Artist Profile: Charlie Morrison
Band / Job Role within Brighter Sound (GMMAZ):
Bands (a long time ago): Space Monkeys, RSL
Job at Brighter Sound – Head of Operations and Finance
What projects are you currently working on (or recently worked on) with Brighter Sound (GMMAZ)?
I’m involved in most of the company’s projects… As I deal with finance, company management and marketing, I’ve normally had something to do with everything, in some way somewhere along the line…
What instruments do you play?
How old were you when you started to play an instrument and be a musician?
I played piano as a kid and hated it. It wasn’t til I was 12 that I got a drum kit and that was it. Then I taught myself piano as a teenager and got into that a lot more.
Why did you first get into music?
There was always music on in the family car – Talking Heads, Beach Boys, Eurythmics, and my dad is a musician, so he used to play me Kraftwerk and I’d watch his bands rehearse. If I was to be totally honest though, the first time anything went “click!” was the guitar riff on Money for Nothing by Dire Straights. I think I was 10.
What bands/artists have influenced your own personal style?
I know it’s cheesy, but everything – I’ve been through so many phases, from metal, to experimental hip hop, indie, rock, reggae, film soundtracks (I used to be obsessed!), Cuban and everything elso pretty much. Currently, The Drums, Arcade Fire, Stooges and Eagles of Death Metal.
What advice would you give to any young people learning to play and make music?Â
Finding like-minded people is amazing – there’s nothing better than forming a band with your mates. Start writing your own material as soon as possible, be brave with ideas, don’t be lazy, and play gigs.
What advice would you give to any young people wanting to make a living from music?
It’s very difficult. When I was 18 my band was signed. We had an album out, singles, US and European tours and videos on MTV in the states and Japan. I was on £150 per week throughout, and when we split up, I was 21 and left with nothing.
If it’s recording / releasing / touring music that is your plan, being a named writer is important.
And “getting signed” in whatever sense isn’t the only way to earn as a musician. Session work, teaching, music for theatre / film, even setting up your own label can bring in cash. As with anything though, it’s about hard work, being very good, and making contacts. Generally, have your wits about you, know where the money is coming from but don’t do it just for that reason. Be unique. The love of the music you’re making is key.
What has been the highlight of your music career so far?
Playing the Las Vegas Hard Rock Cafe, headlining the Azzurro Festival in Italy to 20,000 people, and winning track of the year on Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide Show.
What inspires you to make music?
Whether you’re on stage, in the studio, the rehearsal room, or in your bedroom, there’s no sensation like nailing that rhythm, or harmony, or sound, or song that just makes you go… “!!!”
