Newcastle singer-songwriter and reigning CMC New Oz Artist of the Year Morgan Evans has racked up more career milestones than many performers manage in a lifetime – including award nominations, a #1 single and #1 video, and touring with Taylor Swift, Brooks & Dunn, Thirsty Merc and more.
Morgan’s triumphant win at the 2007 Telstra Road to Tamworth Grand Final propelled his already fast-rising career into high gear. He recorded his debut single, Big Skies, in Nashville and released it later that year to great acclaim and success, hitting #1 on the ARIA Country Music Chart, #1 on the National Hot Country Airplay Chart, and #4 on the ARIA Australian Artists Airplay Chart.
2012 saw the release of two acclaimed EPs – his debut Live Each Day and the follow up While We’re Young. Both EPs have yielded hit radio singles and videos.
While We’re Young was recorded in Nashville, produced by ex-pat Jedd Hughes, an acclaimed singer/songwriter and guitarist. All five tracks were written or co-written by Morgan.
The title track While We’re Young is an energetic, guitar driven anthem co-written with Jedd & Sarah Buxton, who also co-wrote Keith Urban’s hit Put You In A Song. Sarah’s writing credits also include another Urban smash, Stupid Boy, and Big & Rich’s new single That’s Why I Pray, which has just cracked the top 20 in the US charts.
“I played Jedd and Sarah this chorus that I’d written a few months earlier and we all had a great vibe about it. We all related to it, so the verses came really naturally,” says Morgan. “It’s about letting go, living in the moment and making memories NOW that we can look back on with a smile, have a laugh and reminisce. You know? The kind of memories that make us who we are.”
“We got so excited about the songs, that soon Jedd had pulled together some of my favourite musicians in the world and we were recording. Their talent and unique approach inspired me to work even harder to get the best out of my voice and my guitar playing. Working with those guys really was a dream come true.”
Sweet Home to You is a chilled, groovy road song, while Learn to Lose You showcases Morgan’s soulful vocal as he sings about holding off heartbreak. The hard-driving swamp- rock of Made For Loving You contrasts with the final track, the heartfelt ballad Carry On.
In 2013, Morgan was awarded the CMC New Oz Artist of the Year award at the CMC Music Awards. The award was fan voted and solidified his status as one of the hottest young performers in Australian country. He will return to Nashville in the coming months to record his debut album, slated for release later this year.