For this interview from Newport Folk Festival, I spoke to acclaimed singer songwriter and Grammy nominee Morgan Nagler!! Morgan’s debut album, “I’ve Got Nothing to Lose, and I’m Losing It,” is her first as a solo artist and represents a key step in her personal and professional evolution.
When her work with Phoebe Bridgers on the song “Kyoto” turned into a Grammy nomination, Morgan’s life changed and she became a much sought-after songwriting partner and collaborator, which eventually gave her the impetus to launch her own solo career.
Morgan shares with me her journey from child actor to songwriter and then to solo artist — and she talks to me about the constantly present themes of identity, artistic rebirth, and balancing the dualities of her life as a creative.
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Chapters:
00:00 Episode Introduction with Host Josh Rosenberg
04:00 - Morgan’s music journey and recent Newport performance
05:02 - Reflection on her career rebirth and album debut
05:31 - The meaning behind her album title and its philosophical roots
05:47 - The art of losing what you don’t have and living without proving anything
06:39 - The balance between nothing to prove and proving oneself
07:08 - The influence of yin-yang, and holding ideas simultaneously
07:43 - Reflection on the maturity required for her recent album
08:55 - Growing up in Manhattan Beach, LA; journey from child actor to songwriter
09:33 - Writing for other artists and her extensive musical collaborations
10:16 - The scenic route in her life and career evolution
10:43 - Embracing life’s path without comparison and with patience
11:43 - From Highland Park to Montanito — LA’s creative suburbs
12:18 - Her childhood acting career and early pursuits in music
13:09 - Transition from script readings to songwriting for self-expression
14:01 - How her childhood experiences shaped her artistic identity
15:41 - The profound impact of songwriting during her TV career
16:48 - The challenge of breaking into the music scene later in life
18:59 - Her breakthrough with Phoebe Bridgers’ Grammy-nominated song "Kyoto"
20:16 - Writing with and for other artists as a form of empathy and therapy
21:00 - Clarifying her songwriting process and subconscious themes
23:00 - Why her debut album came later in life and the journey of self-discovery
24:16 - The cathartic process of creating a breakup album
24:42 - Using music as a way to process and release feelings
25:4 - The concept of "realist hope"
26:48 - Staying grateful and grounded amidst the chaos of the world
27:57 - Her parents' influence and early life in LA
29:31 - Writing for Maddie Diaz and Margot Price
30:30 - The differences and insights gained from collaborative songwriting
31:32 - The importance of perspective shifts in creative and personal growth
33:17 - Morgan’s upcoming UK tour with King Tuff and her touring plans
35:03 - Final thoughts on her artistic path and future projects
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For more information on Roadcase:
https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.com
Or contact Roadcase by email: info@roadcasepod.com
Roadcase theme music: "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer
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