Ep 11: Morgan Then - Electronic Music Artist (Slumberjack)

Morgan Then is the Sarawakian half of the popular Australian
electronic duo, Slumberjack. Since launching their career with a
No. 1 track on Triple J’s influential sister station, Unearthed,
SLUMBERJACK have released four EPs—including their newest effort,
Black & Blue—and over 10 singles. They’ve received 2 ARIA
Gold Records (for their 2014 self-titled debut and their 2017
single, “Fracture”), while their second EP, Fracture, debuted at
No. 1 on iTunes Australia’s electronic chart.





Childhood


We talked about Morgan's childhood: what it was like growing up
in our hometown of Kuching, Sarawak, and that moment where he was
first determined to learn the piano. Something that he had to
enter into an “agreement” with his dad on.





Moving to Perth, Australia


Morgan eventually moved to Perth, Australia where he triple
majored in economics, finance and commerce. And at the time, he
was even determined to become the best accountant there was!





But he had amazing friends who lent him instruments - including a
Taylor guitar! - and that kept the fire going.





Entering the Music World


Having spent time playing at weddings & music gigs, there
came a point where Morgan graduated and he was faced with the
choice of taking on a full-time graduate role, or pursuing the
world of music. 





And we talked about:


How he ended up participating in the Limelight DJ Competition
in 2012, when he didn’t even know what DJing was about!

Meeting Fletcher & how they first got together to make
music and form Slumberjack; and

What it means to have synesthesia & what the Slumberjack
sound “tastes” like to Morgan.






In addition, we talked about:


What it was like when Fracture came out & started going
viral;

How Morgan first found & channeled his inner Freddie
Mercury when performing on stage to crowds of up to 15,000.

Meeting real skulls kept in rucksacks when in Sarawak;

Getting a hand tapped tattoo;

What it was like meeting real Hollywood stardom aka Jason Day
(Lifehouse) and collaborating with Corey Enemy (producer and
songwriter for Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, will.i.am, David Guetta
etc.);

How Slumberjack has been staying connecting with their fans
during the COVID-19 season;

His biggest advice for those seeking to follow in their
footsteps; and

Knowing when to quit






Show notes: https://www.sothisismywhy.com/11





To chat further with past STIMY guests & be a part of the
exclusive STIMY community, visit:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/523851861591311