Rising Music Star Kyle Morris of The Unlikely Candidates On The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Music Industry
An Interview With Edward Sylvan
Always listen to new music and try to get into it. New sounds are exciting and will keep you sharp.
As a part of our series about rising music stars, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Kyle Morris, Co-Founder and Lead Singer of The Unlikely Candidates.
Formed as an acoustic duo in Fort Worth, TX by childhood friends Kyle Morris and Cole Male, The Unlikely Candidates have made a name for themselves as one of the most energetic Alt-Rock bands to take the stage. Best known for their 2019 hit “Novocaine,” The Unlikely Candidates have logged hundreds of miles on the road. Influenced by Led Zeppelin, OutKast, The Strokes, and many more, TUC are releasing their first full-length album, “Panther Island,” on May 20th.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
I grew up in a smallish town outside of Fort Worth, Texas. My mom worked as a regional manager at a big company that sold office products and my dad was a scuba diver who pulled golf balls out of ponds on courses. I was kind of a shy kid with a dramatic side — at least, that’s what all of my report cards said. I did pretty well in school, especially in English. I was a class clown and would get in trouble occasionally.
When I was younger, I thought I wanted to go into business like my mom. As I got older, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do — I just knew I didn’t want to work for a big company. Like most of the country, when the dot-com recession hit in the early 2000s, it really affected my family and community. I saw the idea of the 9–5, corporate job, go downhill with the housing bubble popping and The Great Recession coming in with full force. It really solidified my desire to stray from the corporate career journey.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
I loved music more than anything and connected to it deeply. I knew everything about all the bands I listened to. I also started going to local shows. I had only sung in the shower, but one night at a high school party I got drunk and sang a Green Day song with my friend Cole. I got such a high from it — playing in front of people and realizing I could possibly do what I’d seen other bands do at local shows.
At my first show, even though I was usually somewhat reserved, I was a natural at performing and fronting a band. That encouraged me even more. I decided to start a band with Cole, even though neither of us knew how to play or write music. I just knew I wanted to do this forever. We kept at it and, somehow, I’ve accomplished enough to be doing this interview now.
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
Our first SXSW showcase in a tiny venue. We had already had some traction on our first single Follow My Feet, so there were labels there scouting us. We killed the show and right after, we poured into the alley where every label was trying to talk to us. A few days later we flew to NYC, tried out for a few labels, and then were signed to Atlantic Records.
The Unlikely Candidates have since signed with Another Century, a subsidiary of Sony Music.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
We didn’t have a lot of money on our first tour so we didn’t get a chance to shower a lot. But it was our first tour — we were hyped up on tour life and living the rock and roll lifestyle. We were drinking and having a good time. We did a radio interview in a small room. During the interview, the DJ had to ask us to open the door because we all reeked of whiskey.
After that, we eased up on drinking a little and tried to find showers at fans houses more often.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
We just released our song “Sunshine,” which is the lead single to our first full-length album “Panther Island,” which drops May 20th and is available for pre-order now. We wrote most of it at home during the pandemic, so we had a lot of time to reflect and tweak stuff. We’re super excited about it!
The record is a kaleidoscopic landscape of genre and style that changes from song to song, a greatest hits of the sonic worlds the band has inhabited over the years. It turned out great and we can’t wait for our fans to hear it.
We are very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in film and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?
I think various viewpoints allow people to expand their minds to how other people think and feel. Not only does it make people more empathetic, but you can learn more about yourself and the world. Also, representation is important, kids seeing people like them in the media is a beautiful thing and makes them feel more included in the culture.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
Always listen to new music and try to get into it. New sounds are exciting and will keep you sharp.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
I’d want to push to destigmatize mental health and make resources more available to everyone. Mental health resources and opening up avenues to get help can save lives. Mental health awareness and creating more accessible ways for people to get support and open up will benefit a lot of people.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
Our manager, Patrick, is one of my best friends. His encouragement has pulled me out of many spirals. He’s been there through everything with us and we wouldn’t be where we are without him. All the trials and tribulations of being in the industry can be draining and having people like Patrick in your corner can make or break your career.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“Be nice to everyone, even to the people you don’t want to.” You have no idea where they have been or what they may be battling. It helps me empathize and understand people better.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)
Hmmm. Maybe Damon Albarn or Julian Casablancas. Murakami maybe. Basically, anyone whose art I like. Would be cool to see how their brains work.
How can our readers follow you online?
TikTok — @TheUnlikelyCandidates
Instagram — @TheUnlikelyCandidates
Facebook — @TheUnlikelyNews
Twitter — @TUCBand
This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!
Thank you!!
