We chat with rising singer-songwriter Morgan Saint about her debut album, Out Of The Blue, making music with her partner Carley and which albums are in her current rotation.

Last month, singer-songwriter Morgan Saint released her debut album, Out Of The Blue. The project, co-written and produced alongside her wife and creative partner, Carley Ridersleeve, captures the essence of vulnerability and strength. The album’s title track and lead single showcases her blend of emotive lyrics and captivating melodies, accompanied by an official music video that reflects their artistic vision.

 

Morgan’s dynamic artistry is not confined to her music; she and Carley take an active role in every aspect of their creative process, from directing and producing music videos to styling photo shoots. This collaborative spirit has led to a sound that feels extremely authentic to the artist.

 

Having shared stages with acclaimed artists like Banks and Goldfrapp and gracing festivals like Lollapalooza and Life Is Beautiful, Morgan Saint is carving her niche and inviting fans to be a part of it. While on tour, she invited us backstage to get the inside scoop on the moment she fell in love with music, her favourite part of performing live, and the albums that are on her current rotation.

Congratulations on the release of your debut album, Out Of The Blue. How did you come up with the concept?

I really didn’t go in with any concept in mind other than just to be honest. If my only expectation of myself is to be honest, then I can’t let myself down as long as I’m telling the truth.

What did the creative process for the lead single ‘Out Of The Blue’ look like?

‘Out Of The Blue’ was the last song I made for the album. It’s about the moment when you’re falling in love and it feels like suddenly your whole world clicks into place and everything makes sense. It captures the early moments that Carley and I shared as we were discovering those intense feelings for each other, up to now and everything inbetween. I wanted it to feel like the listener stepped right into our love story. We made the song in our bedroom, just her and I. We started with the drums and guitar idea, and a ton of melody ideas just came pouring out of me.

Do you remember the moment you fell in love with music?

I have always loved it. I think I came out of my mum humming. When I was super young, anywhere we went, my Great Grandma  would have me sing ‘The Sun Will Come Out’ for anyone who would listen and she would say, “She’s going to be a star one day!” Planting that confidence from such a young age has really stuck with me. When I’m feeling low, I can feel her pushing me into the light.

How does your upbringing in New York influence the work you produce?

I grew up in a really small town on the eastern end of Long Island. It’s a beautiful place to live, but I had not a single other queer person in my orbit. I felt pretty confused and alone, especially as a teen, and that led me to retreat inward. That’s really when I started writing and making art to express how I was feeling. When I graduated High School, I moved into the city and went to art school and my whole world opened up. That’s where I really found a sense of self. There’s such an amazing grit and freedom that NYC offers, that has greatly influenced me as an artist. Everyone is just existing in their own little worlds, and no one cares what the person next to them is doing.

You work a lot with your wife Carley Ridersleeve when writing your songs. How does your relationship impact what you create together?

She is so talented and special, and we share the same passion and dreams. We literally make everything, all of the music and all of the visuals. It feels like the universe brought us together to complete each other.

What was it like to collaborate with Carley on the music video?

It’s difficult and stressful, but it’s also so gratifying. We shot the music video for ‘Out Of The Blue’ in the dead of winter in NY so we were freezing! I found a huge, 6ft silver cross on eBay which inspired a lot of the visual world of the album. You can see it in the background of my album cover as well as in the music video. We shot that scene in the same place we shot the album artwork,  but instead of a beautiful sunset and endless green around me, it was snowing and the sky was gray. It felt like a full circle moment to finish the album’s visuals in the same place it all started. The other scenes of the video were shot in the movie theater in my hometown. I grew up going there every weekend— it was basically the only thing to do when I was younger. It was fun to make all of the visuals for this album back where I grew up. It felt a lot like I was coming home to myself.

You played at the Moroccan Lounge in Los Angeles last week. How do you normally prepare for a live show?

Lots of meditation! I also spend my time building the show out and rehearsing. I’m always excited to bring the music to life and a visual experience that will hopefully bring a lot of energy. I try to create a memorable moment in time.

What’s your favourite part of performing live?

I love being able to connect with people that resonate with what I’m making. I feel like somehow there’s a soul connection there, and I love that energy flow.

What are the top albums on your current rotation?

Ready for an eclectic mix? Mk.gee’s new album, Two Stars And The Dream Police. I also fell in love with Omar Apollo’s recent album,God Said No. My friends have a cool band called Pale Waves, whose new album is so good. Of course, BRAT and Billie Eilish’s new album. I also had a brief obsession with Wham’s Make It Big album. I’m sure I’m missing some…but that’s a few of them!

What’s next for Morgan Saint?

More music, more art, more fashion. Hopefully a tour. The sky’s the limit.

Listen to Out Of The Blue now: