Ada Morghe Interview - 'Every path is different, every life is different.’
By James Garbett
When I write a song, I don't think about any structures, I try to find the appropriate form for the story I want to tell.
-Ada Morghe.
About Ada Morghe
With Ada’s Morghe’s new album, there is only theme that is certainly apparent: “Don’t put her in a box”. The singer/songwriter born in Düsseldorf has an incredible career with jobs such as an actress, a scriptwriter, a children’s author and a jazz singer, not to mention also being a mother and a lover.
While described as Germany’s answer to Norah Jones, it’s clear that Ada is so much more than that. A voice that is unique with affecting lyrics and a jazzy, soul style that feels rather esoterically timeless. Run That Again was so excited for the opportunity to speak to her about the release of her second album, “Box”.
Interview
Firstly, what was the moment you knew you wanted to be an artist or has it been something that's always been there ?
The need to express myself artistically has been in me for as long as I can remember, be it in a picture, a poem or a song. I always felt like an artist, but it took me a while before I dared to go public with my art.
What would be your advice for someone wanting to be an artist?
Every path is different, every life is different. But trusting your intuitions and instincts and not to give up is essential. Being an artist is besides your professional skills, a state of consciousness and an eternal search.
How have your experiences of being an actress affected your musical career?
My experience as an actress, especially when it comes to performing on stage and dealing with the voice, help me a lot as a musician and singer. The right timing is important and the energy that you create between you, your partners on stage and the audience. The same goes for music.
The same question for also your career as an author?
I love the word game, the rhythm of a language. As an author, in addition to the content, the sound of a word is important to me, and especially when writing plays, I am absolutely rhythm-driven. For me, a text also has to sound.
Could you tell me a bit more about the album title "box", when did you decide that would be the title of your album? Did it come after or before producing the song of the same name?
When I wrote “Box” with Andrew Roachford I already suspected that it could stand for the album. The song is about the freedom to think outside the box, to be open minded for each other, not to let others limit you in your expressions and seeing everyone in their entirety with all different facets. This is also reflected in the musical range of my album which moves between the genres of jazz, soul, pop and funk. The decision was made, when we recorded at Realworld Studios and I found out that the village where it´s located is called Box.
What have you learnt since your first album "Pictures" that you've applied to this one?
I've learned a lot from working with great people like my producer, my musical director, my musicians and cowriters. All of these experiences, but above all the fact that I followed my intuition even more, can be heard on the album Box.
Why did you decide to cover “Weird Fishes” on the album?
Covering “Weird Fishes” was my producer’s idea, for which I am very grateful. It’s a great song and I love the contrast between the driving tempo and the almost spherical vocals and lyrics. To me the song is like the waves of the sea. I could sit and watch them for hours and completely lose myself.
How important is collaboration in writing and producing your music?
Hardly anything inspires me as much as meeting and talking to a wide variety of people. It´s very important for me that a collaboration is characterized by mutual respect. I am very happy that I only had great collaboration so far in the music business.
How has lockdown been for you? Has inspiration been difficult or something you've been able to channel?
In the beginning I was overwhelmed by the many questions that piled up in my head to form a mountain that I didn't know from which side to climb it to get an overview. In the course of the lockdown, however, the reduction in external stimuli led to an enormous creative boost and I found a way to channel all my questions.
After the album, what's on the horizon for you?
There are always numerous ideas floating around in my head. I used to be afraid that I might lose some of them, I no longer have that. I've learned that a story can't be forced if it doesn't want to be told yet. But I'm planning to record an unplugged EP and above all, I hope that I can go on tour with my musicians very soon.
Favourite snack? (we're all about snacks at Run That Again)
I'm dying for “Kaiserschmarrn”, an Austrian desert classic.