We spoke to Morgan Saint about her career and her new album, ‘Out of the Blue’ which is out today-check out the new accompanying video for the title track below and stream the album HERE.
Your music has always felt deeply personal, but with ‘15 Forever’ and the upcoming Out of the Blue, it feels like you’ve taken vulnerability to a new level. What inspired you to open up in this way now?
This album is my first release on my own Label (4Love) as opposed to a major label, so I was able to have complete creative freedom. My wife and I also wrote and produced the whole album just us two in our bedroom, which definitely resulted in me opening up in every way more than I ever had space to in the past.
When you reflect on your journey since 17 Hero, how do you think your songwriting has evolved in terms of storytelling and emotional expression?
I’m smarter and more in tune with myself emotionally, so I’m able to articulate my feelings more clearly. Plus, being able to make songs in the comfort of my own space on my terms has allowed me to create from a more vulnerable place. I’m also very in love, which has given me a completely new perspective on life. More than ever, I’m allowing those glimmers of light to shine through, and I think you can really hear that on this record.
You collaborated closely with your wife, Carley Ridersleeve, on the visuals and production for Out of the Blue. What was that creative dynamic like, and how did it shape the album?
It’s been really special making this music with Carley! This album is actually our first time making anything together, just us two. We really compliment each other because we’re complete opposites in a lot of ways—the things I’m not good at, she happens to be amazing at and vice versa. It took us a min to understand each other’s strong suits, but once we did, we were able to really let each other shine. I’m much dreamier than Carley and I love creating an atmosphere and emotion, while Carley—we joke— is the “meat and potatos” girl. She also is the perfect collaborator because she knows me better than I know myself, and she’s able to reflect that back to me.
Loss, identity, and introspection seem to be recurring themes in your music. How do you approach balancing those heavier emotions with the uplifting pop sound you’re known for?
I really think that’s just who I am naturally. I am deep and sensitive which at times can feel heavy, but I am also light and chill and try to move through life with optimism and love.
Your Parsons background in illustration and design clearly influences your visual style. How do you see the relationship between your music and the artwork, videos, and visuals you create?
They are completely intertwined! When I’m making the music, my mind is already creating a whole visual world to go with it. I love expressing myself in all of the ways.
Looking back on your collaborations—whether opening for BANKS, performing at Lollapalooza, or working with BEAM—what has been the most pivotal collaboration of your career so far? What has been the highlight thus far?
It’s really interesting and inspiring to experience how someone else’s creative brain works— I’ve really gained so much from everyone I’ve collaborated with. I would have to say, working with Carley has really cracked my world open. We are so close and I feel so free in her presence, which has brought out an even more authentic version of who I am.
Your music often carries this “moody yet hopeful” duality. Do you view music as a form of therapy, or does it serve a different purpose in your life?
Absolutely. As an artist, you’re constantly digging and searching for undiscovered parts of yourself to air out, so that process really helps you grow and evolve. Plus, nothing feels better than expressing yourself freely!
Fashion tastemakers from Vogue to i-D have embraced you for your distinctive style. How important is fashion as an extension of your creative identity?
It’s everything to me. How I express myself outwardly is a reflection of how I feel inside—it’s my soul on display in a playful way!
The music industry has changed dramatically over the years, especially with the rise of independent releases and streaming. What excites you most about being an artist right now, and what challenges you the most?
What’s most exciting to me is the freedom and ability to share my perspective. I’m most frustrated by how quickly you need to move and how much you’re expected to produce in order to keep up and poke through. Good art takes time, and creating in a pressure cooker challenges the creative experience resulting in shittier music overall. I hope for a shift in the opposite direction— I think a lot of amazing art would come out of it.
The upcoming album Out of the Blue drops on February 14th, a significant date. Was that intentional, and does the album’s release hold any special meaning to you on that day?
As we were deciding on a release date, we sort of landed on mid February which happens to line up with Valentine’s Day! The album focuses a lot on love— for others, for myself, for life—so while it was initially a coincidence, it ended up being a perfect fit that I am excited to lean into.
You’ve had support from outlets like Rolling Stone, Billboard, and MTV, but how do you measure success personally? Is it tied to numbers and recognition, or is it something more internal?
It’s definitely more internal. I’m honestly pretty tough on myself, so sometimes I have to really force myself to pause and acknowledge any achievements. Seeing or hearing people resonating or feeling inspired by what I’m making is what really lights me up.
Are there any Australian artists who have influenced your work? Do you have any favourite Australian artists at the moment? Could we ever expect you to tour in Australia?
I love Troye Sivan. He seems like a sweet little cutie. I will definitely tour there, I’ve got my heart set on it!
Thanks for talking to us Morgan, hope to see you in Australia soon!
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