Morgan Myles

We're so excited to talk to country-pop sensation Morgan Myles for this installment of The Vinyl Five!

Morgan is a powerhouse country-pop singer-songwriter originally from Pennsylvania and now based in Nashville. Known for her soulful blend of country, rock, and Americana, she rose to national prominence as a finalist on Season 22 of The Voice, where her dynamic vocal range and emotional delivery earned widespread praise.

Her debut album Therapy received acclaim from Billboard and Rolling Stone, and in 2023, she made her Grand Ole Opry debut. With standout tracks like “Empire” and “Sanctuary,” Myles continues to build momentum through authentic songwriting, electric live shows, and a bold, resonant sound.

Q&A

In a world of streaming and almost limitless titles available, why do you think people are going back to vinyl? I think true music lovers appreciate the full conceptual album... from the artwork to the special touches that helps tell the album's story.

Also when you are playing a vinyl, it's more of a listening experience that is front and center because you have to flip to side B versus putting on a playlist and it becoming background music. Overall vinyl is just more of connection from the artist to the listener, which I'm just so appreciative that people still cherish this format. 

Tell us a story about each of the records you selected, and explain why they mean something to you.

1. Carole King: Tapestry

Every song on this record is so well written. She has a way of writing songs that can truly travel with you throughout the chapters of your life. I wanted to become a better songwriter because of this record and the authentic way she delivered every song. It wasn't about hitting every single note perfectly, it was about being genuine and vulnerable.

For a very long time, I was struggling to find what I wanted to say/sing about. As my life started to get more challenging from the loss of several people in my family as well as friends, this record grew even deeper on my soul. I know it will continue to take on even more colors and shapes as I get older as well... SIDE NOTE: Let's be honest if you can put "bone marrow" in a song and make it sound cool... you're a legend!

2. Eva Cassidy: Nightbird (Actually "Songbird" and "Live at Blues Alley")

When I was 10 years old my grandfather's buddy came up to me after hearing my voice and said, "You remind me of Eva Cassidy, and you really need to listen to her record Songbird." Then about 4 years later my guitar teacher gave me an assignment and it was to learn her version of "Take Me to the River" off of the "Live at Blues Alley" record.

At that point I knew this wasn't a coincidence... I started to really love the way her voice was so dynamic. She had the pipes, but she used them at moments with intention - of course that took me a long time to learn, but I always go back to Eva's records for that vulnerable delivery. Even recently I got to record an all-live record and I recorded "Take Me to the River" very close to her rendition. I play this song in my sets everywhere I go because it was one of the very first songs I learned how to play on guitar. She definitely left this world way too soon, but her music lives on in such a touching way that really transcends people's hearts; every word she sings you feel it.

3. Fleetwood Mac: Rumours

This record is just INSANE in all the best ways... It made me want to be in a band so bad. I was of course obsessed with Stevie Nicks' voice because I shared that raspy grittiness in my voice so I really gravitated to how she used it. I also love the mix of the drums against their voices because it supports them, not overpowers them.

I found it so interesting that most of the record was written individually by each band member. There was so much emotion behind these songs because of all the breakups happening with them at this time, which honestly made these songs so relatable and honest. This album was therapy on so many levels and thats how I approach my writing. Theres no other band that will ever come close to the uniqueness of Fleetwood Mac in my opinion.

4. Dolly Parton: Jolene

So... "I will always love you" and "Jolene" were written solely by Dolly on the same day... ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? I've always had an admiration for Dolly because of her humble heart and the legacy she has created. She is what every artist looks up to. I was asked to sing "I will always love you" at my grandfather's funeral when I was in middle school. I think that might have been the first time I realized the massive effect music has on people.

I recently released a cover of this song because of what I've experienced in love... I always find it super hilarious that people think this is a love song to play at their wedding. This song is wishing someone well after they've broken your heart. That takes character which Dolly has more than most. Props to Whitney Houston's version but Dolly delivers it with the true vulnerability of what this song is trying to say. I just wanna say thank you Dolly for being such a beautiful empowering role model for women in country music and so many more.

