Interview: Ada Morghe talks new music and artist expression through various mediums
- by Andrew Braithwaite
- in Interviews
Jazz/soul artist Ada Morghe recently shared her latest song 'Oh My Love' off her forthcoming album 'Box' due in August. Being an actress, a scriptwriter, a children’s author and a jazz singer, Ada has plenty of experience and this was reflected in her debut album 'Pictures' which gained over 1 million streams.
With Ada's new album due soon, we caught up with her to ask some questions.
Q) I'm probably not the first to ask this, but what have you been doing whilst in lockdown and have you thought about doing any live streams?
A) On the day when I was supposed to open a Jazz festival in Germany, I started doing a series of live concerts. Even though I was really sad not to perform live with my band, I am thankful for the opportunity to stay in touch with my community. It was great to see when people from all over the world tuned in. I've also started a daily live stream for five weeks reading from my popular children book series. I was overwhelmed by the lovely comments from parents telling me how much stories inspired their children to write their own little stories.
Q) As well as finding success in music, you're also an actress, a scriptwriter, and a children’s author. How do you find time for all this and which do you like doing best?
A) There have always been different periods in my life in which one or the other art has been in the focus. Due to the delay of releases it sometimes looks as if I wrote and starred in a movie while recording an album at the same time. I love the possibility to express myself in different mediums as they inspire each other. But music is the perfect combination of my artistic backgrounds and the one that touches me most.
Q) I believe you have recorded at Abbey Road, what kind of experience was this and is this where you recorded your recent song 'Oh My Love' from upcoming album 'Box'?
A) I recorded my first album PICTURES at Abbey Road which was of course a milestone in my career. I still get goosebumps when I think back. It's as if you can feel the soul of all the great artists that have recorded there and the magic in the room inspires everyone to be their better selves. “Oh my love” is from my upcoming album BOX which we recorded at Real World Studios which was the perfect setting for BOX. Away from London in the countryside with no distraction from daily life. I loved it.
Q) Some could say you have entered the music scene a little later on than most with your debut album 'Pictures'. However, it shows there's quite a demand with over 1 million streams. Do you wish you broke out a little sooner?
A) It's a bit funny to be considered as a newcomer in the music business at my age, but I am thankful for my versatile artistic way. It's an enormous privilege to be able to express in different mediums and I know I could have never written these songs without all my previous experiences as an artist and human being. I have been creating melodies in my head for quite a long time, but I am definitely a late late bloomer when it comes to the business side.
Q) Who are your influences?
A) I admire Patti Smith and the performance artist Marina Abramovic for their power and strength following their artistic way. Musically I am inspired by Sade, Jamie Cullum, Michael Kiwanuka, Adeline, Kovacs, Lianne le Havas, Emeli Sandé and many more.
Q) What has been your favorite gig or performance of your own to date?
A) One of my highlights was our release concert at the Ampere in Munich last year. It´s a beautiful venue and I always dreamed of performing there.
Q) Is there any musician in particular you would like to collaborate with?
A) Emeli Sandé. I admire her voice, the fragility and deepness and how she expresses her feelings. I wouldn't mind collaborating with Jamie Cullum. He is an amazing musician and I love the energy that fills the room the minute he walks on stage.
Q) I'm guessing your acting and writing background will help you with your music?
A) Oh yes. As a writer, sound and rhythm was always important for me and this of course has a huge influence on my songwriting. The acting background helps me in terms of stage experience and how to use my voice to paraphrase lyrics.
Q) I noticed you had events and gigs planned in Germany, once the lockdown eases are you playing any events in other countries too?
A) Only a week after lockdown we were about to open a Jazz festival in Germany which I was very much looking forward to. I am planning a tour for spring 2021, but I still hope that some of the concerts that have been rescheduled will take place this fall.
Thanks Ada, all the best for the future!
jazz soul
