New Show + New Music

It's Been A Minute. Again.

But I'm back with a new show and an upcoming album.

TL;DR: 2 updates:

1. Tomorrow, October 2, you can catch me performing with pop auteur Alexis Plaen at her debut album listening party. There's going to be a cocktail bar, tattoos, tarot, and other witchcraft. Here are the details.
2. This Friday, October 3, your support goes farther on Bandcamp. The platform will forego its share of music sales and let artists keep 100%. It's a great time to pick up your own digital copy of releases by Colin Morris and PARC Department. Give us a follow while you're at it!

Got another minute?

Here's what else is going on:

I've been patient processing my pandemic experience. Maybe too patient. I never stopped working over the last five years, and I did release some of the results: PARC Department's debut from that first summer of fear and confusion; a lonely Quarantine EP that winter; and once I found the peace and strength to be productive again, PARC Department released Leif and a second EP, Sabbatical.

But even though I'm proud of my priorities, I've spent the past five years largely offline and it's come at a certain cost. I haven't shared as much art as I'd like. I've fallen out of touch with my music community. I've been "in the shed," as we musicians like to say, but I'm ready to be back out in the world.

With that in mind, two announcements:

1. I've joined the band behind Alexis Plaen, the dark pop queen I mentioned at the top, for live performances in support of her debut album that's coming out this month. She is a brilliant artist and I am honored to play a small part in bringing her vision to life.
2. PARC Department has completed an EP cowritten as a full band. It represents a stylistic shift I'm excited to share, plus it's the first collection of songs I've had the pleasure of creating in true collaboration with this many people. It took a long time because creativity by committee is hard. But releasing a truly co-written collection of songs is a white whale I've been chasing for more than a decade, and the steep climb only sweetens the view from the top.

Stay tuned. There's more to come soon. 'Til then, I'll see you Thursday.

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PSA:

Psst!

One of the most helpful things you can do for a recording artist these days is share the song’s Spotify link and add an artist's songs to your playlists, which signals to Spotify they're worth recommending.

You can also follow me and PARC Department on Spotify to be the first to know about new releases.

Don't use Spotify? Our music is available on other streaming services, too. Just search for us on your favorite one, or support us directly on Bandcamp: Colin Morris and PARC Department.

Whatever you do, thanks for listening.

New Collaboration Release, A Weekend Playlist, and More

1. New Track Out Now

For the past few years, I’ve enjoyed a budding creative relationship with my friend Joshua Wentz, starting with his help home recording my drums for songs of my own, continuing with cameos on his annual Mike Oldfield cover project, and culminating most recently with his invitation to contribute guitar and bass to his new single, “Water Lapping At The Shore.”

It's dark and haunting, but a little uplifting, too. That's the paradox that always keeps me coming back to Josh's music, and might hook you, too.

2. Parc Department Presents: Recreation

I've been busy cooking up the next installment of the Parc Department project. Until the oven dings, here's what I'm listening to for inspiration, relaxation, recreation and sanity.

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Don't have Spotify? My music is available on all the major streaming services, too, and you can always find it on my website.

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Psst!

One of the most helpful things you can do for a recording artist these days is share the song’s Spotify link through social media and add it to your playlists, which signals to Spotify it’s worth recommending.

You should also follow me on Spotify!

Whatever you do, thanks for listening.

New music coming soon, again: Parc Department

Hey there.

A month ago, I challenged myself to record an entire EP in a weekend. I succeeded, and I barely even cheated.*

The result is Parc Department, an entirely new project and my first all-instrumental recording. It's the sound of being alone in the quiet moments between. Which is where we seem to spend most of our time now.

Click here to pre-save it on Spotify. You'll be notified as soon as it's out.

Don't have Spotify? It'll be available on the other major streaming services, too. You can always find my music on those services from my website.

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By the way, Quarantine EP came out in April, which feels like about five years ago. If you still haven't heard it, click here to find it on your streaming service of choice. It's good for quiet moments, too.

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*The cheater song is "New Heart," for which I repurposed an audio sample from an ultrasound we had before our son was born. Here's a sample. I first tried turning that sample into into a song last year, but I only finished it during the weekend I made the Parc Department EP.

