Review Fix Exclusive: Sam Morrow Talks ‘Ephemeral’

Review Fix chats with Sam Morrow, who discusses his new album,”Ephemeral,” as well as his goals for 2014 and his influences.

A charismatic blues experience “Ephemeral” is a one of a kind album, making Morrow an artist to look out for.

Review Fix: What was the inspiration for the album?

Sam Morrow: I don’t think there is just one inspiration for the album. I think each song was inspired by a different or new experience, and how those experiences made me feel. It wasn’t till after all the songs were recorded that I took a step back and looked for a motif of the album. It was very clear to me that a lot of these  battles I was having were a result of me not being present for life or for that moment. So if I absolutely had to pick an inspiration for the album I would say it is the yearning to know myself and the world more and the importance of taking a step back to soak it in.

Review Fix: What is your creative process like?

Morrow: My creative process is very random, often spontaneous as well. The voice memo app on the IPhone has become a close friend of mine. If I have an idea, anything at all, I often just record it and re-visit it later. I try to write everyday, whether it is actually sitting down with my guitar, or just sitting down and putting some of the junk that is in my head on to paper, writing it down sort of frees me of what ever it is.

Review Fix: Who are some of your favorite artists?

Morrow: Lately I’ve been listening to The Milk Carton Kids quite a bit. I love their simplicity and songwriting. David Ramirez is also a huge favorite of mine. His honesty and ability to be so straightforward is something I really strive for. To list some others, Bon Iver, Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Manchester Orchestra, Alt-J, and Jason Isbell.

Review Fix: Who’s a musician you enjoy, but people wouldn’t assume you liked, based on your sound?

Morrow: I listen to quite a bit of electronic music. Pretty Lights, Skrillex, Dillon Francis, Kill The Noise.

Review Fix: What’s your favorite song on the album, why?

Morrow: My favorite song changes all the time. I’d say right now it would be “Gone”. I love the string parts on that tune.

Review Fix: “December” is an awesome track. Is there a story behind it? How was it written?

Morrow: Thanks. I have had an on and off relationship with my current girlfriend for years. On and off mostly on my account. The relationship has also been majorly long distance. This was just me basically saying how tough it is to be so far from someone you’re so close to. It was written right after I had seen her for the first time in 2 years, and I was feeling just about every emotion in the book. This is the only song on the record that came out of me in one sitting.

Review Fix: Your style seems more suited for a live venue, due to the emotional element. How are your shows different from your studio work?

Morrow: I think the shows are a lot more about just connecting with the audience. My favorite thing is when people hear something in a song and shake their head, or say “me too”. I love performing on stage, it’s one of the only places in the world where it is okay to get lost and others follow you.

Review Fix: What are your goals for this year?

Morrow: My goals for this year are to play a lot of shows, hopefully tour some. I’m also a going to continue writing and hopefully have enough material for another full length or an EP by the end of the year.

Review Fix: How do you want this album to be remembered?

Morrow:  I’m not really sure. I just want to put it out there and let people interpret it however they want to and make their own memories of it.