A Chat with Kenneth Anthony Morton (15.02.2022)
Kenneth Anthony Morton marks his return to releasing original music with his latest album All the Yellow Fishes. Packed with glorious songwriting, cinematic movements and genre-defying sounds, it is an outstanding showcase of everything he has to offer and much more. An ever-shifting artist, Morton brings splashes of alt-country to alt-folk soft rock and classical sounds. The blending of styles and genres he has honed over the years has been captured in this latest album for a sophisticated listening experience. We had the chance to chat with Morton about the album, challenges, returning to musical releases and much more!
OSR: You started your musical career at age 14, but what has continued the drive you feel to make music?
Morton: I cannot conceive of not writing/playing. It’s my first love. It’s who and what I am. I am a songwriter and guitarist.
OSR: Over the years, you have played in and co-written for many critically acclaimed Scottish bands. Do you prefer working in a band or as a solo act?
Morton: Both have their attractions, but for now I am enjoying working solo or with just one or two others.
OSR: Your new album All the Yellow Fishes marks your return to recording and releasing new music. What prompted this return?
Morton: I haven’t really stopped writing and performing. Some songs have a long gestation period.
OSR: Is there a backstory or theme to the new album?
Morton: Not really, I like each song to be able to stand alone.
OSR: The tracks on the album range from cinematic to alt-country, alternative rock and indie-folk. Was this merger of genres and styles something that happened organically?
Morton: Yes. It’s just the way I like to write.
OSR: After spending time away from releasing music, did you find it easy to get back into the creative process?
Morton: I never stop writing music so that is a creative process that is a constant. Recording with engineer and collaborator John Cura was also a very creative time. Releasing music, as a zero budget unsigned artist, means that many things have to fall into place to make it all possible.
OSR: Your sound has a continually shifting feeling, but what do you think has the biggest impact on the music you make?
Morton: There are just too many influences to even begin to cover them. We all live with music and influence on a daily basis and listen both consciously and subconsciously.
OSR: If people could listen to only one track from the album, which would you recommend for them to get the essence of the whole?
Morton: ‘All the Yellow Fishes’.
OSR: What was the biggest challenge you faced when creating this album?
Morton: The biggest challenge is having the confidence to put one’s neck on the line and release material that one hopes is good enough and interesting enough for people to enjoy. All musicians go through this process each time they are about to release something.
OSR: How do you feel this new album compares to your previous releases?
Morton: I’m very happy with the album. The songs on All the Yellow Fishes span quite a long period. It is more of a collection of work than something that took a few months to evolve. That is another reason that the album includes a wide range of genres.
OSR: What else can we expect from you in the next 12 months?
Morton: I am currently writing new material and start recording with John Cura in two weeks. The new material may take a new direction. I am very excited and looking forward to releasing new music.
Thanks to Kenneth Anthony Morton for chatting with us! You can find more about him on his Facebook and Spotify.
