By: Katie Barber
As Kilby Court’s stage lights began to illuminate the pavement outside its doors, elevator music began to play overhead. The disembodied voice of Bob Ross then filled the room, instructing listeners to “tap the bristles firmly, making little crisscross strokes.” This lighthearted serenade was Morgxn’s introduction, and beautifully contrasted the sorrow of his first song, “Submarine,” which he sang unaccompanied. His isolated vocals hung heavy in the air for a few moments before it became clear why everyone had shown up that night and why Bob Ross was Morgxn’s intro of choice: to experience a little joy.
The deliberate weight with which the set began was soon replaced by themes of hope and happiness, all conveyed by a high energy performance that was then amplified by the crowd’s enthusiasm. Morgxn left no dance move unconsidered during tracks such as “Translucent,” “A New Way,” and OMM!,” which in turn encouraged the crowd to do the same. “Don’t worry about what you look like,” he told them. “I want to see you move!” Hands in the air and feet off the ground with each beat, the audience was quick to comply. If they weren’t jumping, they were singing each word to the slower “Roots” and “Me Without You.” Morgxn asked to bring the stage lights down for “Me Without You,” telling everyone to instead pull out their phones to illuminate the space.
Photo Credit: Katie Barber 
Photo Credit: Katie Barber
On that Monday night at Kilby Court, any boundary that may have existed between audience and artist dissolved. As the crowd supported the lyrics, Morgxn made a point of turning the mic towards them, expressing his gratitude for their presence after the songs had finished. He recounted his first performance at Kilby when those present had sung “Happy Birthday” to one of his singles on the one-year anniversary of its release. He spoke about music’s ability to heal, as a tool to relate to others and the significance of sharing moments such as these in such a special place. With each song, Morgxn affirmed that joy could be found amongst sorrow, while standing in a concert crowd, or reflected back at you when it might feel like you are on the outside looking in. “The world needs your weird selves,” he declared.
From the anthem “Carry the Weight” to the emotionally-charged track “Blue,” Morgxn navigated a myriad of emotions that culminated with “Home,” during which Kilby buzzed with whatever magic makes strangers sing together at the top of their lungs without inhibition. On this occasion, the magic may have been brought by an artist aiming to empower. An artist whose performance healed and inspired. An artist who caused a lucky crowd at Kilby Court to experience a little joy.