affected their lives. It actually was one of the more beautiful events. It was different the way it came together."
There is definitely influence from the places Morphew has lived and traveled in his songwriting, which has won among other honors the Unisong International Songwriting competition. "I write about what I see hear and live. Therefore when I spend time in Chicago I get a taste of that. When I am on the East Coast I feel the energy of that. When I come back to Estherville it is the same way. In California I see concrete and beaches."
He adds, "Since I do write about what I see hear and live it is definitely had a big impact on my music writing. I have always been a midwestern boy. After I got out of high school I moved out to California. For years I spent 51 weeks in California and one week visiting Estherville and I am sure that had an impact on me to. I have always seen myself as a midwestern boy no matter where I am. I think that comes through in my music."
More about this artist may be found on the Alan Morphew website.
