Healing in finding forgiveness: Morgan Saint discusses her latest EP 'HELP' and the importance of authenticity
words by Sahar Ghadirian || photos courtesy of Morgan Saint
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Since debuting 17 HERO in 2017, Morgan Saint has displayed her original talent as a pop artist, radiating individuality, and self-expression. Similarly, her previous project ALIEN (2018) is a testament to Morgan’s ethereal melodicism. Bracing honesty is a consistent theme in her catalog, and her latest EP HELP is nothing short of pure, unadulterated authenticity. From ‘DON’T BE SCARED’ to ‘KEEP ON HANGIN ON’, the EP intertwines killer hooks, personal sentiments, and soaring choruses.
Pure Nowhere asked the New York native about the songwriting and production processes behind her EP. Morgan shared her cathartic advice, discussed honesty in music, and adapting to being a musician in the age of Coronavirus. You can read our interview with the alt-pop star below and listen to HELP on all streaming services.
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Firstly, congratulations on the success of your latest EP! The interactive website makes me wonder how the production and songwriting process for HELP came about?
Thank you! It all sort of came together little by little over about a year. I’ve come to realize that I work best when I am in a safe space like my own house where I can think and create freely without any pressures. Writing and producing is a sacred experience for me, so I’m sort of protective over it. I made a handful of these songs with a few super talented collaborators while spending some time in LA and Atlanta. I wrote the majority of those songs before collaborating production-wise. I finished the EP during quarantine which was a nice distraction. I was really lucky to have a moment of quiet to be creative on my own and find a rhythm making music with my girlfriend who’s extremely talented and definitely my other half when it comes to making things.
What does authenticity mean to you? How does that honesty transpire into your relationships and music?
Hmm, I guess authenticity to me means just being myself and marching to the beat of my own drum. I think it can be a bit daunting when you live a life that challenges popular societal norms, but I find it most rewarding and freeing when I push myself to not let that pressure control how I carry myself or the decisions that I make.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the lyrics of ‘I DREAMT THAT I KNEW YOU.’ I like that you don’t sugarcoat the reality of being heartbroken, but are still thankful for the relationship. It makes me feel a similar bittersweet nostalgia I’ve had over this period where overthinking thrives.
Thank you! I’m very grateful for what I have learned from relationships in my life that weren’t meant to last forever. I’ve found healing in finding forgiveness for the people who have hurt me. It’s really comforting when you heal from something so fully that you can come out the other end feeling a sense of gratitude and tenderness instead of the bitterness and hurt that you feel when a wound is really fresh. That’s what that song feels like to me, so I love that you were able to relate to it in that way!
“Writing and producing is a sacred experience for me, so I’m sort of protective over it.”
How has isolation impacted your creative processes? How do you stay grounded and optimistic?
I’ve absolutely loved it! It’s really given me a space to be creative without any boundaries from any outside influences or pressures which I am obsessed with. I’ve really enjoyed this time home to tend to myself and the relationships in my life more than I had been able to in the couple of years prior.
How was your Livestream gig? And how did it compare to live shows?
It went really well! I had so much fun being able to perform again even if it was virtually. I definitely missed feeling and feeding off of the energy of other people, but I really enjoyed being able to shift gears for a minute and produce something like that. I was able to create really fun lighting and production which I haven’t really had the opportunity to do live before this. I was so happy feeling connected again to the people who follow me!
Music is one of the most cathartic releases we can turn to in times of difficulty. I'd love to know what one record or song you have found yourself going back to in the last 6 months?
Ah, there’s been so much good music coming out! I’ve really been enjoying The Neighbourhood’s new album, specifically the song Pretty Boy.
“I’ve really enjoyed this time home to tend to myself and the relationships in my life more than I had been able to in the couple of years prior.”
Equally, are there any films or tv series that have kept you going through this time?
I’m such a sucker for reality TV. My favorites lately have been Love Island and the Bachelorette/Bachelor! And of course, Euphoria was my favorite series I’ve seen maybe ever!
To end, despite the complexities of being a musician in a Covid-world, what is one thing you hope to achieve in the next year?
I hope to keep making new music and getting it out consistently!