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After many years of strumming a six string, writing songs, stirring up trouble while touring the country, music has become the lifeblood of Ken Will Morton. He can't stop. is he nuts? probably.
after many bombastic yet traditional rock band experiences, In the spring of the new millenium , Ken joined the fantastic Indicators. 2003 saw the release of the band’s sophomore CD, Kill the Messenger, a rootsy pop rock record, which received rave reviews from No Depression, Relix, Harp, Paste Magazine and more. he also learned a lot from fellow bandmates with far more skill and experience under their belts.
In the summer of 2002, Ken backed former Guadalcanal Diary front man Murray Attaway as lead guitarist in The Redeemers for a few shows. While Ken had a great time with these projects, he wanted to pursue his ambition of becoming a full-time musician and simply find an outlet for his quickly acruing song reserves. He left The Indicators in spring of 2004, relocated to Athens, Georgia, and worked to finish his first solo record.
In Rock ‘n’ Roll’s Hands was self-released in June of 2004. The recording process was a long and often difficult one for Ken, who spent a long year of sporadic recording with Chuck Jopski at Summer House Sound in Hoschton, GA.
With a smoky, life-worn vocal styling reminiscent of Springsteen, Westerberg and Dylan, and heartfelt lyrics about the frailties of life, In Rock ‘n’ Rolls Hands captured the attention of music critics across the country. The disc has received rave reviews in No Depression, Harp Magazine, Paste Magazine and Performing Songwriter, as well as airplay on many charting non-commercial radio stations such as KUT in Austin, WNCW in Charlotte and WPPP hot 100.7 in athens.
Ken toured the U.S. behind the release, sharing the stage with such folks as Tommy Stinson, Edwin McCain, Todd Snider, Sugarland, Dick Dale, Angie Aparo, Cary Hudson, Randall Bramblett, and more. A short tour of Ireland in 2004 included a performance at the renowned Ruby Sessions in Dublin.
In March 2006, Ken Will released his second solo effort The King Of Coming Around on Fundamental Records. Recorded with producer Rob Gal (Josh Joplin, Swimming Pool Qs), and some with Ben Holst (Love Tractor), the album features the likes of Brann Dailor (Mastodon), John Neff (Drive By Truckers), Billy Holmes (Love Tractor) Kyle Harris (ex Kenny Howes and the Yeah), and Patrick Ferguson (ex Five Eight). A diverse collection of rock, pop, Americana, blues, gospel and folk songs, the album received favorable press from Harp, Paste, Georgia Music Magazine, No Depression, American Songwriter, Jambands.com and more. Morton spent the spring and summer of 2006 touring the Southeast in support of the record with his backing band, The Wholly Ghosts.
In March of 2007, Ken Will performed two showcases at the annual South-By-Southwest convention in Austin, TX. Later that spring, he was nominated for “Best Solo Performer in Athens” by The Flagpole Magazine and made his 4th appearance at AthFest, the annual arts and music festival held in Athens, GA.
Ken Will spent the winter of 2007 putting the finishing touches on not one, but TWO new full-length releases. Devil In Me is a collection of 10 new “rock” songs, recorded in the basement. On Kickin’ Out The Rungs, Ken Will once again aligned with producer Chuck Jopski at Summerhouse Sounds Studios. More of an acoustic based album, the CD features another 10 new songs, including “That’s All Behind Me Now,” a tune co-written with Kristen Hall of the multi-platinum band Sugarland.
With two new albums in the can, and another coming out with new upstart label Sojourn , Ken Will is gearing up for a busy couple of years, following the path he set out on those many years ago when he moved a little further down South to follow his muse.
To Hear More Music visit www.kenwillmorton.com
To Order CD visit www.fundamentalrecords.com
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Photo By Alisha McKellar
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