Jazz and everything nice; this week’s Mic Drop features Morgan Powers, a sophomore majoring in music. Powers is from Worth, Ill., and started singing during her high school days.
She describes her music as “very mellow,” and most of what she plays is raw and stripped down. In addition, she loves to find some dreamy or haunted-sounding chords.
Stella Fanega: When did begin you playing the guitar? How long have you been singing?
Morgan Powers: I’ve been teaching myself guitar for about two years now. I started singing like halfway through high school. I don’t know why it took me so long to break out of my shell; I guess I just used to be super timid.
SF: Why did you choose to play the guitar?
MP: I’ve always wanted to play a string instrument, especially guitar. It’s very versatile and great for accompanying singing. I started playing piano when I was little so music has always been a part of my life. But I finally decided to start teaching myself because why not? Also, it’s been a fun process because I don’t know a lot of technical things still so everything I do feels like I’m experimenting.
SF: Do you write songs or do you cover songs? If you write your own songs, what is your motivation for writing?
MP: I started off arranging covers but now I mostly just write and play my own stuff. I write about some personal experiences and then just about other general ideas I spend time pondering. I have a constant stream of words and ideas going through my head, so if I didn’t write them down I’d probably go crazy.
SF: Who do you look up to the most when it comes to performing?
MP: I enjoy pretty much all live performances I’ve experienced, but I’ve found I especially admire artists/groups who get in front on you and just play their music rather than making a huge show or production of it. I find it more personal and straight forward. For me, it makes it easier to connect and feel what they’re feeling.
SF: What advice would you give to someone who is focusing her/his life in music?
MP: I would say keep at it and never let it go. Whether it’s your career or a hobby, you are better off with it. Music is such an escape and will always allow you to be creative.
If you’re into indie jazz music, don’t forget to tune in on Thursday at 8 p.m. on the Chronicle/NCCLinked Facebook page.
