26. Bringing Big Emotion to Indie Rock: Marc Ramos of Morning Wars

Ep.026: Marc Ramos didn’t wait for permission; he built Morning Wars from the ground up, chasing the kind of indie rock that hits like a memory and sticks like a bruise. In this conversation, I sit down with the mind behind Marc Ramos of Morning Wars, the NYC-based indie rock project making waves with its cinematic production and emotionally rich songwriting. Marc opens up about the five-year journey behind his new album Prospect Gallery, what it means to be a perfectionist in the studio, and the joy of letting go on stage. We talk about growing up in a Puerto Rican family in Connecticut, navigating creative block in a post-pandemic world, and how collaboration has started to change the way he creates. If you’ve ever found yourself caught between ambition and burnout, or trying to make art that outlives the algorithm, Marc’s story will stay with you.We Chat About:The DIY origins and evolution of Morning WarsCreating Prospect Gallery after a five-year hiatusHow live performance shapes his relationship to musicThe role of perfectionism in his creative blocksWhy he’s finally open to collaborating with outside producersWhat a flute solo taught him about trusting the songAdvice for other artists navigating self-doubt and slow growthWhy resilience, not luck, is the real key to success in musicAbout Marc Ramos of Morning Wars:Morning Wars is the indie rock project of NYC-based multi-instrumentalist and producer Marc Ramos. Blending widescreen arrangements with slice-of-life lyrics, Ramos writes like a documentarian of modern twenty-something life— capturing the emotional volatility of coming of age in a hyper-connected world. Since emerging in NYC’s indie scene in 2022, Morning Wars has built momentum through word-of-mouth and authentic fan connection. The project has crossed the 100,000 lifetime streams mark on Spotify, with over 7,000 combined playlist adds and saves. Ramos has earned editorial recognition with features on Spotify’s Fresh Finds playlists and a standout performance at TikTok’s New York Headquarters on the platform’s official livestream. With a growing reputation for explosive and emotionally immersive live shows, Morning Wars has taken the stage at respected NYC venues including Knitting Factory Brooklyn, Rockwood Music Hall, Arlene’s Grocery and others. Ramos’ DIY discipline is baked into the songwriting itself. Raised in a Puerto Rican family grounded in the spirit of the American dream, he writes songs that— no matter the subject— move toward resilience. The result is undeniable, arena-ready indie rock with heart, bite, and lift. Songs like “Breathing Underwater” have become fan favorites, praised for their soaring scope and lyrical honesty. Following a 2018 debut LP release and string of singles between 2019 and 2020 that helped the project cultivate its core audience, Morning Wars now approaches its self-released sophomore album poised for a defining leap— expanding its team, sharpening its vision, and building on a foundation of true organic growth. A deeply human, high-potential indie act with the voice and drive to go the distance.Connect with Marc:Instagram: @morningwarsSpotify: Morning Wars on SpotifyOther Resources:Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: ​​https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX“loves music” playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qE3kq89oyg3tFNbmRfHEO?si=vopaKQnNS8OHn0r2fFTVBgCheck out the “loves music” podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/loves-music/Julian on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julian.jones.9484Julian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianjones417/Julian on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@julianjones417Check out Julian’s book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6QYX6RLMusic Mentioned in this Episode:Songs:“New Prospect” – Morning Wars“Pipe Dream” – Morning Wars“Breathing Underwater” – Morning Wars“By the Side” – Morning Wars“Don’t Hold This Against Me” – Morning Wars“Long Way Down” – Morning Wars“The Grid Is Going Dark” (lyrical reference from “By the Side”)“McCartney III Imagined” (feat. Dominic Fike, Phoebe Bridgers, etc.) – Paul McCartneyAlbums & Projects:Prospect Gallery – Morning Wars (2025)Long Way Down – Morning Wars (2018)McCartney III Imagined – Paul McCartney (2021)Hot Fuss – The Killers (2004)Artists & Bands:Morning WarsThe KillersCage the ElephantThe BeatlesThin LizzyJohn LegendBrandon FlowersDominic FikePhoebe BridgersPaul McCartneyDave Grohl