Morgan John Evans (born 24 April 1985) is an Australian country music singer and songwriter, known for his heartfelt lyrics and dynamic performances.
He first gained recognition with his "Self-titles" debut album in 2014, which peaked at number 20 on the ARIA Albums Chart. International success followed with his 2017 hit "Kiss Somebody" and his 2018 album "Things That We Drink To", which won the ARIA Award for Best Country Album in 2019. Evans' music, featuring chart-topping singles and emotionally raw songwriting, has resonated with fans globally, amassing over 800 million streams. His 2022 "Life Upside Down" EP, written during a period of personal upheaval, highlighted his vulnerability, with tracks like "Over for You" going viral. His global tours and sold-out shows, including two performances at the iconic Sydney Opera House in 2023, have cemented his status as one of Australia’s top country artists. He is currently working on his next album, set for release in 2025, which reflects his journey of resilience and optimism.
Life and career
1985–2010: Early life and career
Evans was born on 24 April 1985 in Newcastle, New South Wales.[1] He has a younger sister, Jane, and a younger brother, Tom, who is also a musician playing bass guitar.[2] At the age of 13, Evans performed his first gig.[3] While attending Warners Bay High School he was in a local rock trio, Extortion, which won a state high school band competition, Youthrock, in 2002.[2] Extortion were later renamed Solver.[2] As of 2006, Evans provided lead vocals and guitar in the group, his brother Tom was on bass guitar and a friend, Nicholas Cook, was the drummer.[2] The band won Artist of the Year and Best Rock Act at the MusicOZ Awards of 2006.[3]
In 2007, Evans won the Road to Tamworth competition and for his prize he flew to Nashville to record a single.[3] He was signed to Sony BMG and released his debut single "Big Skies", in September 2007.[4] The title track received airplay on Australian country music radio stations.[3]
Evans toured with Brooks & Dunn, Gary Allan, Shannon Noll, Adam Harvey and was personally selected by Taylor Swift to open for her first Australian tour.[3]
2012–2016: Debut studio album
In January 2012, Evans released his debut EP, Live Each Day, through Warner Music Australasia. This was followed in August that year by a second EP, While We're Young. He was named the New Oz Artist of the Year at the 2013 CMC Music Awards.[5]
Evans released a self-titled debut studio album in March 2014, which peaked at number 20 on the ARIA Albums Chart.[6] At the 2014 CMC Music Awards he won the Oz Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year and Best Australian Video of the Year.[7] His track, "Like a Tornado", was short-listed for the Vanda and Young Songwriting Competition of 2014.[8]
He hosted the CMC Music Awards for three consecutive years, from 2015 to 2017.[9] He is the 2016 Country Music Association Global Artist of the Year and has won five fan voted Country Music Channel Awards, including Male Artist of the Year.[citation needed]
2017–2020: Things That We Drink To
Following his relocation to Nashville, Evans signed with Warner Music Nashville in May 2017, which led to the release of his debut US single, "Kiss Somebody".[10]
Evans released a single, "I Do", on 8 December 2017. He explained via Instagram that it was written "about his girlfriend, recorded it about my fiancée, releasing it about my wife" Kelsea Ballerini, whom he married on 2 December 2017 in Mexico.[11] In August, Evans released his third EP titled, Morgan Evans EP. Evan's second studio album, Things That We Drink To, was released in October 2018.[12]
On 8 November 2019, Evans released the single "Diamonds" which he said is a love song written for Ballerini.[13] At the global APRA Awards in March 2020, Evans won Outstanding International Achievement Award.[14]
2021–2024: The Country and the Coast and Life Upside Down + Live at the Sydney Opera House
In September 2021, Evans announced the release of the EP The Country and the Coast (Side A).
In September 2022, Evans performed a new song titled "Over for You" at the CMC Rocks QLD Festival. The song was written in response to Evans' divorce from Ballerini, and the heartbreak he experienced.[15][16] Evans later shared on his Instagram that the song had been written only three weeks earlier and the show performance was only the second time he had played the song.[17] A studio version of "Over for You" was released on 17 October 2022.[18][19]
In April 2023, Evans released his Life Upside Down EP.[20] The EP features five tracks that showcase Evans' path to finding a light in the dark.[21] A new collection of songs completely authentic to the timing of recent events in his life, Evans describes the release as a "journey through unexpected heartbreak, self-rediscovery, new beginnings and a newfound gratitude for the present moment."[22] Additionally, Evans reached another career milestone with a triumphant return to Australia for two sold-out performances at the iconic Sydney Opera House.
In April 2024, Evans released his first live album, titled Live at the Sydney Opera House.[23]
These shows captured the magic of the event, offering fans a chance to experience Evans’ electrifying live presence. The album includes standout tracks from ‘Life Upside Down,’ alongside collaborations with legendary Australian artist John Williamson. "The Opera House shows were really special," Evans says. "There was this feeling in the room, like we all knew it was going to be one of those nights you don’t forget—and it was! It felt like more than just a show; it was a real moment. One I’m grateful to have shared with my Aussie fans and to have captured on record to last forever. The Live at the Sydney Opera House has become a testament to Evans’ growth as an artist and performer. From the intimate moments of songs like “Over For You” to the high-energy crowd favourites like “Day Drunk,” the live album showcases the full range of his musical and emotional depth.
2024–Present: New Music Coming
As Evans continues to evolve, he’s already hard at work on his next album, which is set to be released in 2025. The project promises to bring a fresh sound and perspective, building on the themes of vulnerability and optimism that have defined his recent work. Fans can expect more of the heartfelt storytelling that has become Evans’ signature, combined with the energetic, uplifting spirit that defines his live performances. "It’s been a hell of a ride these last couple of years. Life’s tested me in ways I never saw coming, and this album feels like me working through all of it. At its core, it’s about resilience, going back to your roots, and remembering who you are and what really matters in life." With new music on the horizon, Morgan Evans is poised to continue his rise as one of country music’s most exciting and dynamic artists. His ability to balance chart-topping hits with personal storytelling has earned him a dedicated global fanbase, and as he enters this new phase of his career, the future looks brighter than ever.
The Country Music Awards of Australia (CMAA) (also known as the Golden Guitar Awards) is an annual awards night held in January during the Tamworth Country Music Festival, celebrating recording excellence in the Australian country music industry. They have been held annually since 1973.[78]
"I Do": Wallace, Ian (25 December 2017). "Week Commencing ~ 25th December 2017 ~ Issue #1452"(PDF). The ARIA Report (1452). Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA): 4, 9, 16, 21. Archived from the original(PDF) on 25 December 2017. Retrieved 17 January 2018.
^"My Mixtape: Vanda and Young Shortlist". Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) | Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (AMCOS). 10 December 2014. Archived from the original on 9 April 2019. Retrieved 6 January 2018.
