Julian Morris is a talented singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Portland, Oregon. He currently plays in the bands Little Star and Post Moves, but it’s his latest efforts, Tidings and Lonesome Secret, recorded in 2017 under the name Layperson, that represent a major reclamation of his voice.
“[Tidings is] the first body of work I’m putting out post-transition which has had such a huge effect on my voice, which I think of as my primary instrument. So I kept having all these fears that people would hear it and be like, ‘Man, he really shouldn’t have taken those hormones, he ruined his gift’—that was a huge anxiety for me.”
Morris needn’t worry. The open arrangement and layered harmonies on the acoustic track “All of Us” showcase his rich, clear voice beautifully, treating listeners to evocative echoes of Pink Moon-era Nick Drake. Take a listen:
“All Of Us” captures the feeling of “looking at yourself as [part of a] community with the larger world.”
We came for love, but it’s not the only thing that we want.
To ride through the dust, and feel something greater than us.
Looking for some new music? Pick up Morris’ recent releases on Layperson’s page at BandCamp.com.
Find out more about Julian Morris:
As Layperson, Julian Morris Gives Us His Voice
The Portland Musician’s New EP, Tidings, Welcomes New Beginnings
by Ciara Dolan, The Portland Mercury
Voice
After a lifetime of wrestling with his gender identity, Julian Morris had a chance to make things right. But it would come at a price.
by David Kroman, Crosscut.com
Photo credit: Hannah Cantrell
