Carla Morrison - “Te Regalo”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 9; Popularity Index: 10

Pairs Well With…Natalia Lafourcade, Mon Laferte, Ximena Sariñana

Carla Morrison specializes in lush, Mexican balladry, finding a sound both classic and sweetly atmospheric across her decade-plus career. At the center of Morrison’s music is her voice, a magnificent, sweeping instrument able to power with either the softest whispers or outward statements depending on what the song demands. Textured and dynamic, Morrison’s melodies float and wander, but do anchor themselves with ease to not lose the heart of her heavily emotive material. While soft and performing with intent throughout her whole catalog, Morrison’s latest, 2017’s Amor Supremo, is among her most bare, often accompanied by a lone guitar or piano to fully put the spotlight on her intoxicating and moving vocals. While Morrison is personally a new discovery, she’s hardly an underground find, building a huge following in Mexico and beyond, headlining festival stages and being the recipient of multiple Latin Grammys for Amor Supremo and her previous record Déjenme Llorar. Of note is Carla Morrison’s original SXSW gig, headlining the big Outdoor Stage as part of a Selena tribute that was meant to close out the could-have-been 2020 festival. (Kevin McStravick)