Cola Morgan

New York-based producer and singer-songwriter Cola Morgan (Elio Morgan Kaczmarek) writes from the intersection of youthful nonchalance and earnest vulnerability. Beneath the hook-filled and pop-heavy veneer of Morgan’s upbeat tunes lie lyrics that are steeped in prosaic, confessional storytelling (“am I being confessional enough, though? No matter how much I confess, it still feels like I’m hiding something,” he interjects). Pairing acerbic observational wit with eclectic sonic palettes — often influenced by the sounds of shoegaze and ‘80s new wave acts — Morgan imbues his songs with a charm that is equal parts self-assured and self-effacing.

Cola Morgan’s debut single, ’Care If You Could,’ reflects an identity in flux. Foregrounding his shimmering synth-and-guitar-based production and introspective lyricism, ‘Care If You Could’ is a boppy yet anguished alt-pop cut that paints a vivid picture of a turbulent romance. The song is a constant stream of endlessly listenable hooks, but Morgan doesn’t let the songwriting fall to the wayside: it’s about youth. It’s about love. Ultimately, it’s about him, even when it isn’t.

~Stephanie Wong, WSN