Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Obenhaus.
Hi Morgan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m a singer-songwriter in Austin, TX. I grew up in Austin and was homeschooled throughout my academic years. It was something I enjoyed, and it gave me more time to do the things I love, like writing music and performing. I had a large group of homeschool friends. They supported my music and attended all my shows. I’m also thankful to have two supportive parents who encouraged and helped me follow my dream.
I fell in love with music at a young age, when my great aunt taught me a song on this little toy piano and from there, I was obsessed. I took classical piano lessons for about four years but eventually I wanted to write songs that I could sing and play at the same time. I had known for a while that my next instrument I wanted to learn would be guitar. I saw a Taylor Swift documentary when I was ten and saw her writing and playing guitar and singing and that was when I knew I just had to learn the guitar right then. I got my first guitar at ten and started taking lessons, learning to play and sing at the same time. I’ve been writing lyrics to songs since I was six years old, but I started putting music to them at 11. When I was 12, I started performing at local coffee shops and played in a couple of bands. At age 15, I started recording and released a single and an EP.
I’m now 20 and have rebranded myself. I’m releasing a single under my new brand Morgan Obenhaus, on January 28th, 2022. The single is called “What You Need”. I write about experiences I’ve had, things my friends share with me that sparks a story in my head, and sometimes just by watching people and imagining their story. “What You Need” is about loving someone but having to walk away because the stars just didn’t quite align, and you realize that you can’t be the person they need you to be.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I love performing and I’m very comfortable on stage sharing my music. However, I’ve struggled with feeling comfortable talking on stage. It’s something I’m constantly trying to improve. I’m a shy person so even off stage can be challenging, but I love for people to come and talk to me about my music. It’s the best feeling in the world to know you’ve connected with someone in the audience.
My shyness is also sometimes misunderstood for being weak or not knowing what I want. But I’m a Taurus, half Hispanic, and an only child, so I’m strong, stubborn, and a bit of a perfectionist.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I love writing music. It’s always a different experience. Sometimes I start with the music, sometimes I write the lyrics first. I’m constantly writing. It’s a way for me to tell a story or express my emotions. I hope that people can relate to my songs and that it can help someone. I’m most proud of my new single, What You Need because I worked really hard on it. I had a great producer, Jon Muq, who brought in awesome musicians and helped me bring the song to life.
Aside from writing music, performing, and recording, I’m a private music tutor at Radha’s School of Music. I teach voice, piano, ukulele, and guitar to kids ages four and up. It doesn’t feel like a job because I love music and sharing it with anyone is fun to me. I’m surrounded by so many amazing Austin musicians at the school and out gigging. I teach but I’m also always learning from my fellow musicians as well as my students.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Never give up. If It’s what you love, keep working at it. You’ll find mentors and supporters along the way. Surround yourself with like-minded people you trust enough to share your work with and get feedback from.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.morganobenhaus.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganobenhausmusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MorganObenhausMusic
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ObenhausMorgan
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MorganOMusic
Image Credits:
Greg Testerman jgregoryphotography.com