Acoustic Show Supporting Joshua Wentz's Album Release

I’m playing a show this Saturday afternoon at Tone Deaf Records that’s sponsored by Begyle Brewing. I’m joining my old friend, Joshua Wentz and Cinchel for an afternoon that’s all about vinyl, beer, and electro-acoustic music. The details are at the link in my bio, but here’s the deal:

Poster design by Joshua Wentz (@joshua_w_wentz)

We are celebrating the release of Joshua’s new LP, Lifted, Into The Depths, which is more than just a sublime collection of downtempo, electronic balladry and experimental sound craft. It’s also a monument to physical media, a passion of Josh’s that shines through in every breathtaking detail of the package: from colored vinyl to design and typography to letterpress printing and foil stamping.

I’m honored to be involved, even a little bit, and more than a little psyched to have an excuse to dig in the crates at Tone Deaf.

#12DOMO 2019

Every year, right around the time the Christmas music is starting to sound like hidden messages to kill family in ritual sacrifice, my friend Joshua Wentz hits me up with a refreshing reprieve: an invitation to collaborate on his annual marathon tribute to Mike Oldfield. He covers 12 different songs each time and releases one a day in the lead-up to Christmas. The 12 Days of Mike Oldfield. It’s a whole thing, four years running.

This year I got way out ahead of Joshua on our song and built a groove switch into the song structure to make sure it was extra messed up. Josh killed it on the vocals and arrangement anyway, and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out.

Click below to listen and download an mp3.

Then check out the whole 2019 project on YouTube here.

Day Eleven of 2019's Twelve Days of Mike Oldfield! Celebrating my favorite musician for the twelve days of Christmas.

Birthday show at Beat Kitchen

Hey y’all, I’m turning 31 in a few weeks, and nothing captures the way I feel about it quite like the devastating caterwaul of my band, Lavisher.

So we’re playing a show. You can get your tickets right here!

Come and witness the haunting melancholy of Gavin’s sweet voice. Enter the time-banding vortex of Gabe’s merciless drumming. Adam and I will also be there, and so will @ModelStranger, who were kind enough to put the whole thing together AND who are debuting a fresh music video of their own at the show.

Come hear the songs from the kickass debut record we put out last summer, which Reader said they appreciated us submitting for review.

Details below. Come buy me a drink!

When: Saturday, March 24 at 9:00

Where: Beat Kitchen, 2100 W Belmont Ave

Join us today. Help the ACLU.

Morning, y’all.

I want to tell you all about this new album and a show that’s coming up. But right now we’ve got something bigger to talk about: The president’s assault on our Constitution and the rights of refugees.

This hits close to home for us.

Our rhythm section is two cousins, Pat and Gabe, who were the first members of their family born on U.S. soil. By day, Gabe is an immigration attorney. He works closely with individuals who are affected by the president’s erratic and vindictive behavior.

That’s just one reason we’re fighting back however we can. Please join us.

What we’re doing

Right now, a bunch of artists and authors are sending free works to ACLU supporters, which needs all the resources it can get to fight the president’s ill-conceived and unjust executive actions that are turning immigrants and refugees away at our shores.

We can’t think of a good reason to sit that out, so we’re getting involved.

Donate $5 or more to the ACLU today and send me your receipt with a mailing address. I’ll send you a copy of Could Be Anything for free.** Probably with a nice note, too.

[ Donate ]

There’s more.

Tomorrow, you can order a copy on Bandcamp, and Bandcamp will donate their proceeds to the ACLU.

There are lots of ways to help, even if you don’t have your own super PAC. The Women’s March has 10 creative acts of resistance you can do in the first 100 days of Trump’s presidency.

Whatever you do, just make sure you do something, and we’ll get through this. See you out there!

–Colin, Pat, and Gabe

Tickets on sale for 8/20 in Wicker Park

It's been a while since you've heard from me. I've had my head down in the studio, writing new songs with Gabe and Pat, experimenting with some new sounds and even doing a bit of recording.

There's lots to catch up on, but we have a chance to do it in person pretty soon. Get your tickets to hang with us in Wicker Park on Saturday, Aug. 20. Music starts at 9:00, but only for people over 21. Sorry, kids.

Radio One Chicago recommends tonight's show at Martyrs'

Great news! Radio One Chicago agrees you should cancel your plans tonight, call in sick tomorrow, and rock out tonight at Martyrs' with me, Shadow of the Titan, and The Runaway Five.