5. Mariah Carey: Music Box

This was the very first record my dad brought home when I was a child and lord I wore IT OUT... My sister hated me for it, but I believe it was the record that taught me how to sing. This whole record is laced with Gospel and soul and all of a sudden I was realizing I could hit these high notes and the rest is history.

I was mesmerized by her... the way she looked, the way she moved, I just wanted to be her. And still I go back and I listen to how well written this record is, I still know every song by heart. Its ingrained in me!

Q&A

If you had (or have) your dream vinyl listening room, what would/ does it look like? What would/ does it sound like? I would love to eventually have a writer's room that has all of my music memorabilia (which is scattered everywhere btw) in one place with all the vinyl there. That way it can inspire some songs and also have all my 18 guitars in a temperature controlled room... which is also a current problem! One day LOL!

What's your favorite record store? I have to say "Grimeys" here in Nashville is the best. They have supported me at times when I had nothing going on and I love that they go HARD for the artists like painting murals on the outside of the building for upcoming releases, having listening room shows as well as meet and greets. They go beyond just selling records, they create a really cool experience for everyone, which is a VIBE I LOVE!

When you shop for records, do you make a plan or just ransack the stacks and hope for the best? I definitely snow ball and next thing you know my arms are full of records...

When listening to records, what's your go-to beverage? Honestly it depends what the mood is of the night. I will say I'm a whiskey girl, though.

What is the most important album in your current collection? What is the weirdest? Rarest? The most important would be mine and probably the test pressing :). It took twenty years in Nashville to finally make a vinyl record and I never thought that day would come. I cried when the president of my label brought it into the studio that day. It just felt like a huge accomplishment for me, moments like that keep me going.

What are some of your favorite music films or documentaries? I love love LOVE "Across the Universe" movie that uses all The Beatles tunes to tell a story... it's incredible and so artistic. There's so many like "Walk the Line" and "Ray" I thought were delivered very well by the actors and the scripts were written well to tell the truthful story. I also thought "Gaga: Five Foot Two" was really authentic... I became a true fan of hers after I watched that.

Any genres of music that are a hard pass? I'm not a metal fan... EDM doesn't seem like music to me and I can only handle so much rap... LOL! 

Do you organize your records? If so, how? I NEED TO ORGANIZE THEM!!!!

Any favorite record labels? Well, first off, my amazing record label is Blue Elan Records and I have to shout them out because they really are here for the artists first, it's just a really beautiful thing. Other than that it's truly fascinating the history behind MoTown and Atlantic Records. I'm a history nerd so these are two labels that I felt really were started from true talent and passion.

Besides vinyl or music, what else do you collect? Ornaments! I'm on the road constantly and it's the one thing that doesn't take up a lot of space. When Christmas rolls around, I like to go over all the memories of the places and experiences I've had.

What new albums or artists do you have in your current rotation that are flipping your lid right now? I've been loving the new The War and Treaty record!

Headphones or speakers? Well, that depends! Probably headphones so no one interrupts my listening. I seriously hate that. I have to stop the track and start it over.

Is there any specific person, place, or moment that minted your love of music? Wow, that's a tough question! I feel like music chose me since I'm not from a musical family. When I was three, I started playing the piano randomly and singing and my mom was floored. I guess that's where it started, but I always loved the way it made me feel on such a deep level.

Level Up Your Sound

As part of our Vinyl Five series, we ask our esteemed participants to play their thoughtfully picked records on a premium turntable while sharing their thoughts and feelings.

The Victrola Eastwood LP is the first full-size record player in the Eastwood lineup, featuring a 12-inch platter, enhanced speakers, and a sleek modern design. This 3-speed, belt-driven turntable comes equipped with a premium Audio-Technica AT-3600LA cartridge for superior tracking and sound quality.

Ideal for those who love the original Eastwood but want to level up in size and sound performance.