Hunter Morris: ‘Mountain’ Man
Songwriting fly fisherman talks debut LP
Athens, Georgia, continues to enjoy a renaissance of new acts with the release of the debut album from Mountain of Youth, entitled Nowhere, NW.
The brainchild of Hunter Morris, the music lives somewhere between heartland rock and lo-fi garage channeled through such singer-songwriter influences as Tom Petty and John Prine.
“When I started writing these songs as Mountain of Youth, it felt like I’d finally found my voice,” Morris reflects. “For the first time, I felt comfortable saying what I needed to say.”
Nowhere, NW was recorded at Chase Park Transduction in Athens with production from multi-instrumentalist Ben Hackett, who has previously worked with such names as Patterson Hood and Craig Finn. Together, they construct these perfect sonic couches for the characters in Morris’s lyrics to tell their tales.
“All the characters on this record are choosing their path up the slope or looking back on the route they took and wondering what life would be like if they’d done things differently,” he explains.
Morris, who is also a fly-fishing guide and conservationist, cites his close relationship with nature as a key driver of his songs.
“There’s a youthfulness and a joy and a curiosity that comes with being out in nature,” he explains, “and I always find myself trying to go places that have been left undisturbed by man. There’s a purity and a beauty in those ecosystems that I think we’re all searching for in ourselves.”
Rock & Roll Globe caught up with Morris to speak about Mountain of Youth, fly fishing and becoming better stewards of our forests in this exclusive interview.
Nowhere, NW, is out now on Strolling Bones Records.
What is the tale behind the moniker Mountain of Youth?
Mountain of Youth is a concept that I have had in my brain for many years. I initially thought of it as a way to describe the future as an uncertain endeavor, but many years later it has taken on a different meaning better described as an accumulation of knowledge and experiences.
How does fly fishing help your songwriting? Does being in the water inspire creativity?
My job as a fly fishing guide has been a defining element of my songwriting for my entire adult life. I think that the ability to tune out the noise of the world and focus on the natural elements of a mountain stream is a damn good way to get in touch with the thoughts in my brain that lead me to write a song in the first place.
How was it collaborating with Ben Hackett on this album?
Working with Ben on this album was one of the most inspiring collaborative musical experiences I have ever had! He has possibly the best balance I’ve ever been around with regard to musicianship and vibe. He knows every note that’s happening on every instrument matters so much (and can play most of them) but is also willing to know that if it feels right we’re just gonna go with it.
What’s it like recording as a solo artist versus as part of a band as you were in the past?
I’ve been kind of a solo artist in disguise for a long time so this doesn’t feel that different. What does feel different is that I wanted to write every song for Mountain of Youth so that I could truly play it solo on an acoustic guitar and the song still works.
What drew you to Athens, and what do you like most about that town?
Athens has been home for a long time and I was mostly drawn back here by music. But also from having some of my family hailing from Athens (and I went to college here) and then wanting to come back to some good friends who play music and brought me back here again.
Who inspires you as a guitarist 🎸?
John Prine. Because he kinda sucks at guitar (like me) but damn…those songs!
As a conservationist, how can we find hope despite the times?
I hate to say it, but as much as I care about conservation I think the best thing we could do is to recognize that hope is a fleeting reality for this planet right now. We need everyone to be in panic mode right now and to be motivated to do whatever hypothetical thing they have been talking about for years. Pick a project and actually get to work on it because now is the time to save this thing!
- Howlin Rain: ‘Watermelon’ Sugar High - November 11, 2026
- P.E.E. Kick Off North American Tour - November 7, 2026
- Panchiko Announce 2027 U.S. Tour - November 6, 2026
You May Also Like
-
May 18, 2021 -
May 9, 2023 -
