Morrellium is an upcoming solo album by New Zealand singer-songwriter Kirsten Morrell, expected to be released in late 2024.[1] It will be her second solo album since the release of Ultraviolet in 2010.
| Morrellium | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | Late 2024 | |||
| Genre | Pop | |||
| Label | KMR | |||
| Producer | Clint Murphy | |||
| Kirsten Morrell chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Morrellium | ||||
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Morrellium is Morrell's first studio project as a pop artist since recording the single "I'm Free" for TVNZ 2 in 2011.[2] It also includes contributions from former Goldenhorse band mate Ben King, with whom Morrell had not collaborated with since the band went on hiatus in 2007.[3]
Two singles, "Strawberry Fool" and "Harry", were released in September and November 2023, respectively, in anticipation of the new album.[4][5][6] Morrell has also performed two further songs from the album live; "Avignon", which was released in October 2024, and "Wishin' and a Hopin'".[7][6][8]
Background and writing
editIn the years after Morrell released her 2010 debut album Ultraviolet, Morrell moved to London and joined Crouch End Festival Chorus.[9] She remained in the UK for much of the 2010s, periodically returning to New Zealand, including to reunite with Goldenhorse for a one-off performance in 2016.[10]
During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, Morrell began writing new solo material, encouraged after a friend told her she had "permission" to write.[7][11] She began working with producer Clint Murphy, who has previously worked with New Zealand artist Kimbra.[3]
In an interview with RNZ, when asked about the meaning of the album name, Morrell jovially replied "it's a new element on the periodic table."[7] She has discussed the meaning of the songs on the album as reflective of past experiences and places she has visited, including "Harry" relating to memories of her childhood in rural Cornwall,[3] "Avignon" being about the Avignon bridge,[7] and "Strawberry Fool" relating to ruminating over crises and trying to heal.[4]
Collaborators on the album include former band mate Ben King of Goldenhorse performing the banjo on "Harry", and Alan Gregg of The Mutton Birds performing bass.[3]
Music videos
editIn November 2024, a music video for the single "Strawberry Fool" was released, featuring AI-generated images of a woman in a strawberry field, cropped to a 9:16 aspect ratio.[12]
Track listing
editThe full track listing and order is not currently known, but Morrell has released or performed four tracks from the album so far.
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Harry" | 2:37 |
| 2. | "Strawberry Fool" | 3:19 |
| 3. | "Avignon" | 3:12 |
| 4. | "Wishin' and a Hopin'" |
Personnel
editThis list reflects known collaborators on the project so far.[3]
- Kirsten Morrell – writing, vocals
- Clint Murphy – producer, engineer
- Ben King – banjo
- Alan Gregg – bass
- Barkin Sertkaya – guitar
- Stephen Small – keyboard
- Adrien De Croy – violin
References
edit- ^ Morrell, Kirsten (19 December 2023). "Songwriter's Choice: Kirsten Morrell". AudioCulture. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
- ^ Kilgallon, Steve (8 September 2013). "Goldenhorse girl, interrupted". www.stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
- ^ a b c d e "Kirsten Morrell (ex-Goldenhorse) releases 'Harry' from forthcoming album 'Morrellium'". www.muzic.net.nz. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
- ^ a b "Kirsten Morrell – Strawberry Fool: 13th Floor New Song Of The Day - The 13th Floor". The 13th Floor. 20 September 2023. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
- ^ "Goldenhorse singer-songwriter Kirsten Morrell shares her favourite travel memories". NZ Herald. 8 November 2023. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
- ^ a b "Kirsten Morrell Shares Feel Good Single 'Avignon' | NZ Music Commission". Retrieved 17 October 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Music 101 Live Session: Kirsten Morrell". RNZ. 15 December 2023. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
- ^ "Best New Zealand Music of the Week: October 14th-20th". Rolling Stone Australia. 21 October 2024. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
- ^ Steel, Gary (3 August 2019) [17 Sep 2013]. "Goldenhorse". AudioCulture. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
- ^ McKee, Hannah (8 December 2016). "Goldenhorse reunite to honour Kiwi poet". Dominion Post. p. 15. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
- ^ "Kirsten Morrell and her new single "Avignon"". RNZ. 16 October 2024. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
- ^ Kirsten Morrell (1 November 2023). Kirsten Morrell - Strawberry Fool (Official Music Video). Retrieved 30 August 2024 – via YouTube.