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Matt Morris' Timeline From Record Release to Hope to Haiti, Interview, Exclusive Photos from LA Showcase
- Author: Faith-Ann Young
- Posted on: Wednesday January 27, 2010 at 1:00 PM
- Filed under: exclusive, music, matt morris, justin timberlake live, charlie sexton, when everything breaks open, charity, interview, exclusive interview, exclusive photos, photos, private showcase, los angeles, la
Matt and Justin performing "Bloodline" in showcase at The Mint in LA
Below is a tale of hard work, passion, tragedy, success, and good deeds all intertwined. No, we're not talking about Avatar or any other contender for an Oscar (though it is the season.) Instead, below is a glimpse into the last few weeks of Tennman Records' artist Matt Morris' life, since his album, When Everything Breaks Open, was released. Included is a summary storyline, exclusive pictures from Matt Morris' private showcase in Los Angeles on January 19th (Full picture album is HERE), videos from the show and Hope for Haiti Now, and even an interview with Matt. While it is a bit premature to know if this tale ends "happily ever after," this seems like a damn good - and rather inspirational - start. Don't believe us? See below:
It all started January 12th, 2010 when the singer-songwriter (and friend of Justin's since their days in the Mickey Mouse Club) - debuted his album "When Everything Breaks Open" - a robust medley of folk, rock, soul and jazz, co-produced by Justin and legendary guitar hero (not the digital kind) Charlie Sexton. (Check it out for yourself: When Everything Breaks Open is available on Amazon or iTunes now.)
Charlie thanks Matt, as audience applauds at The Mint.
After the release, like any diligent artist, Matt hit the road to promote his album, singing and strumming from the East to the West, from The Letterman show in New York to The Ellen Show in Los Angeles. (Justin supported his friend and colleague whenever he could- even making a surprise Ellen appearance during his vacation time.) As word traveled about Matt's emotive lyrics and soulful balladry, myriad of publications (i.e. Associated Press, NY Times, MTV) ran pieces on him. (Hell, Ellen has given several twitter shout-outs to her 4 million followers (That's right. 4 million. Yikes.)
As a result, last week, his album shot to the top of iTunes. Sweeettt...
But we aren't done yet.
Jon Wirtz in an introspective movement on the keys; Matt in back.
Matt backstage at The Mint
After the tragic earthquake in Haiti, Justin got a call to perform on the telethon Hope for Haiti Now, organized by George Clooney and MTV, to raise money for the devastated country. Since Matt was in town, Justin simply asked if Matt was down to perform with him. Matt said yes. Charlie Sexton rounded out the group.
Thus, on a dim lit sound-stage on January 22nd, Matt and Justin sang a rendition of "Hallelujah" as a duet, as tens of millions of television viewers watched. There was something about that moment - between the somber emotion, the sensitivity ingrained in Leonard Cohen's lyrics, the harmonization between Justin and Matt, the shy pauses and delicately held notes - that affected the national consciousness. Via the news, Twitter, Youtube - the power of the song went viral.
Justin shows off the set list
Since, the Hope For Haiti Now telethon itself raised over $61 Million dollars for the devastated infrastructure and citizens of Haiti. Justin and Matt's song, "Hallelujah," has shot to to top of the iTunes chart - (um, in 18 countries. Pretty amazing.) The charity album, Hope For Haiti, including countless other goose-bump worthy performances has become the first digital download to ever top the US Billboard charts - selling over 171,000 copies, while becoming the most downloaded album in iTunes history. It's all super wicked.
Justin singing with Matt to perform the duet, "Bloodline"
Bottom line, Matt's had a pretty surreal past few weeks. (He's probably pinching himself if he's dreaming as you read.) But from hard work came recognition. From tragedy came opportunity. From a powerful song came powerful reactions. And now, Matt Morris is a known name - at least for anyone who has happened to look at their iTunes or a newspaper in the past few weeks. And even more importantly, Matt -and Justin - have helped do good, raising millions and awareness on an international level, the best way they know how: through music.
Guess as it turns out, Matt's blog, As It Breaks, really couldn't be more aptly named. And this really is only just the beginning.
Justin and Matt Performing "Blood Line" @ LA Showcase
We grabbed a few words from Matt below about his buddy Justin and his label Tennman Records:
INTERVIEW WITH MATT MORRIS ABOUT JUSTIN:
Q) How did you first meet Justin? First memory/impression of him?
Matt: Justin and I met in Denver, the year before we started working together at Disney. He was enthusiastic and eager to perform - I remember that about him. He had a great sense of humor, too. I knew he’d be chosen to be a cast member. His charisma was undeniable.
Q) Favorite aspect of working with Justin - in studio, performing, etc.?
Matt: Justin and I don’t need to talk much when we’re working; doesn’t matter if we’re in the studio or if we’re writing. Most of our communication is done without words. I really love that. There aren’t many people in the world with whom I have that kind of connection.
Q) What does "Tennman" mean to you? What defines a "Tennman Records" artist?
Matt: Tennman is, for me, a beginning. A platform for sharing my music; a vehicle for reaching people. Its also a community of music lovers, and a support system. The people who create and sustain Tennman share a belief in me and my music, and that belief has been a catalyst for so much positive change in my life.
Q) Best lesson Justin's taught you? Musically or otherwise?
Matt: Justin taught me to always follow my musical instincts. Instincts are always right - he reminds me of that often.
Q) What's one funny fact about Justin....?
Matt: Justin used to have posters of sports cars on his wall when he was a kid. I always thought that was kinda funny.
Justin, Charlie and Matt, Backstage in LA at the Mint.
Justin, Matt and Charlie performing "Hallelujah"
Stay tuned to JT.com as well as As It Breaks for more updates and exclusive info on this rising star.
Photos: Rachael Yarbrough and Faith-Ann Young.
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COMMENTS
“Its just great Justin raising all that money for Haiti. Oh!!! Before I go, when was the last time you and all the celebrities, done anything to help Homeless Veterans, Disabled Veterans, Veterans in general, to clarify in case you don't know, Veterans are folks like me who served most of their lives in the US Military, some of us die, some of get wounded, some of us get sick, but all of my Veterans do one thing, protect people like you, so you can live a life of luxury at our expense.”
“great song justin.....its just simply beyond describtion....happy birthday justin wish u long happy years.....and i wish u come to egypt...plz”
“Thank U Justin For Posting the video with you and Matt from Hope To Haiti telethon, video uploaded by me on youtube. It has until now 1,257,563 views and the number of views is going up so fast. Right now Is on the second place in chart of the most viewed video of the week. Let's make it number one again. PLS send a message with the link of the video to your followers on twitter to watch the video again and then to RT your message. Thank U !!! U are such a huge inspiration”
