Terrell Morris creates art that sits outside boundaries and tests limits. The Toronto-based musician has an eclectic sound – one that’s inspired by musical heavyweights such as Raphael Saadiq and Jay-Z – both of whom have consistently adapted, altered and redefined their sound & style as music itself has progressed over time.
Now, two years on from the release of his debut album Molasses, Terrell has returned with new project Lavender. Like its predecessor, the record showcases his eclectic musical ability, with moments of pure rap prowess rubbing shoulders with tender, R&B-inspired passages, all intertwined seamlessly into a focused body of work.
We caught up with the Canadian to find out a little more about the release, main single ‘Got The Love’ and how musicians can creatively make the most out of the current climate.
Hi Terrell! Thanks for taking the time to speak with us. For those that aren’t familiar with your sound, how would you best describe it?
A blend of everything I was exposed to as a child – soul/hip-hop/r&b/jazz. Whatever the song calls for, we make it happen.
What have you been up to since the release of ‘Got The Love’?
I put out Lavender, my second album (first solo), and we’ve been working on creative pieces to accompany that release. Videos, merch etc. Other than that just continuing to make new music.
‘Got The Love’ feels like it’s made for the dancefloors. Unfortunately, that isn’t really possible right now. Anywhere else we should be bumping this one?
We should still find time and a place to dance in our respective bubbles. Just because there’s no clubs doesn’t mean there’s no dance floors. Play this in your kitchen while you make yourself a drink.
Can you explain how you started working with producer Bombay?
I met Bombay at a record shop on Queen west. There was an event organized by artist/friend of mine Gillian Mapp – she brought together a bunch of local artists and producers and had them showcasing their work at this record shop. That was the first place I’d heard his music back in 2018.
Are there any other producers out there you’d like to join forces with and think would compliment your sound?
Raphael Saadiq, Timbaland and Pharrell. Just putting that out into the world.
Your latest project Lavender was also recently released. Can you break down your creative process when making an EP/album?
I’m more of a hands on artist, so any work that’s been done on my album, I was in the room for it. I’m also someone who prefers to write during the session, I don’t go with anything prepared. Those elements make it a very present soundscape, the music brings you right into the moment we were in while making it.
As we touched on earlier, Coronavirus has badly impacted the music industry with venues around the world having to close down, some permanently. How do you think artists & the industry as a whole can adapt to make the most of the situation?
This year has given artists across the world the time to get back to their craft and focus on being creative. As much as it’s hurt the performance side of the industry, it’s helped the creation side thrive. All my friends seem to be their most creative self right now.
Are there any fellow upcoming musicians that you want the world to know about?
KWN (who you’ll hear on my next project), Bobby Freemont & Adria Kain (you’ll hear both of them on Lavender).
And finally, what has been the most unusual thing to happen to you since you started as a musician?
I’ve been a musician for 15 years so that’s a hard say. But something that never gets old is when someone who knew me as a child recognizes me through my music. I had someone who hadn’t seen me in 20 years message me out of the blue to say they’ve heard Play The Fool.
‘Got The Love’ and Lavender are both out now. For more information on Terrell Morris head to www.terrellmorris.com.