"Maverick recording artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Blake Morgan's studio chops, smart lyrics, and gift for the melodic twist have earned him a loyal critical and commercial following. After signing a seven-record deal in 1997 with Phil Ramone's N2K (Sony/RED) label, resulting in the well-received Anger's Candy, Morgan became disillusioned with the rigid, corporate side of rock & roll. After a successful tour that found him sharing stages with the likes of Joan Jett and Matchbox Twenty
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"Maverick recording artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Blake Morgan's studio chops, smart lyrics, and gift for the melodic twist have earned him a loyal critical and commercial following. After signing a seven-record deal in 1997 with Phil Ramone's N2K (Sony/RED) label, resulting in the well-received Anger's Candy, Morgan became disillusioned with the rigid, corporate side of rock & roll. After a successful tour that found him sharing stages with the likes of Joan Jett and Matchbox Twenty, he discovered a loophole that would allow him to extricate himself from the contract without too much bloodshed. The move would prove to be serendipitous, as he would go on to form his own independent label, Engine Company Records, in New York City, resulting in 2005's Burning Daylight and 2006's Silencer." - James Christopher Monger, All Music Guide
Blake Morgan's successes as a recording artist, songwriter, singer, and producer have paired him with Lenny Kravitz, Phil Ramone, Lesley Gore, Tyler Bates, Mike Errico, Patti Rothberg, Terry Manning, Azam Ali, and Phil "Butcher Bros." Nicolo, among many others. His work has taken him from The Hit Factory in New York to Sound City in Los Angeles, from Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas to Studio 4 in Philadelphia.
After signing a seven-album deal in 1997 with Phil Ramone’s label N2K (Sony/Red), Morgan criss-crossed the country for more than a year promoting his album Anger’s Candy, garnering rave reviews for both the album and his live performances. However, and although he was the label's most successful artist, the dissatisfaction of working under traditional record company control was undeniable. “But I didn’t want to become one of those recording artists who spend their lives complaining about their label.” Spotting an opportunity to, as he puts it, "break free," Morgan did the unheard of: he told Ramone he wanted out of his long-term deal.
Defiantly, Morgan began inventing a totally different future for his music--launching what has become a phenomenon: the nationally distributed Engine Company Records home for himself and the growing list of albums and artists he produces.
Morgan followed Anger's Candy with Burning Daylight, recorded and produced in collaboration with Grammy Award-winner Phil “Butcher Bros.” Nicolo. The Washington Post writes: “He’s got killer pop-rock instincts...a natural when it comes to fashioning sharp melodies and catchy choruses.” These instincts are exemplified on Burning Daylight, where he continues to blend whip-smart lyric writing with unforgettable melodies and modern, guitar-laden arrangements. In the midst of this electrified setting, Morgan draws the listener even further along the Nirvana, Jeff Buckley, Radiohead, and Beatle-influenced path he has always traveled. Following its worldwide release, Burning Daylight hit #1 on eMusic's Album Charts. Morgan held the #1 spot for album, track (Danger To Wake You), and artist--all at the same time. The album's digital bonus track (Morgan's take on McCartney's classic Maybe I'm Amazed), enjoyed record breaking sales on iTunes, and is now the most successful track in Engine Company history.
Morgan takes a different approach with Burning Daylight's companion album, Silencer, delivering his most personal collection to date. In the tradition of Nick Drake's Pink Moon, Chris Whitley's Dirt Floor, or Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska, this special album has Morgan performing as never before: solo, in the studio. Morgan returns to his first instrument, the piano, with both new songs and new versions of Morgan favorites. Simple and timeless, these intimate arrangements underscore Morgan's trademark vocals to create an experience that transcends musical genre or era. Case in point is Silencer's digital bonus track, which finds Morgan delivering a chilling version of the Radiohead classic, No Surprises.
Whether at home in the studio, on stage, or running his record label, Blake Morgan continues to invent a defiant, visionary future for his music. Burning Daylight and Silencer are the next steps on a journey as unique as the artist behind it--an artist who welcomes listeners to join him for the ride.
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…shrink me down again