Hey Morgan, how was Coachella?
Oh, I am literally still recovering from that. It was 105 degrees (40°C), pretty hot and pretty crazy. To be able to play a festival like that – which is really hard to get booked at – is amazing. There were a lot of artists, like 130 artists. It’s insane.
Any personal highlights?
Calvin Harris was really good and it was great meeting him. It was fun to meet the artists and hang out with them. Kaskade was really good, David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia too.
Hang out with anyone cool?
It’s pretty cool in that you can be standing backstage and Rihanna just bumps into you. And then running into people like Usher is pretty surreal. I wanted to, but I didn’t ask Rihanna for a photograph, because I didn’t wanna be that guy. They have this thing called Neon Carnival after the festival – it was almost like another festival in itself. They have these crazy rides. The parties are pretty fun.
Anything you can share from the parties?
I saw a lot of washed up TV stars, I saw David Hasselhoff, Alexander Skarsgard from True Blood, Paris Hilton was there as usual. Oh and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s son was there doing drugs.
Tell me about the new album.
Well it’s almost a year-and-a-half of work and it’s finally out. We’ve got a lot of different artists on there, like Angela McClusky, Tegan and Sara. I got to cherry-pick a few of my favourite artists and also include some new ones as well. Like Richard Walters who approached me with vocals. It’s a rotating cast of different people.
Got a favourite track?
I am excited about the Tegan and Sara track, Body Work. That is definitely one of my faves.
What are they like to work with?
They are really professional, no attitude at all. They sung live on a show I did recently in LA.
Who were your influences growing up?
I think in terms of electronic stuff, I would say Daft Punk. I remember seeing them play – without the helmets – in ‘99, so a long time ago. I think they were warming up for someone else.
How did you get into the industry?
I did internships for record companies and I worked for labels and made music and did a few shows. I was doing well as a remixer and producer. I think things got really crazy when I hired Deadmau5 to do a remix. He had done some amazing productions and was well-known and that kind of got my name out there.
What’s on your rider?
Right now, coconut water. I’m really into that.
I don’t see it much in Australia.
Really? I thought it would be a no-brainer in Australia. It’s just getting really big here.
Is it good for hangovers?
Really good for hangovers. It’s really hydrating and it’s part of the show now. What else do I have? Nothing crazy – just Red Bull and vodka.
Any Aussies you’re keen to work with?
Yeah there are a bunch of guys – I really like Tommy Trash and I would really like to get Angus and Julia Stone on a track. They work for the same label as me. I’d like to get them on board.
Anywhere in Oz you’re keen to see?
I want to spend more time in Sydney. It’s one of my favourite places. It reminds me of LA, where I live now. I’m curious to see places like Newcastle.
Is it true you grew up in a log cabin?
Yeah I did, in Vermont. I probably couldn’t have moved any further away and stayed in the same country if you know what I mean.
Who is your doppelgänger?
You know people always think that they see me at places, so I don’t know, maybe I just look like a random guy! But I get told that I look like the guys from Dada Life. They have a Scandinavian look so I could be doppelgängers with them.
If you could have a superpower?
It’s not really a superpower but I would love to be able to like work on music while I’m in the car without getting motion sickness.
Catch Morgan in Newcastle (May 11), Melbourne (May 12), Adelaide (May 17), Brisbane (May 18), and Sydney (May 19).
Morgan’s album, ‘In The Air’ is out now through Onelove Recordings. For a chance to win a copy of the album, head to our comps section.
