Kevin Morby Embraces Ghosts in New Music

Kevin Morby, an artist known for his thoughtful songwriting, finds a unique connection with themes of mortality and remembrance. He draws solace from creating songs that honor friends lost at a young age, a practice that has profoundly influenced his latest album, Little Wide Open.

His creative process often involves solitary trips to Parkville, Missouri, where he revisits home-recorded demos. These excursions, centered around highways, rivers, and trains, serve as a vital part of his songwriting ritual. This period of reflection is particularly significant as Morby and his partner, fellow musician Katie Crutchfield, are expecting their first child, a son, in August 2026.

Morby and Crutchfield have established a significant presence in the Midwest indie music scene. Their home in Overland Park, Kansas, is a hub for their creative lives, surrounded by art from influential musicians. The couple's shared journey reflects a deep connection to their roots and artistic passions.

Little Wide Open explores themes of life changes and cosmic insignificance, using natural phenomena like eclipses as metaphors for personal experiences. The album's title track serves as an extended love letter, acknowledging the profound impact of his music on listeners and the feeling of vertigo that can accompany widespread recognition.