Episode 322: Newport Folk Festival Series Part 2 with Morgan Nagler

For this interview from Newport Folk Festival, I spoke to acclaimed singer songwriter  and Grammy nominee Morgan Nagler!!  Morgan’s debut album, “I’ve Got Nothing to Lose, and I’m Losing It,” is her first as a solo artist and represents a key step in her personal and professional evolution.When her work with Phoebe Bridgers on the song “Kyoto” turned into a Grammy nomination, Morgan’s life changed and she became a much sought-after songwriting partner and collaborator, which eventually gave her the impetus to launch her own solo career.Morgan shares with me her journey from child actor to songwriter and then to solo artist — and she talks to me about the constantly present themes of identity, artistic rebirth, and balancing the dualities of her life as a creative. =======================================Chapters:00:00 Episode Introduction with Host Josh Rosenberg04:00 - Morgan’s music journey and recent Newport performance05:02 - Reflection on her career rebirth and album debut05:31 - The meaning behind her album title and its philosophical roots05:47 - The art of losing what you don’t have and living without proving anything06:39 - The balance between nothing to prove and proving oneself07:08 - The influence of yin-yang, and holding ideas simultaneously07:43 - Reflection on the maturity required for her recent album08:55 - Growing up in Manhattan Beach, LA; journey from child actor to songwriter09:33 - Writing for other artists and her extensive musical collaborations10:16 - The scenic route in her life and career evolution10:43 - Embracing life’s path without comparison and with patience11:43 - From Highland Park to Montanito — LA’s creative suburbs12:18 - Her childhood acting career and early pursuits in music13:09 - Transition from script readings to songwriting for self-expression14:01 - How her childhood experiences shaped her artistic identity15:41 - The profound impact of songwriting during her TV career16:48 - The challenge of breaking into the music scene later in life18:59 - Her breakthrough with Phoebe Bridgers’ Grammy-nominated song "Kyoto"20:16 - Writing with and for other artists as a form of empathy and therapy21:00 - Clarifying her songwriting process and subconscious themes23:00 - Why her debut album came later in life and the journey of self-discovery24:16 - The cathartic process of creating a breakup album24:42 - Using music as a way to process and release feelings25:4 - The concept of "realist hope" 26:48 - Staying grateful and grounded amidst the chaos of the world27:57 - Her parents' influence and early life in LA29:31 - Writing for Maddie Diaz and Margot Price30:30 - The differences and insights gained from collaborative songwriting31:32 - The importance of perspective shifts in creative and personal growth33:17 - Morgan’s upcoming UK tour with King Tuff and her touring plans35:03 - Final thoughts on her artistic path and future projects=======================================For more information on Roadcase:https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.comOr contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected] theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer