Gene Morrissey was born and raised North London. Starting to play guitar at age seven, Gene grew up on a diet of 60s and 70s singer/songwriters like Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen. These artists helped to ultimately inspire Gene's own songwriting style, which has come to be defined by a mix of observation and introspection. In 2022 Gene Morrissey began regularly performing at open mic rights around London. Since that time Gene has played gigs at venues such as The Dublin Castle, The Finsbury, The Other Palace, The Camden Club, as well as iconic Glasgow venues such as McChuills and The Old Hairdressers, and The Pen Factory and Freidriks in Liverpool. In April of 2024 Gene also made an appearance on Subcity Radio playing an hour of live music for the stations "Subcity Sessions" series.
July 2023 saw the release of Gene Morrissey's debut EP "Wrong Shade Of Green." The release was preceded by one single, the projects opening track Crucify Yourself, a bitingly witty exploration of self-hatred, backed by a driving folk-rock instrumental. The rest of the four song EP takes on a gentler tone, detailing themes of love, heartbreak and alienation amidst the everyday routines of life. The EP was recorded almost entirely within the walls of Gene's bedroom, making the most of limited equipment. Every instrument aside from the drums played by Gene, and the project was also self-produced and released independently. The release was celebrated with a triumphant launch party at The Camden Club.
As well as his own music, Gene Morrissey has lent his skills as a musicians too many exciting projects. As part of the Roundhouse Music Collective Gene was called upon to play guitar for "Guy Garvey's Finest Hour at The Roundhouse" In April of 2023 a bringing to the stage of Guy Garvey's 6 Music radio show. The sold out show featured Guy Garvey performing an eclectic mix of covers, as well as guest appearances from an array of amazing artists including Corinne Bailey Rae, Kathrine Priddy and Jessica Hoop. The Roundhouse Collective (a group of talented young musicians under 25 brought together by the Roundhouse) also performed two original songs written by the groups members at this concert, and together performed at various events over the course of the projects year long cycle, including The Great Escape Festival 2023.
Since the release of Wrong Shade Of Green in 2023, Gene has been working hard on new music, new directions, and new inspirations, with many exciting ideas for the future.
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