Inspiration for some artists is difficult to come by, but for Morgan Bracy, inspiration comes with life; in fact, it is life. Pain, joy, love, blessings, and tragedy weave together to tell her story, thus far. It’s a tale not unlike other great artists, poets, and storytellers, which lends itself to heartfelt and thought-provoking art. Her music has been called folk, smart pop, folk pop with a hint of country, but the one constant, transcending genre description, is it’s expressive nature. It’s clear when listening to Morgan Bracy sing her crafted songs that every word has been lived and felt.
Bracy’s influences include Joni Mitchell, Sarah McLachlan, Jewel, Stevie Nicks, Eva Cassidy, Patty Griffin, Mindy Smith, Over the Rhine, Damien Rice, Shawn Colvin, and Tracy Chapman, among others. Like these artists, Bracy’s lyrics are especially emotional and explore her creativity. She has been compared to the likes of Emmylou Harris, Mindy Ripperton, and Stevie Nicks. This East Tennessee native made the trek to Nashville, TN, to hone her writing and communication craft and to pursue her love of creating and performing music. Since 2002, she has been performing at clubs, coffee houses and other venues, writing, and recording in Music City.
Her debut album, Dirty Laundry, was released in 2007 before a loving crowd at the Bluebird Café. Music Row Publication’s Robert Oermann said of Dirty Laundry, “Folk for modern ears. She co-wrote all 10 tunes, and they mark the start of what I hope will be a brilliant career.” The album has received other nods from Britain’s Maverick Magazine, Broadtexter.com, and news fans across the country.
Currently, Bracy, along with Grammy-nominated producer/engineer John Merchant, is immersed in the creation of a new project, the sound of which is large with orchestral interludes and rich with inspiring lyrics. The CD is somewhat of a soundtrack, as the songs paint a movie with snippets of love, dreams, and life to create a complete, cohesive album.
“Life’s a different story than the one you’ve been told,” says Bracy.
Though the album is reminiscent of not-so-perfect lives, it still possesses a beautiful, whimsical quality.
Bracy’s continued development of musical talent has warranted deserved attention over the last few years. Her song, “The Day You Forget About Me”, co-written with Jennifer Kennard and Greg Bieck, was put on hold by country music superstar Reba McEntire in consideration for McEntire’s upcoming album. This year, Indie International Songwriting Contest named Bracy as the First Place Winner (Folk/Acoustic Category) world-wide for her song, “She Believes.” In 2007, Bracy’s song “Hold On” was placed on Pop Novella’s Five Minute Thought Grenade Video. The 2006 Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk Competition Finalist also won Best Original Song for “You Don’t Love Me” at the USA World Showcase in Las Vegas, which aired before a National audience on PAX TV. She was a finalist in 2002 for Embassy Music’s 7th Annual Songwriter Competition, and her video, “Lift” was chosen for Interlinc’s nationally distributed youth DVD in the same year. Bracy was the only independent artist selected.
Morgan Bracy is extremely attached to her work. What she believes sets her apart from other musicians is, “My voice attached to the lyrics in my songs. They are both pretty vulnerable and honest - not slick and sugar coated.” Bracy’s career goals are to make a living from her music, and to empathize with her audience. She hopes that her work will be therapeutic and show people going through hard times that they are not alone in the world.
In the words of Broadtexter.com, "Not only is Morgan a singer who can deliver a strong vocal, she is also a writer who is not afraid to be vulnerable and honest in her lyrics...Morgan Bracy has a sound all her own and is certainly an artist worth watching."