Fame and fortune. Those two words have sparked the imaginations and dreams of millions. But in order for one to fulfill their dreams, there must be a plan of action. Senior Jacob Morris has just that. When he is not participating in theater here at Perry, or worrying about school work, Morris enjoys songwriting and playing his guitar.

Morris had the opportunity to record three original songs in early January of this year. Recording in a professional studio is just one more step toward his goal of becoming a professional musician.

“[Being able to record] was so cool, to finally have some studio experience for something that I want to do later in life,” Morris explained. “It has given me some insight on what goes into a studio and how the whole process works. Doing it was a blast.”

Many people think recording music can only happen in places like Hollywood, but Morris had the opportunity to record in a local recording studio.

“I recorded with Eric Coakley. He has had the studio for [19] years and he gave me a really cool opportunity to come into his studio.” Morris continued reflected that “it was my first time going into a studio anywhere and he gave me that opportunity to come in and record. [Coakley] has really helped me out in getting [the album] released.”

Upon seeing him perform, Coakley knew that Morris had potential.
“I was able to see him perform in the various acts that Perry does throughout the years. I was impressed by his wide range of talents from acting and singing. Jacob is my first country oriented artist, [and] he is the real deal”

Recording in a studio takes much time and effort, both for those that run the studio and the artists themselves.

Coakley explained that to record, “you have to come in and work in a way that once [the music] is captured and presented to the world, that people can feel what it is that you are trying to transpire in your music. That is a very tough thing to do, but Jacob seems to make that process look easy, as most talented people do.”

Morris was able to incorporate several talented Perry students into the production of his album. One such student is senior Pablo Bastidas, a drummer and member of the Perry jazz band.

Bastidas commented, “Jacob is just a really really talented guy. He’s really charismatic and has a lot going for him. If he does it right, he has a good career ahead of himself. I’m super excited for him.”

Morris’ album, Reap What You Sow, features three original songs and was released on Thursday February 19. His songs can be purchased on music sites such as iTunes, Spotify, and SoundCloud.

“[The lead single is called] ‘Southern Time’. It has a really cool back porch acoustic feel. I had some help from some Perry students with some back up vocals for [a song called ‘No Sympathy’] That’s a good ballad. [The last song is] a fully acoustic song called ‘The Raven,’ which is kind of a country rock jam.”

Coakley commented that Morris “is the kind of person that the world would accept as a true talent. I think he still has a lot of music in that needs to come out.”

As he prepares for the future, Morris agrees with Coakley.

“I’m planning on majoring in music and minoring in business in college. I do want to stick with music and I’m hoping to continue with performing. I want to study composition and being able to write music better. Music is definitely my main goal after high school.”

Although the future is full of uncharted territory, Morris is excited for his journey in fulfilling his dream: playing the music he loves for the people he loves.