Morgan St. Jean
Photo Credit: Lissyelle Laricchia
Dynamic pop, Morgan St. Jean’s music is perfect for a number of occasions: parties, workouts, blasting through work, background music for a stunt you pull to get back at your ex (specifically “Lola” for this one), etc. But while St. Jean’s music is great for a multitude of scenarios, make no misjudgments about its depth. The LA native’s lyrics tell stories too. Morgan St. Jean, who first made waves in 2018 with her debut single “Addicted,” says her “bad bitch pop” is often layered with metaphors. With only two years in the limelight (and plenty more to come), the up and coming artist has already amassed millions of streams, gone platinum, worked with Martin Garrix, and found herself on a number of Spotify-curated playlists. We recently spoke with Morgan St. Jean about some of her past collabs, how LA has affected her style, and more! Click the link in our bio to read the full interview!
First off, congratulations on the recent release, "Lola"! What was the inspiration for the track?
I wrote “Lola” one day when I was stuck in LA traffic on my way home from a session that hadn’t gone super well. It was a concept I’d been thinking about for a while. In the story, Lola is a woman who my boyfriend cheats on me with, but in reality, she’s really just a metaphor for that moment in life when you’re forced to grow up and face some hard truths. I think we all have those difficult moments when we realize life is not always perfect, but once we can acknowledge and accept that, we come out stronger on the other side. Writing this song, and accepting the shit parts of life was really the catalyst to my journey of becoming a fully fledged bad bitch.
This is your first release in about two years. What made 2020 the year to make your return? How important was it for you to come back with a song like "Lola"?
I feel like the timing could not have been better for me. I was lucky enough to collaborate with Loud Luxury earlier this year, and having gotten to know some of their amazing fans, I wanted to be able to introduce them to my solo stuff as well. I’m so grateful that everyone has been so supportive of that. I also feel like “Lola” was the perfect song for me to debut in 2020 because, realistically, 2020 has sucked for pretty much everybody, but I hope this song encourages people to embrace all the bad stuff, and come out tougher and stronger on the other side.
What has changed the most about your music style since your start in the industry?
I’ve definitely grown a ton since I started making music, and the subjects I write about have developed as I have. When I first started releasing music, I was going through a traumatic breakup that influenced everything I wrote. Eventually though, I started going to therapy, and accepting the parts of myself that I don’t always like, and I realized, I wasn’t sad anymore, and I didn’t want to write all these sad songs. I think my music now is much more empowered. Even if I’m writing about a breakup, I want it to come from a place of strength.
"Aftertaste" really displays your versatility as an artist-- your music ability clearly spans multiple genres. If you could choose one other genre that you could take on next, which would it be and why?
I think music in general is pretty ‘genreless’ these days, which is really cool and liberating. However, outside of pop, I would love to work with a rapper or hip hop artist. The artists that I admire in that lane have the ability to tell such personal yet relatable stories, and I’d love to learn from them.
What was it like working with an artist like Loud Luxury?
It was such an amazing experience working with those guys. We’ve been friends for years, so it’s been super inspiring to see their growth, and then to get to be a part of that journey was really special for me. We actually recorded the vocal for “Aftertaste”’ at their friend’s apartment on my birthday a few years ago. When it hit midnight we were all riding around on scooters in the hallway celebrating. We had no idea at that point that the song would become what it did. I feel so lucky that they are so generous and kind, and so are their fans. Their fans have embraced me so graciously.
Who is your dream collaboration?
I have so many, but I would freak out if I ever got to work with Madonna. She’s such an icon and has been able to reinvent herself over and over again. I also grew up listening to Eminem and would love to do a song with him someday. I think he tells stories better than anybody.
You are touted as an excellent storyteller by Popdust. Is there one story that you always tell others when reflecting on your journey as a musician?I love to tell the story of how I got into music in the first place! In second grade, I auditioned for the school choir, and got in. A few weeks into rehearsals, the director asked me if he could speak to my mom when she picked me up that day. I was devastated because I thought I was getting kicked out. Instead, he said to my mom, ‘do you know that your daughter can really sing?’ My mom was dumbfounded and told him that I sing Christina Aguilera karaoke in my bedroom, but that was about it. He ended up telling her that he wanted to train me privately and make me the featured soloist of the group. With that group, I got to tour in Italy and sing for the Pope in Rome. I think my mom still thinks of me as the little girl singing karaoke!
Describe your music in just three words.
Bad Bitch Pop.
Has being born and raised in LA affected the way you go about music at all? Why or why not?
Being born and raised in LA has definitely influenced me and my music. I feel like LA is a complete juxtaposition. It has this famous reputation for being a place where people come to make their dreams come true, but at the same time, growing up here is not always easy. You’re surrounded by people who are so dazzling and “have it all,” and it’s hard to not get caught up in that and stay focused on what you’re doing. LA makes you tough, and I think that translates in my music. I always want my music to combine both the grit and the glamour of Los Angeles, since it’s the city that made me both of those things.
If someone was visiting Los Angeles for just a day, how would you tell them to spend it?
I think I would tell them to avoid all of the ‘touristy’ stuff. There are so many hidden gems in LA that it’s easy to miss them. I think the Melrose flea market is a super fun way to spend the day. I also love Abbot Kinney in Venice. You can walk around to different coffee shops, and restaurants and do some window shopping. The arts district in downtown LA is also super cool!
What is one thing that you would tell your younger self?
I would tell myself that you don’t have to apologize for who you are. You are not perfect, but that does not mean that you are not worthy.
Lastly, what is next for Morgan St. Jean?
I have so much exciting stuff coming that I can’t wait to share. First is a music video for “Lola” that I am truly obsessed with, and then a bunch more new music in the new year!
