Zorin Morris is redefining the boundaries of modern music, fusing retro-inspired sounds with contemporary production to create something truly unique. With a steadily growing fanbase and over 400K streams since the release of Feel Your Groove in 2023, Zorin has captured the attention of listeners worldwide. His latest single, Only When, stands as a testament to his ability to blend emotional storytelling with rich, immersive soundscapes. The track’s warm, anthemic feel invites listeners on a journey through everyday moments, celebrating both their simplicity and complexity.
In this exclusive interview with Exposed Vocals, Zorin Morris opens up about the inspiration behind Only When, the challenges of balancing nostalgia with modernity, and what the future holds for his music. From working with legendary musicians to navigating the evolving music industry, Zorin shares his creative process and thoughts on his growing international success. Let’s dive in.
Exposed Vocals: Only When has a warm, anthemic feel. What was the inspiration behind the song, and what message do you hope to convey?
Zorin: Only When was written over several years based on a number of everyday encounters that we all share; the goal was to try and bring them all together and celebrate.
Exposed Vocals: Your music blends retro influences with modern production. How do you find the balance between nostalgia and contemporary sounds?
Zorin: Being bold, it could be the future of music. That’s a big statement, and there is no real evidence to support the idea. Realistically, it’s not easy. Modern production chases new direction and leaves behind a treasure of sound ideas. Modern production also risks many artists sounding the same. Retro—well, retro carries just as many risks, if not greater, as your music might not be relevant to the modern style. Even when the balance feels right, you’re not sure if the world is ready to blend. We think it’s time for something a little different.
Exposed Vocals: Your vocal performance in Only When is deeply expressive. How do you use your voice as an instrument to enhance the emotional impact of your music?
Zorin: The song needs to have space. With Only When, there is a lot going on, yet there is still that space. I would say that deliberately not over-singing allows emotion to escape and gives the listener room for their own voice.
Exposed Vocals: You worked with musicians like Korel Tundaor, Chris Falson, and David Raven. How did these collaborations shape the song’s final sound?
Zorin: Each, a little differently. Korel carries an amazing attitude to vocology; he is humble and a multi-talented musician. Chris, as a composer and engineer, is the epitome of professionalism with an infectious guitar. Dave’s drumming skills span decades and clearly show you that machines won’t always give you that special sound.
Exposed Vocals: Since your debut single Feel Your Groove in 2023, you’ve gained over 400K streams and international radio play. How has this rapid success influenced your approach to making music?
Zorin: Streams are a modern-day metric that doesn’t impact any aspect of Zorin Morris’s music. Creatively speaking, if you can get to a point where a song is published and enjoyed by others, well, that is all the success you could ask for.
Exposed Vocals: Your songs have reached listeners across Brazil, the UK, and the USA. How does it feel to see your music gaining international recognition so quickly?
Zorin: Independent artists seldom get a chance. The music industry is geared against them. As a consequence, the passion for recognition is never driven by a need to be recognized. If a lover of music stumbles on something that changes a moment in their day, well, job done.
Exposed Vocals: The production of Only When is rich yet subtle. Can you walk us through your creative process in the studio?
Zorin: Covid sent all of us to our home studios, and there we pretty much stayed. Bringing something together is harder. In some ways, it has allowed for a creative independence for collaborators to interpret lyrics without the songwriter, singer, and musician interfering mid-stream. Even though it takes longer, it can become a productive, not destructive, process.
Exposed Vocals: What do you want listeners to feel when they hear Only When? Is there a personal experience behind the lyrics?
Zorin: Kind of. As I noted above, Only When is an everyday journey that is both complex and simple. At times in life, you just have to be patient. It doesn’t mean you stop dreaming—just pause, relax, and don’t stress.
Exposed Vocals: With multiple singles released, do you see Only When as a defining moment in your musical journey? How does it compare to your earlier work?
Zorin: Only When is a special track. It delivers the listener a timeless connection to the remarkable, yet it is still subtle and simple. Zorin Morris has a few more tracks like Only When, so let’s see what happens.
Zorin’s earlier releases created a splash in an ocean that is unforgiving. Only When could be a song that has unusual longevity in an otherwise brutal consumer age—who knows.
Exposed Vocals: What’s next for Zorin Morris? Can fans expect an album, a tour, or any exciting projects on the horizon?
Zorin: Zorin will continue to release music in slightly different genres. We have some reggae vibes, some jazz trumpets, slower sax songs, and some more dance tracks—some modern mixes and more like Only When. Most of them are tracked and in various stages of completion.
Exposed Vocals: Can fans expect an album, a tour, or any exciting projects on the horizon?
Zorin: Yes, an album is on the cards. We think the key for release is to get a few other genres out so an album can be a celebration of the best of each and allow a listener to enjoy a journey. As for a tour, probably after the album, though that’s harder to organize. A few of the key members will be in Singapore in April 2025 to record some new material and work on some live material.
