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Matthew Morgan, an indie, alternative, and folk troubadour from Columbus, Ohio, collaborates with award-winning singer-songwriter and community leader Jamie Ravine on a new single, “In The Blood,” released January 16th, 2026, on all major streaming platforms. Shaped by the challenges independent artists face in today’s music industry, “In The Blood” explores themes of resilience and the isolating experience of being boxed into stereotypes as a professional musician and songwriter.
Morgan and Ravine feel that musicians are often misunderstood due to the perceived instability of pursuing a music career. Fortunately, Morgan discovered a sanctuary called Green Room in Columbus, Ohio, founded by Ravine. Created as a supportive space for musicians to be seen, heard, and valued, Green Room has grown into a vital community hub, offering connection and encouragement amid an increasingly challenging music industry landscape. As venues close, streaming payouts shrink, public arts funding disappears, and AI threatens creative labour, Green Room has become a stronghold for independent artists banding together. Today, the community includes over 400 members online, with more than 50 musicians gathering in person each month.
Here is an insider view of the beauty of who they are….
How would you describe your creative process?
Jamie Ravine: “I have to be inspired by something that impacts me in some way. I take meaningful experiences, a word or phrase, something someone says, a deep-rooted feeling or thought, a beautiful moment or something that affects my emotions in a positive or negative way, and I build on it. My process is organic rather than structured. I don’t think about anything other than how my words and music will transport the listener to that place or feel that feeling.
“Also, I’ve learned that I make my best music and art when I allow myself to be free by telling the truth and confessing rather than holding back to do what’s safe or trending. Creatives tend to be afraid of being judged harshly for being different or offending someone. Innovation and creative freedom only happen when you’re vulnerable, cringey, and fearlessly taking chances.”
Tell us about your most recent release, “In The Blood.” What was your experience of making it? What went on behind the scenes? Any notable moments that stand out?
Matthew Morgan: “Well, for this song, our writing process was kind of unique. Jamie and I are good friends outside of the music community, so maybe it was easier than co-writing with someone you don’t know as well. Basically, when we first met up before any writing, we went out to lunch and had a huge conversation about our lives, things we were going through with families, friends and our communities. This conversation naturally bled into the writing and became the basis for the lyrics to ‘In The Blood.’ Honestly, it was a really great way to co-write because just hanging out first really broke the ice, and when we sat down to actually write, we already had a solid basis for a song.”
Ravine: “I love working with Matt on this so much! He had already made a demo recording of the music, but he didn’t have lyrics or melody yet. After lunch, we headed to his studio, and he played it for me. I started singing gibberish in a melody over it at first, but then the words started flowing. Matt said the line, ‘In the blood,’ and we were both laughing because we knew we were making something really cool! I love that feeling of being in the zone and getting excited about what’s being created, but it’s that much more special when it happens with someone you’re already close friends with.”
Photo Credit: Robert Colgan
If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?
Morgan: “Oh gosh, so much! Things are really challenging right now for indie artists; I mean, they always have been, but now more than ever. I guess the worst thing to happen is that the music industry has been co-opted by the tech industry, and now all entertainment is really wrapped up in handheld devices and algorithms, and it’s all about getting people to stare at their phones for hours and hours. I wish we could get back to a place where music, especially local music, is an interactive, physical experience. I know so many incredible artists right here in Columbus, OH, that are just not being heard in the current system, and it’s incredibly disheartening.”
Ravine: “I wish artists would get paid what they’re worth. This is an ongoing complaint within our music community. Whether it be streaming platforms or venues where we play live shows, artists and bands are not being paid enough to make a real income. AI is saturating the music industry as well, and that’s keeping people from discovering real artists and bands.
“What’s worse is artists are afraid of asking for more from venue owners because they don’t want to lose out on being booked for future gigs and passed over for artists with lower rates. This is what’s happening with venues in Ohio. I’m not sure that’s the case in other cities in the U.S. Another problem is that states are losing their funding for grants. It’s all very disheartening.”
Which do you enjoy the most: writing, recording, practicing, or playing live?
Morgan: “For me, I enjoy the recording process the most. I love being in the studio and watching a demo turn into a complete masterpiece! I would say that I’m known for being somewhat funny on stage with my banter between songs, and I usually can get a laugh, but believe it or not, I am pretty shy about performing. It’s taken me a really long time to get comfortable having people stare at me on stage. It’s definitely not an ordinary life experience for most people.”
Ravine: “Writing and recording! I love watching a song go from its birth to the finished product. It’s truly miraculous and magical.”
What’s next for you?
Morgan: “I’m just going to continue trying to get better at writing/recording. I’m in the studio now working on some new tunes and secretly hoping to release a full album… no promises!?”
Ravine: “I’m working on a concept album with producer Brian Skeel, who also produced ‘In The Blood.’ References include late ’60s psychedelic, Beatles ‘Eleanor Rigby,’ ‘Sun King,’ The Doors, The Birds, and Jefferson Airplane. It’s a very fun project that will take me most of 2026 to create since it’s all live instruments, including lots of strings and experimental sounds!”
Photo Credit: Robert Colgan
What is your writing process like?
Morgan: “It’s nothing extravagant! I usually start with a guitar part because I struggle with the lyrics the most. Once I have a solid instrumental and ideas for a melody, I just start ‘mumble’ singing over the guitar and do it over and over and over… Eventually, the words come.”
What is the music scene like where you’re based?
Morgan: “Columbus, OH, has an amazing music scene that spans across just about every genre. It’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., and we have ‘Thee’ (laughs) Ohio State University, so there are a lot of songwriters, musicians, and creative individuals in all disciplines doing amazing work. But what makes it special is that Columbus retains a bit of a small town feel in spite of the growth, and the music scene here is incredibly friendly and non-competitive.
“Jamie hosts a monthly meetup called the Green Room for local musicians, songwriters, producers, and anyone connected to the scene here in Columbus. It’s really been a lifeline for many of us, and it’s helped a lot of us to connect, collaborate and feel seen by our peers, and it’s also just a lot of fun! It now has over 400 members, and there’s no performing; it’s just hanging out and having pizza and talking about music. It’s also been a great way for new people to break into the music culture here.”
If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only take three CDs with you for eternity (assuming there was a solar-powered CD player), what would they be?
Morgan: “This is difficult, but Elliott Smith’s Either/Or, The Velvet Underground & Nico, and Disintegration by The Cure.”
Ravine: “Fleetwood Mac Rumours, Beatles Abbey Road and the soundtrack to the movie The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty because that movie is not only my absolute favourite, but the music choices in it were incredible!”
Politics and Music. Yay, nay or what the hay?
Morgan: “Yay! The thing that makes music special is that it has the ability to express complex thoughts and feelings that we have trouble expressing with words alone. Music has always provided that outlet for culture, and if artists are too afraid to take up the cause and be a mouthpiece for our communities, then who is going to do it? It doesn’t mean every song has to be political, but I don’t believe it should be avoided.”
Ravine: “Yay! I’ve never really cared that much about politics until now. Music is a form of entertainment and art, but it’s also a platform for saying what matters to you, even if it’s political. A lot of art is political and fueled by creating a statement that will invoke thought and movement for a positive change.”