"Don't believe me? Just watch!"

Grab your ticket and RSVP now!

Show THURSDAY, + new interviews

Hey, everybody! Don't forget to get your tickets for Thursday's show at Martyrs'. There's more info on Facebook. I play at 9:00 p.m., then again with Shadow of the Titan, after The Runaway Five. Trust me on this show: You'll want to catch the whole thing. Can't wait to see you there!

If you're looking something to tide you over:

1. The Machine is spinning the acoustic performance I did in their studio when I stopped by for an interview. You can download a podcast version of the song right here!
2. I recently stopped by Fearless Radio for an interview and acoustic performance. You can stream or download it here, or get it straight from the iTunes store.
3. Seth Arkin also did an interview and thoughtful write-up on his music blog today. Thanks for the love, Seth!

But wait, there's more! On Thursday, I'll be on the Nick Digilio show on WGN 720 AM. And speaking of AM, the show is early: I'll be on at 2:00 a.m. But don't worry — it'll be available to stream and download later in the day. Live in Europe? Awesome! You can tune in live here.

Sorry, Ohio!

FYI, Ohio friends,
I'm sorry to report we had to cancel the show in Canton this Friday. We're working on making it up to you later this summer. Stay tuned!

It's here!

Could Be Anything is now available on Bandcamp, iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play! Still waiting for Spotify to acknowledge my existence...

Could Be Anything comes out tomorrow

GUYS! Could Be Anything comes out tomorrow, but you can hear a song for free right now on the music page.

While you're here, be sure to hit the contact page and sign up for the newsletter if you want to be the first to know about new drops and treats.

See you tomorrow!

Possession with intent to sell

Maybe after I’ve been through this process a few more times, it’ll be easier to articulate how incredible it feels to hold these in my hands. Two years ago, these songs were just riffs and melodies I was humming and hearing in my head. Now they have a UPC.

On Tuesday, you can hear them for yourself. Here's how:

1. If you’re in Chicago, come to Elbo Room on Tuesday night (click here for details). Not only will these babies be for sale, but thanks to my awesome band, you can try before you buy. Live! Follow the attached link for event details.

2. The album will be available on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Rdio, Shazam, Beats, and BandCamp. Pick your poison.

3. Just browsing? No problem. You can find me on Spotify, too.

Hope to see you Tuesday!

Release Announcement

Friends,

It's finally done. The messy recording experiment I started in my practice studio in Fall of 2013 has been mixed, mastered, and dolled up by some very patient pros. And now it has a fitting name: Could Be Anything.

It's coming to a digital store or stream near you on Tuesday, March 17. iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, Bandcamp, Walden Books, Borders, you name it.

That's also my birthday, which I'll be celebrating at Chicago's Elbo Room with drinking, dancing, and a debut performance with a full band line-up, plus my friends Shadow of the Titan, Two Weeks Notice, and wallclouds. For more info, head over to the tour page.

Thanks to all of you who've helped. Whether you listened to demos, gave time, attention, or even just the occasional "Like," don't let my lonely name on the album cover fool you. This was a team effort.

And however you obtain this album, thanks for supporting music and making it so gosh darn fun. Keep listening and sharing, and I hope to see you at a show sometime soon.

Announcement

OK, I said I had an announcement, so here it is.

After years of starts and restarts, I've finally finished making a record. It ain't too shiny and it's just a short and sweet EP—four rapid fire rock songs—but it's something I've wanted to do since I was a teenager and (shamefully) never managed to complete until now.

Starting in March, I'm making up for lost time by releasing the record on iTunes, Spotify, and wherever else fine music is compressed and streamed.

Then, I'm hitting the road with Stephen Mortensen, playing bass in his new band, Shadow of the Titan, and trading instruments with him to perform a set of my own at certain shows. Big thanks to Stephen for including me on his tour. Stay tuned for show announcements, coming soon.

To everyone who has been supporting me for years with friendship, patience, coming to shows, or even just clicking "Like" now and then, know that nothing—nothing—goes unnoticed or unappreciated. Without all of you, this would just be band practice.

Want to get involved? Want me to play at your house party? Got a couch in the Midwest where we can crash? Got a podcast and need a charming guest? Send me a message. No idea is too crazy at this point.

Let's do this!