Owensboro Musician in 14,000 Starbucks – All in One Day 

Not many Owensboro natives can say they’ve been in 14,000 Starbucks, especially in one day. One man can with no exaggeration. Owensboro native and ambient pop artist Nathan Morris is going where few have the opportunity to venture. As a Starbucks Barista, it was Nathan’s job to work at only one of those thousands of Starbucks. While he found making Frappuccinos relaxing, his real passion was his music. Like any aspiring artist, Nathan needed that day job to earn a few extra dollars. Now he can thank Starbucks for a new audience and more.

One day while working at Starbucks, Nathan thought to himself, “What if Starbucks sold my new CD?” Nathan had recently released his album, A Gentleman’s Closure. He was confident that it was Starbucks quality. As he was listening to the music playing overhead at Starbucks and browsing the variety of CDs they had for sale, he decided to make some calls. After being referred to several contacts, Nathan finally landed with Carrie Boyle, Starbucks Corporate Director of Entertainment Operation. Nathan’s first inquiry was rather bold: I’d like to sell my new CD in Starbucks everywhere.

            “Starbucks is a huge enterprise. Carrie compared me to artists like Radiohead and John Legend that contact her on a regular basis wanting placement,” explains Nathan. After a kindly forewarning Nathan of his chances, he immediately sent her his CD. Carrie was impressed. Around eight months of voicemails, calls, and e-mails passed. Nathan was told that Starbucks wouldn’t be able to sell A Gentleman’s Closure in their stores. He then asked if he could be on the overhead play on Starbucks Radio. Shortly after, Carrie called Nathan with some good news, “You are going overhead. Not just in a few Starbucks, how does 14,000 Starbucks in the U.S. and Canada sound, Nathan?”

            “I’ve had radio play in random cities and even overseas. Starbucks is a place where people share special moments with their friends and family. A song that means so much to me will be playing as this happens and it is amazing,” describes Nathan.

This is an amazing experience for us at Tripodder.com too. We’ve been following Nathan’s career and sharing it with listeners. Tripodder.com becomes the first media outlet anywhere to break this story on our podcast channel. You can listen to this full interview on Tripodder.com where Bonner Fuller, another indie artist from the Tri-State, also joins Nathan in the studio to accompany him in performing Nathan’s “Closure,” which thousands of people are hearing every day.

            In some cities where Starbucks seem to outnumber stoplights, people will say they can’t go two blocks without hearing Nathan’s music. “I would love to have that as a potential complaint,” laughs Nathan. No is complaining so far. When we interview Nathan, the song has been overheard in Starbucks for only one day and he has already received e-mails from Michigan, Oregon, and his hometown from people telling him that they like his music.

Nathan is encouraging his fans to film themselves as they hear his song on video and send reports through You Tube and Myspace. A fellow Barista, Jamie, was one of the first to take Nathan up on the offer. Jamie was thrilled to hear his song playing and she quickly grabbed her camera and filmed herself in a back office of an unknown Starbucks location. She points to the digital display on the Starbucks Radio saying, “Can you see your name right there and hear your song, Nathan?”

            There are several ways to listen to Starbucks radio in addition to overhead. “You can listen on your iPod Touch, iPhone, or even through an internet connection while you’re in many Starbucks,” explains Nathan. With the element of iTunes, listeners can purchase Nathan’s track as they are listening.

 Not only is this a big compliment to Nathan's talent, but also to a company which is taking the time to recognize the talent of one of its own employees. “It is huge to know that they took the time to recognize one little me. Kudos to Starbucks,” says Nathan.

            And Kudos to Nathan as he uses the spotlight to inspire his fans and audiences. “I’m always telling people you can do anything you want to do in this life. Encourage and help those you meet along the way with your passion and your gifts. Love others, they will love you back, and in return good things will happen.”

            In addition, Nathan recently contributed another track to benefit compilation album released by Save.org, the nation’s longest running suicide prevention hotline. Nathan’s track “Close Like Me” appeared with music by artists like Lisa Loeb and Joanne Cash (featuring Johnny Cash). Proceeds go to raise awareness for suicide prevention. “This is why I do what I do. To help spread the word about something so powerful. My voice is very little, but with all the screaming we can make some noise for a great cause,” says Nathan.

            You can purchase Hope, Volume One and A Gentleman’s Closure by visiting www.NathanMorrisOnline.com or myspace.com/NathanMorris. While you’re at it, please visit Tripodder’s Myspace page at Myspace.com/tripodder, and add us as a friend, won’t you? After all, as Nathan says, “It never hurts to ask.” Just look at what asking has done for Nathan thus far.