Kailee Morgue

Alternative pop singer Kailee Morgue’s newest single “Siren” is a perfect representation of her dark and unique musical style. A native of Phoenix, AZ, Kailee grew up listening to legendary female artists like Gwen Stefani and Hayley Williams. Taking inspiration from their entrancing ways, Kailee Morgue is reinventing what it looks like to be a pop siren in the modern age.

Morgue grew up writing music in her free time. When asked where her inspiration grew from, she replied, “I’ve always loved music! I remember being a kid and thinking everyone else was writing songs in their free time. It definitely became more real to me when I was in high school and started using writing as a huge emotional outlet.” After her single “Medusa” went viral overnight, Morgue’s popularity and musical notoriety skyrocketed, landing her a deal with Republic Records at only 18-years-old.

For Morgue, music is a way to express herself and open up to the people around her. “Music has always been a communication method for me with my emotions,” she says. “It’s strange that it’s become something I’ve released for people to listen to. It’s amazing to me and I love connecting with people on that level. Sometimes I feel vulnerable and naked, but that’s the beauty of this art form.”

Being vulnerable in front of a multitude of people doesn’t come without its challenges. A self-proclaimed introvert, Morgue has had to overcome the anxiety of performing and being emotionally open in front of a crowd. “The biggest challenge has been overcoming my anxiety while throwing myself in the spotlight.

As a solo artist, I’ve felt the need to get up close and personal with the way I present myself and make myself vulnerable with my experiences. It’s really progressed though, and it’s all so worth it!”

Despite her fears and anxiety, Morgue revealed that performing live has been the most rewarding experience for her so far. “I’ve always made music,” she says. “Whether it’s in my bedroom or professionally. But seeing how real it’s become and how it has reached people all over is so crazy to me. I usually have a hard time meeting and talking to new people, but having a mutual passion for music with so many people is amazing.”

When asked what her creative process looks like, Morgue emphasizes that her ideas come from whatever she is feeling at the time. “I don’t think I have a solid step by step ‘creative process’. It depends how I’m feeling on the day, and then it will reflect into the song I’m writing. I’m a huge empath so sometimes I don’t know what to write about until I hear an instrumental or a chord progression that gives me a specific feeling or an emotion.” Her personal style is cultivated in much the same way. “I feel like my style these days is so unpredictable and hard to pin down. I work the same way creatively for sure. I’m never going for one specific sound, I love experimenting and playing with all different types of music.”

As a young artist on the rise, Morgue has so much ahead of her! She plans to continue experimenting with different sounds and creating more unique music. “I’m so excited for this upcoming year!” She replied when asked about upcoming projects. “I have collaborations, new music, shows...it’s going to be so fun! As far as my sound, I’m always experimenting and changing things up, and I’m excited for everyone to hear it.”

STORY BY KENDALL BOLAM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAREN HERNANDEZ