Local musican keeps it simple
“Creative simplicity” might be the best way to describe the music of Ryan Morse, a songwriter and performer attending USU.
Morse’s music embraces the intimacy, warmth and spontaneity that lo-fi acoustic performances often capture best. Although the Hyde Park musician has played in rock bands, he says that acoustic music is his favorite because it is a “more vivid musical style; you can hear all the little mistakes,” and “[it] takes a lot more talent.”
Morse, a junior majoring in architecture drafting and design, has been playing guitar since he was 13, but only began performing a few years ago.
He’s played in many different bands and duos and performed throughout Logan, as well as in Salt Lake and St. George. He says that he particularly enjoys duos because the people he plays with often inspire his performance and songwriting.
Morse says his music often originates when he “gets the vibe about the different CDs and artists (that he listens to).” This isn’t surprising. Morse’s music itself is very vibe-oriented by constructing subtle and interesting musical backgrounds, often with acoustic fingerpicking (reminiscent of Morse’ influence, Iron & Wine, or Ryan Adams at his most introspective).
On top of his basic acoustic vibe, he has a wispy, but sometimes snarling vocal style (similar to slightly more countrified Beck) to his impressionistic lyrics.
Morse says that his songs are all about actual things that happened to him. His lyrics create images and metaphors that help create the feel of the real situations he is describing.
Additionally, Morse adds other instruments and musicians, such as cello, drums and harmonica.
Morse often plays at parties or concerts at houses and says he “enjoys the intimacy of playing at houses” without any need for amplification and being so close to the audience.
Ben Hibshman, a junior majoring in public relations who has often performed with Morse, says that Morse is a confident and inspiring live performer.
“He catches your attention because he plays simple,” Hibshman said, “but uses different flows and rhythms that get your attention.”
His recordings have a similar low-key intimacy as his live performances.
He is currently recording his first CD, entitled “My Favorite Color is Green by Far,” which should be finished in the next month. It was recorded in a local basement apartment studio and has a sparse sound.
The 12-song collection was written and recorded during the last several months. “People have been asking for this CD at shows for a while,” says Morse.
Some of Morse’s music can be heard at his Web page on Myspace.com.
Three songs, “Jon,” “My Carvings” and “Dig That Ditch” are available for download on the site.
“Dig That Ditch” has an acoustic rockabilly sound with a shuffle drumbeat and a cello, adding dramatic runs throughout. “Jon” and “My Carvings” are softer, acoustic songs.
Ryan mentions that “My Carvings” has received a lot of positive feedback.
It is a song about the idea of staying near home for your friends and “people wanting to leave and being OK with it.”
Future information about Morse’s CD and performances can be found online at the Web page.
In “Living it Local” Tom Liljegren features local musical artists. Interested parties can contact him a
tliljegren@cc.usu.edu.