Meet Morgan Weidinger | Songwriter, Instrumentalist & Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Morgan Weidinger and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Morgan, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
“If I let go of what I am I become what I might be.” Lao Tzu. In addition to art, I love studying philosophy, psychology and even quantum mechanics. I recently came across this well known Taoist quote which transformed my view of acceptance entirely. Acceptance is dual. Goodbye is also hello. The chaos which follows death and trauma can be absolutely disorienting and disabling. It throws us into a fire of transformation quite rapidly. How we relate to those flames can make or break our health, self-awareness, and ability to adapt. I’ve observed myself go through various phases of clinging to who I’ve convinced myself I am which is a surefire way to be stuck in the mud. It is truly only when I greet the present with gratitude and awe that I meet the next version of myself, and usually write a song.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Why did you pursue an artistic career?

I began playing music at age 8. Since then, it’s the primary activity that continues to make sense to me on a vocational level. I’ve grown an affinity for video and photography as well. As cliche as it sounds, I’m here in the music industry because I’m following my life path. I’m following life’s opportunities and following the music in my head, which continually drives me to create.

What do you want your legacy to be?

At this stage of my life, I’d like to leave behind as much music as possible. I hope I inspire people to be present in their thoughts and to know themselves. The momentum of legacy resides in every action we make and probably every thought we have, which is a powerful idea to consider.

What is the most important factor behind your success?

Continually showing up. This is one reason I started a weekly blog on my website. The practice of showing up.

Most difficult decision I had to make?

One of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever had to make is one I have to make all the time. It is the decision to respond in place of react. Opting for intrinsic psychological wherewithal. Difficult and worth it.

Other than deciding to work for yourself, what is…

Moving to and in particular, staying in New York City. I see my decision to be in New York like embracing a long-term relationship. It’s a commitment. I’ve tied myself to one of the most expensive and cut-throat places in the world where I’m surrounded by people at the peak of their success. It inspires me and requires all of me to show up. In contrast, at my doorstep is the madness of humanity, the chaotic purgatory of the bowels of the subway system and a matrix of perceived meaning. Madness has its own constructive influence on my art as well. Madness and glory are both very accessible in NYC.

Risk taking:

Risk taking is an art itself. There are careless risks and there are courageous risks. Any worthwhile risk I’ve taken has been a result of opting for courage in the face of fear. In some ways, all is risk. Non-action is also risk. Life is gamble. We have the divine facility to choose the quality of our sacrifices and I think this is one of the most astonishing characteristics of human life.

What is one thing about your industry outsiders are probably unaware of?

The mainstream entertainment industry is similar to the fast food industry. It’s a formulaic machine that plays on what people consume at large and it subliminally shapes the collective taste. At least I see it that way. Sometimes I wonder if people realize how undistinguished most of the noise out there is. Doesn’t mean it’s bad or all bad. I enjoy McDonald’s breakfast like once a year.

Work life balance:

My life is my work. I am constantly studying life and observing life. I don’t see a separation of work and life to balance. Maybe the balance for me comes into play with promoting or marketing versus creating. That’s a balance I’m still negotiating and honestly, have to renegotiate each year as the platforms of promotion change. It’s easy to slip into a comparison and numbers game as a creative person who also markets themself. However, I’ve found the only way to balance these two, if I want to live and create authentically, is to value the creation most. It isn’t really a balance as much as it is knowing my priorities. The marketing only has a just role to play if I’ve been whole-hearted in the creative process first. The marketing can also be creative! I used to think of it as a schlep, but I’ve learned that principally valuing the creative process motivates me to run to the ends of the Earth to tell it. So it seems I’ve circled back around to the idea that there isn’t really a separation for me.

What was your thought process behind starting your own business?

I’ve been entirely freelance the last 5 years working in many different capacities. I think I chose this lifestyle unconsciously, emerging from childhood. From here, the thought process appears to be that I am accustomed to living in the energy flow between chaos and order.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Many a classic spot I used to frequent closed during the pandemic. But, there’s always an evening on the rooftop, a sunset from the Westside of Manhattan, the myriad of museums and live music in every neighborhood. I’ve been known to spend an afternoon hopping vintage stores. I like old New York. Timeless cafes and diners. Hotel lobby bars.

Website: www.morganwmusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganweidinger/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MorganWeidinger?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morganwmusic/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxFhQNpUF30ZW4nQOei3y-w