Q&A: Henry Morris Is Ready To Get Raw on Upcoming Debut Album, 'Jawbreaker'
LOS-ANGELES BASED HENRY MORRIS IS POSED TO MAKE A SPLASH with his debut album, Jawbreaker, dropping this summer. Shedding his previous moniker, Playyard, Morris ushers in a new era of his musical journey, one steeped in raw emotion and unflinching introspection.
In Jawbreaker, Morris hints at a blend of introspection and darker elements, creating a unique listening experience. He even throws in a playful suggestion for fans to listen in a specific setting – alone in a dark room on the release date, June 21st.
Single, "Paradise," stands out for its unique theme of addiction personified as a lover. This exemplifies Morris' willingness to tackle unconventional topics and explore the complexities of human experience.
Read our interview with Morris below to learn more about the making of Jawbreaker and what’s to come.
LUNA: As you prepare to share your Jawbreaker Debut album with the world, is there a message or feeling, do you hope to leave with your audience?
MORRIS: A guttural, visceral feeling of fear being slowly numbed away by a small dose of opium and a beautiful sunset in the desert.
LUNA: Are there any themes in terms of sound, lyrics that tie some or all the songs of the album together. Can you share any insights into what listeners can expect in terms of themes, sound, and overall vibe?
MORRIS: You'll see winners lose, losers win big, honest men steal, and rich men beg. You’ll walk the line, you’ll sing the blues, and you’ll be six feet deep when the albums through. We recommend you listen alone in a dark room on June 21st
LUNA: You've had the opportunity to work with various artists, including touring with Saint Levant. How has collaborating with other artists influenced your own music, particularly in the creation of your upcoming debut album?
MORRIS: I’ve worked with Saint Levant since the first record and he is one of my dearest friends in this life. Through working with him I’ve explored the earth and seen, heard, and touched places and people I never thought possible for a broke kid from LA. They have all made me feel a one-ness with the world I will cherish forever. I’ll always be Henry Morris and that’s something I'll have to live with, no matter how far from home I get.
LUNA:. Transitioning from your previous moniker, Playyard, to your current artist name, Henry Morris, suggests a new chapter in your musical journey. What prompted this change, and how do you feel it reflects your growth and evolution as an artist?
MORRIS: Playyard was like being on the playground at recess with tons of kids running around you, but with no friends. People would see you and stop by to look, but no one wants to connect with you, and you so badly want them to like you. Henry Morris is like being on the playground with no friends except this time it’s intentional.
LUNA: Los Angeles is known for its vibrant music scene. How has the city influenced your sound and artistic vision?
MORRIS: I’ve been around the world two times, there’s no better place to be broke than Los Angeles. You can do anything here, see anything here, you can grow up quick, or you can never grow up at all. Red Hot Chili Peppers
LUNA: "Paradise" is your latest single, and it explores the intriguing concept of a drug speaking to a person as if they were lovers. Can you delve into the inspiration behind this unique theme and how it shaped the songwriting process?
MORRIS: Love and addiction look at each other in the mirror. I’ve lost one of the most important people in my life to addiction and I don’t think I’ll ever get them back. I’ve felt addiction pull at me and I’ve felt love pull at me. Both feelings are all-consuming when done correctly. The story behind Paradise has been with me since I was a little kid, I just found the right chords to put it over.
LUNA: Beyond your upcoming album release, what other goals or projects do you have in mind for your music career moving forward?
MORRIS: I hope I don’t lose touch with who I am or what I'm doing by the end of December. I've put everything I have into these 16 songs and I feel like a shell or a rolled up toothpaste tube. But I am happy.
LUNA: Your music often explores introspective themes and complex emotions. How do you hope listeners connect with your upcoming album on a personal level?
MORRIS: My songs are about thoughts I have that I'm afraid would make me look like a creep if I talked about them in real life. Those who understand or see a piece of themselves in one of these 16 songs, I hope to meet you one day in a beautiful place where we can talk about our emotions without fear of judgment.
