Meet Lee ‘Sonnyboy’ Morgan [pictured right] from the Gunditjmara Kirrae Whurrong clan from the southwest of Victoria. His solo career and vivacious guitar strung tunes embrace a new phase in soulful country rock music.

Best known to One Movement’s audiences as winner of the 2009 Australian Indigenous Music Scholarship (AIMS), Lee has performed and appeared on many albums as a guitar-gun for hire with some of Australia’s legendary musical talents including Shane Howard, Archie Roach, Rubie Hunter, Jessica Mauboy, Dean Geyer and The Mary G Show.

This amazing guitarist has found a voice of his own and has stepped out to forge a solo career. Shane Howard of Goanna says of Lee: “Talented, generous and respectful, he honors the legacy of his Aboriginal heritage. He is an exceptionally gifted guitar player, live or in the studio.”

‘Sonnyboy’ is a childhood nickname given to Lee by his elders that carries the teaching and memories of spending time out on the Framlingham mission as a boy. He continues the storytelling that was inspired by his indigenous grandfather, the great Banjo Clarke (Wisdom Man) that we all share the land we walk on as outlined on his anthemic track, ‘Reconciliation Song’.

Morgan has recently headed into Sing Sing studios to record his latest album, with Producer, Kerryn Tolhurst and Producer/Engineer Mick Wordley due to be released in 2011. Meanwhile Lee is promoting his newly released album, ‘Feed Me Your Song’ a mix of honest lyrics and meaty guitar riffs to create a revolutionary blend of soulful country rock.

The response to Lee has been outstanding with him astonishing audiences with his energetic show, playing at venues and festivals across Melbourne and Australia. The highlights being ‘Dirtsong’ - A collaboration of The Black Arm Band with special guests Paul Kelly and Jimmy Barnes as part of The Melbourne International Arts Festival, The Dreaming Festival at Woodford and being proclaimed the winner of the AIMS 2009 Scholarship at the One Movement Music Festival in Perth.

In 2011, Lee heads to the United States to accompany 65 Amps and Trussart Guitars, where he will perform in California (NAMM Guitar Show) and various performances at a multitude of venues with some of music legendary guitarists.

Coupled with live performance and session work, Lee teaches guitar and is a mentor to many aspiring young musicians, as well as some already established Australian artists. He’s involved in the St Kilda Youth Service, where Lee shares his passion of music to inspire indigenous and non-indigenous students in the art of songwriting, song creation and the healing vibration of music.

Chris Lambie of Forte Magazine wrote of Lee’s performance at the Apollo Bay Festival: “Lee Morgan – Grandson of ‘Wisdom Man’ Uncle Banjo Clarke, this ‘master shredder’ has nothing to do with Ninja Turtles. Morgan’s rockin’ band did well to keep up with his blistering guitar work. Word-of-mouth had spread by Sunday arvo and the packed pub crowd was blown away.”

Ahead of the call for entries to the 2010 Australian Indigenous Music Scholarship (AIMS) - facilitated online by Sonicbids, at no cost to entrants - One Movement Word caught up with 2009’s AIMS winner, Lee Morgan.

What’s your favourite song of all time, Lee?

I don’t actually have one but one from my childhood that touches my heart is ‘The Darkest Hour is Just Before Dawn‘ by Emily Lou Harris and Ricky Skaggs [live footage from 1988 embedded below]. It has an absolutely beautiful old gospel feel and done in a very roots and blue grass style.

Favourite musical moment of 2010 so far?

My own show at Thornbury Town Hall, Victoria. There was big love in the room & the band was cooking and everything went to plan.

You’re a musician. Why? What compels you?

I love it the feeling I get when creating, performing and sharing music.

Favourite song of 2010 so far?

Brad Paisley - ‘Welcome to The Future‘ [music video embedded below] because of the subject matter and guitar tone. This song makes me feel great when I hear it, melody, structure - it’s all there.

How did you become involved with the 2009 AIMS Program?

Through Victoria Arts. They always send emails out to musos about such programs. I applied and got through.

What did you get out of the experience?

I got to travel, perform at One Movement, I gained a new album which I’m currently recording, got to work with different producers and engineers whom I respect and had loads of fun along the way.

Any advice for 2010 AIMS hopefuls?

Get 3 or 4 songs that you wish to perform and rehearse the hell out of them until you know them backwards. Plug into your amp, step up to the mic and press ‘go’.

Favourite music video of all time?

I don’t have one but I remember when Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller‘ first hit the screen [music video embedded below]. It was amazing and the concept was new at the time and very groundbreaking. What a great song- check that groove!

Finally, what’s next for you, Lee?

To finish my current album, work hard, save money and head to Nashville and strut my stuff there.

Thanks for your time, Lee.

To visit Lee ‘Sonnyboy’ Morgan on MySpace, click here. For more information on the 2010 Australian Indigenous Music Scholarship, click here. Entries close Monday, September 6, 2010, so be quick!