Alwyn Morrison takes back the city

As soon as I started working on the review of Alwyn Morrison‘s debut single, who, in addition to being a musician and composer, is a journalist specializing in music coverage, the eternal maxim of the entity known as Paul McCartney comes to mind: “I don’t believe in critics until they make better songs than mine“. In that sense, I believe Paul could give Morrison a chance. Despite having just started with the exciting “The city”, he has been writing poetry and lyrics since he could remember: “I started writing poems and songs as a kid, dreaming they’d end up on MTV—if I could find those old notebooks now, I’d probably laugh“.

The video

The recently released “The City”, which featured a well-thought-out marketing campaign via shorts on YouTube and other social networks, is a kind of personal chronicle of Morrison’s experience in the city that, he believes, will break anyone’s heart sooner or later. Accompanied by his guitarist as he walks through NYC postcards, Morrison carries a Michael Hutchence-style vibe, more at ease than ever wandering around the city that has already given him so many controversial feelings: “New York has a way of challenging you – whether you’re chasing dreams, navigating heartache, or just trying to find your place“, says Morrison.

(see the video bellow)

2 5 things about Alwyn Morrison

RC: Why have you decided to talk about NYC on your debut single “The city”? Is this some kind of tribute song?

AM: I wouldn’t call “The City” a tribute song, but it definitely draws from my experience of living in New York City. The song captures the complex emotions people feel when they’re in a place they both love and struggle with. New York has a way of challenging you – whether you’re chasing dreams, navigating heartache, or just trying to find your place. But despite all the difficulties, there’s this undeniable pull to stay, to keep pushing through. It’s a city that can break you down, but also build you up, stronger than before. I think that spirit of resilience is something everyone in any city can relate to. So, while it’s about New York, the feeling it conveys is universal… Of belonging and not belonging at the same time, and the constant drive to keep going.

RC: With Trump saying this is the “golden age” for America at the same time as he insults diversity and immigrants, do you think it might be hard to write heartfelt songs from now on?

AM: I don’t think it will ever be hard to write heartfelt songs. Songwriting is what draws many artists to music, and for me, it’s always been a deeply personal outlet. I started writing poems and songs as a kid, dreaming they’d end up on MTV—if I could find those old notebooks now, I’d probably laugh! But in all seriousness, it’s been the challenges I’ve faced in the last few years that really shaped my songwriting. During that time, I found myself writing more than ever, channeling those emotions into music. These days, I create with close friends who are incredibly talented musicians, and they bring their own experiences and perspectives into the process, which makes the music even more meaningful. As long as we stay true to what I’m feeling, I don’t think heartfelt songs will ever be hard to write.

In New York, despite the pain people carry, there’s this unshakeable resilience.

Alwyn Morrison

RC: “The city” has such a symbolic video with the 9/11 fountain and all that….Tell us what were you thinking when you decided to film those spots.

AM: When I came up with the idea for the video, I wanted it to feel raw and real—just everyday people holding up messages on simple cardboard signs. No fancy set-ups, just authentic moments. I called my friend Denice Flores, an amazing photographer and videographer, and we went out to film. At first, I was a little nervous about whether people would want to be a part of it, but Denice assured me, “Don’t worry. New Yorkers will do it.” And she was right. New Yorkers are always open to sharing when it feels genuine. As for the 9/11 fountain and other spots, those locations were important to me because they symbolize both loss and resilience. The song is about heartbreak in all its forms… Emotional, social, or even collective. In New York, despite the pain people carry, there’s this unshakeable resilience. The visuals really helped amplify that message; no matter how tough life gets, we keep going.

RC: You are also a music journalist, do you think the press is able to understand and feel the work of new artists like you or everything is based in money , tickets or gossip these days?

AM: I think it’s a mix. As a former music journalist, back in my college days, I’ve always believed that understanding and connecting with an artist’s work goes beyond just the surface-level stuff. When I first started out, I had the chance to interview incredible artists like Esperanza Spalding and Jack Antonoff, and those experiences taught me the importance of really listening to the music and understanding the personal stories behind it. That said, the press can sometimes get caught up in the commercial side of things, especially with newer artists. There’s a lot of focus on the business side, like streams, ticket sales, or viral moments, which can overshadow the deeper emotional connections that music creates. But I do believe there are journalists who still care about the artistry, and that’s what keeps the real stories alive. As someone who’s now on the other side of it, I’d hope people would look past the hype and really take in the music for what it is.

RC: We are in Brazil, tell us some memory related to our country….music, food, movies, ….

AM: I absolutely love and miss Brazil. I used to visit often when I was a kid, as my godparents lived there, and I have the most incredible memories from those trips. The culture, the music, the food, and the vibrant energy of Brazil have always held a special place in my heart. I can still remember the warmth of the weather and the joy of experiencing everything firsthand. It’s a place that will always feel like home to me in so many ways. I truly hope I’m blessed with the chance to visit again very soon. There’s so much I still want to explore and experience.