Tyrus Morgan

New album STRAIGHT LINE available Oct. 30, 2012 (Pre-Order: http://tyrusmorgan.com/store.cfm) When a seed is planted in the ground, it grows in two directions, the root grows downward and the tree grows upward. The root, which you don’t see, plays as important a role in the life of the tree as the trunk, branches and leaves… The root anchors the tree and gives it life. Much is the same for people. At the root of Tyrus Morgan, you will find, quite simply, passion; a passion that shines through his warm personality, glows in his love for his friends and family and flows from his fingertips to his pen and guitar. Growing up in Kansas, Tyrus began writing and playing music as a teen as an outlet for his thoughts on life. In college he joined a local band as part-time singer and rhythm guitar player, which evolved into primary songwriter and full-time frontman, propelling the band to become an award-winning regional touring group. From there, a move to Nashville put him in an environment where he could flourish as an artist and musician. “Songwriting really became something I have to do,” explains Morgan. “Being part of such a brilliant songwriting community just fed that.” Branching out as a songwriter, Tyrus began writing for other artists and in 2007 Mark Miller, frontman for GRAMMY award winning country group Sawyer Brown, recorded “Covered In Love” to be used as the theme song for Project Linus, a national non-profit organization providing seriously ill, traumatized and needy children with handmade blankets and quilts. Additionally, Tyrus spends a lot of time co-writing with artists and songwriters including Two Empty Chairs, Anthony Snape and Dewveall. With a solo EP already under his belt, Tyrus has been in the studio recording Sycamore, his first full-length project, to be released through Nashville-based Tonecrash Records. Barry Blair, Audio Adrenaline founding member, (Bleach, Finding Favour, Two Empty Chairs) produced the project, with Lindsey Rimes and Todd Lombardo adding a few notable touches. Allan Salmon (MuteMath, This Beautiful Republic) did the mixing and mastering. Ty wrote or co-wrote all songs on the album, sharing credits with Blair and Anthony Snape. “I’ve always relied so heavily on just my voice and an acoustic guitar that it was a great process to be able to bring a sound that had only existed in my head to fruition,” Morgan says. “We really took our time on creating a record that we felt was unique to me. Barry has a way of hearing beyond the process and building this finished work.” Originating in acoustic pop, the production on Sycamore adds an ethereal rock-infused element. Inspiration for the songs comes from Tyrus’ life experiences, and while his are unique, the themes still seem to transcend difference and parallel things we all go through. From relationships and love to faith and things bigger than ourselves, the listener can connect on some level with each song. Ty explains: “The songs on this album, for the most part, came from a new….or more clear awareness of the world around me and the fact that there are really only a few things that actually matter. Most of these songs have a specificity to my life but they are all rooted in feelings and themes everyone can relate to. Love, introspection, loneliness, questioning, apology, change." Living with the belief that even one person can make a difference, Ty takes action on his passions. He and his wife have adopted a little girl from Ethiopia and the experience has changed their lives for not only the obvious reasons, but also in ways that are more far-reaching. As a result, Ty has partnered with several orphan advocacy organizations to give insight, help develop programs and change lives. Additionally, Tyrus is a founding member of the Will Play For Water Tour (WPFW) to benefit Living Water International, an organization focused on building wells and providing clean water in third world countries. Ty, along with the band Dewveall, hit the road this fall, playing colleges, clubs and living room shows to make folks aware of the need. They will go back out this spring, playing even more dates. “I’m excited about how Will Play for Water is growing on a grassroots level. It’s a work in progress that allows for a lot of creativity and allows fans to get involved and have input in something that is changing lives through clean water.” Tyrus uses his music as a seed, planting his passion in the lives of others, hoping it will take root and inspire others to live out their passions as well. “People are hungry for substance,” Ty explains. “They like music with a cool sound, but they want something beyond that. My goal is to catch their ear with the sound of the music and pull them in with a message of doing something beyond themselves.” Whether he’s in the backyard playing with his daughters, on a worksite in Africa, or performing on stage, Tyrus Morgan’s simple passion is clearly evident. He lives each day fully rooted in following his heart, offering hope and investing in others. Love is all you need.