Nessa Morgan - The Next Big Thing!

Discover why she’s the next big thing to hit the Aussie music scene!

TVH: How is your latest album different to your critically acclaimed debut album Sex and Poverty?
N: It’s about womanpower. It’s upbeat with a lot of attitude. It’s hella sexy and naughty. I love being a woman in today’s society. I’m having way more fun now.

What was it like touring with and meeting Alicia Keys a while back? Did she give you any advice?
It was an amazing tour with Alicia. The best gig ever. I will never forget it. Now Alicia doesn’t speak all day, she writes on a whiteboard to her people telling them what she wants to eat and do. She said it saves her voice. It definitely works for her. I haven’t tried it yet... I’m a bit of a chatterbox!

You’re about to go on tour with Salt n Pepa, how did that come about and are you excited?  
I’m a massive fan of Salt n Pepa!  Shake your Thang, What a Man, Lets Talk about Sex and Push It - they’re on high rotation in the my household.  I remember wearing black lycra biker tights and dying my fringe orangey just to be like them. I was the 4th member that they just didn’t know it!

You’re from New Zealand with a Maori background and family, how has that influenced you and your music?
Being a Maori from NZ means house parties on weekends with a lot of family & friends.  Out comes the guitars, piano accordions, whatever they can get their hands on. It’s jam time! Everybody’s singing - uncles, aunties and even us kids. It’s a normal thing to hear three part harmonies. My dad is one of 22! He had an in-house band just between his brothers and sisters alone. I was raised on R&B, Soul, Reggae & Funk.

You’ve come from quite humble beginnings, what are some lessons that you’ve learnt in life that you still carry with you now?
I came from poor beginnings and they were the best and happiest days of my life. Money is not everything. It helps to do things but it won’t buy happiness. I learnt to be thankful and appreciate the little things. I learnt being poor doesn’t mean you’re dumb. I don’t let anyone talk down to me. Be yourself. It’s easier. I’ve learnt to take risks and live the dream.

What was it like flying to L.A. to record some of your songs?
I’ve been very blessed to be able record both my albums in the US. Recording with Grammy Award winning producers/ writers has been an eye opener. I love working with creative minds and souls. I really found where I fit in there. The US has become my 2nd home.

You’re about to play at The Vanguard in Sydney, what can people expect to see?
At The Vanguard Show expect to see and hear a smoking band in such an intimate setting. I will be playing songs from the NesKa, Sex & Poverty and my Raw writing sessions album, which is due out early next year. You’ll get to hear the stories about the journeys of these albums. Each song I’ve written is about my life. There are no smoke screens just pure realness. This is what you’ll get at the Vanguard.

What are your musical influences?
I’m heavily influenced by rhythm and blues, soul and Hip Hop. From Donnie Hathaway, Randy Crawford, Ray Charles, Gladys Knight to D’Angelo, Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill, Mary J Blige to Dr Dre, Ying Yang, Lil Wayne etc.