Today we’d like to introduce you to The Morning Kings.
Hi The Morning Kings, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
We actually go back to 2010 in Rochester, MN. It started with that itch to create something high energy that people could move to. We eventually made the move to Minneapolis, which really pushed us to morph into our current sound. We’ve released three EPs leading up to now: Sunrise, our self-titled EP, and Get Outside in 2023. We have grown with every release and been exploring all the ups and downs life can bring. We’ve gone from playing local spots in Rochester to sharing stages with acts like the Spin Doctors and Yam Haus, and playing the iconic First Ave’s 7th St Entry, Turf Club, and Soldier Field for the American Beer Classic. This past July, we released our fourth EP, Soulstice; it feels like we’ve finally landed exactly where we’re supposed to be musically.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As you could expect, a lot has happened in the last 15 years. We’ve dealt with the typical hurdles—lineup shifts, balancing ‘real life’ with the road, and finding our collective voice as a band. Honestly, Soulstice came out of a period of deep transformation for us. It felt like so many life milestones were hitting all at once while we were writing this EP. From getting married and having kids to losing loved ones and just dealing with that general unsettling feeling with the state of the world, these songs became a timestamp of some bittersweet (though definitely more sweet than bitter) times in our lives. Songs like ‘Stuck Inside”, which deals with the process of ketamine therapy and healing, or “Don’t Give Up”, which is our anthem for anyone at a crossroads, wouldn’t exist if we hadn’t been forced to stop and look in the mirror a bit.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
We’re a band that really lives at the intersection of funk, rock, and a bit of a jam. Instead of just sticking to one lane, we focus on building grooves and then layering them with introspective lyrics. People usually know us for that big, immersive wall of sound: raw vocals, lifting keys, and the guitar solos that bring crazy energy to wherever we perform. But there’s a soulful and more moody side to us, too. We’ve managed to keep our musicianship at the forefront while staying completely open and vulnerable. We aren’t afraid to go from a swagger funk track or love song to a real alternative rock sound. I think what sets us apart is that balance. We want to give you a reason to move, but we also want to give you something to think about on the drive home. It’s that combination of high energy performance and honest storytelling that defines who we are right now.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
What band doesn’t have superstitions and quirks? Drew has a genuine obsession with bathroom graffiti. Whether it’s a dive bar or a legendary venue like the Turf Club, there’s always weird inspiration in that unfiltered commentary on the walls. And then there’s Cooper, who has a strict green socks policy when we play. If the socks aren’t green, the vibe isn’t right.
Beyond the quirks, the biggest surprise might be our pace lately. We haven’t slowed down at all since releasing Soulstice. We’re actually back at Helvig Productions right now and are almost finished recording our next batch of songs. These songs really feel fresh, and we can’t wait to get this new music out into the world.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.TheMorningKings.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themorningkings
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themorningkings
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/themorningkings
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/73VIPy9aPxwzyGcLbHcRv1?si=aXrp_qxmScaJFW1rYFR0Zg
