Believe It Or Not

From beginning to end, Morgan Bain's new six -track EP, What You Believe, has a transitional sound – unintentionally walking the listener through a developmental journey. “I wasn't going to put [Fire] on the album. It didn't seem to fit. But with EPs you can kind of do whatever you want. This album is an experimental thing – showing people another side,” Morgan confesses.
At first listen, the new single In The Middle could seem like a break-up song. Not a far-reaching topic for a blues and roots songwriter. But as Bain explains, “It's about being in a relationship that you don't even know is a relationship anymore. You're not sure if it's the right thing to do.”
The single also displays an exciting new direction for Bain.“[In The Middle] has a catchy soul vibe, with the Michael Jackson style beat – dun dun dun dun – and the string section with catchy lyrics. It's more soul-blues.” Bain happily explains.
Bain's surprisingly mature voice caused quite a stir in the WA and Australian music scene when he was first introduced. He was even awarded WAM's 2013 Blues and Roots Act of the Year. However, Bain hasn't settled. “I'm definitely still developing my sound. I like so many different genres of music. This [album] isn't there yet. With my next album, I already know what I want to do next… [I'll be] looking to soul blues a bit more – Isley Brothers, Stevie Wonder, a lot of soul music looking to The Black Crowes, and funk music.”
Collaborating with Joel Quartermain (Eskimo Joe) on this EP has proved successful once again. Most artists exhaust themselves, trying to perfect every beat, lyric and nuance, but the duo's approach to songwriting is quite refreshing. “Let's write the single now!” Bain remembers Joel's suggestion. “The spontaneity of it. We wrote the song in two hours. Being able to write a song in the morning and go in and record straight away, then and there. It's amazing 'cause you're still in that mood. No one really gets to do that unless you own your own studio.”
Proud to call Perth his home, Bain actually finds life on the road the most inspirational. “I have the best job in the world when I tour… If it was up to me, I would just not live anywhere – live out of a van – because I love touring so much. Then I could roll up next to any puddle. I've written so many songs on the road it's completely and utterly stupid. Songs for two whole albums.”
The EP launch venue couldn't make more sense. “It's one of the first places that I ever started playing – maybe playing it a little bit too much. Bex Chilcott…you know, Ruby Boots – she gave me my first break. She truly believed in me and got me to the next platform. Indi Bar is one of my favourite pubs to play. I love the place. It's my home. My home is a pub.”