Matt Morris will do anything to play for State students Tuesday, including cutting the doors out of his apartment to bring his piano to The Union.
The Grammy-nominated musician will perform at 8 p.m. in The Union Dawghouse as part of the Fourth Tuesday Music Series. Campus Activities Board is hosting the event.
“He’s awesome,” CAB graduate intern Myesha Davis said. “He actually plays the piano and the guitar, but he is definitely a pianist.”
Davis said they were having trouble finding something for Morris to play. He will soon begin recording his new album and the keyboard he normally travels with is tuned for the studio. He ended up having the doors cut out of his apartment to bring it to campus.
“We said, ‘Well why don’t you use an organ?’ but no-he’s cutting the doors out of his apartment to bring it,” Davis said. “He has gone above and beyond.”
Morris, a Colorado native, has worked with some of today’s biggest pop stars. He co-wrote Kelly Clarkson’s number one hit “Miss Independent.” In addition, Morris co-wrote five songs from Christina Aguilera’s sophomore album Stripped.
Starkville resident Jason Warner said he believes Matt Morris is a true talent and will leave Starkville with more fans. “I think the guy is truly talented,” Morris said. “He can write, produce and sing. I am definitely looking forward to hearing him play.”
When Morris was 12, he was cast in the New Mickey Mouse Club. Morris’ four-year stint with future big names such as Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera and J.C. Chasez left him with strong ties to the music industry.
On the Matt Morris Web site, Justin Timberlake says that his music is so beyond the last generation. “Matt’s stuff allows people to be creative while they’re listening. It’s just good music.” Timberlake co-wrote a song on Morris’ debut album Unspoken.
“Every school that has had him has wanted him back,” Davis said.
Morris’ debut CD was released on his independent label Analigital and features 13 tracks. Morris wrote, arranged, recorded and produced all 13 of the tracks on Unspoken. His music is an eclectic blend of soul, pop and jazz.
“He’s actually going to do two sets,” Davis said. “About 30 minutes with his guitar and 30 minutes with his piano.”
Matt Morris’ visit to MSU will include more than just great music. Morris will also share his thoughts and answer questions on the music industry and file sharing as part of his dialogue series “Reflections on Artistry and the Business of Music.”