Joe Morgan: The Influences, Stories, and Sound Behind Tattered Sons

Joe Morgan, guitarist for Tattered Sons, joins Press Play Radio Conversations to talk about the band’s sound, the influences that shaped their music, and the stories behind their songs. From classic rock and heavy metal to Southern rock and jazz, Joe describes a musical background that is as diverse as the band’s sound.

Tattered Sons immediately draws from a wide range of influences. The band’s music carries elements of KISS, Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, Rush, and Southern rock, creating a sound that feels familiar while still having its own identity. Joe agrees that the band’s influences are diverse, explaining that much of what musicians create naturally reflects the music they listen to and draw inspiration from.

One of the most interesting stories surrounding the band’s music involves “Shine.” Joe explains that the song’s opening guitar part came from the original guitarist’s warmup and picking exercise. The story reminded the hosts of similar moments in rock history, including the famous opening riff of Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” which also developed from a guitar exercise. For Joe, it is another example of how memorable songs can sometimes emerge from unexpected musical moments.

The band’s ability to create songs that connect with listeners is something Joe clearly values. During the conversation, he describes seeing people in front of the stage singing Tattered Sons songs back to the band as one of the most gratifying experiences a musician can have. He calls the experience both “gratifying and very humbling,” especially knowing that the band created something people connected with.

Tattered Sons has also earned recognition for its music. Joe confirms that “Shine” received a Song of the Year award for a rock duo or group at the 2024 Josie Music Awards.

The band’s recording experience has also helped shape its approach. Joe talks about working with producer Anthony Esposito, describing the experience as one of the greatest parts of making the EP. Esposito encouraged the musicians to find their own solutions rather than simply telling them what to play. During the recording of “Shine,” he challenged the band to change a section, stepped away, and returned to hear what they had created.

Joe’s own musical taste goes well beyond the hard rock and metal influences that are immediately recognizable in Tattered Sons. When asked what music he might be embarrassed to admit he loves, he says his taste is so diverse that it is difficult to choose something embarrassing. He instead points to his deep appreciation for jazz, specifically mentioning Dave Weckl and Chick Corea, music he can listen to for an entire day depending on his mood.

Joe also shares his love for Queensrÿche’s Operation: Mindcrime, calling it one of his favorite albums of all time. He remembers discovering Queensrÿche while stationed with the Army in Germany, picking up Rage for Order simply because the artwork caught his attention. After listening to it and realizing how much he enjoyed the band, he returned to the record store and bought everything he could find by Queensrÿche.

Looking ahead, Tattered Sons already has more music in the works. Joe says the band has several songs that need to be recorded and released, including “Rebel Sun,” which he is particularly excited to record. While the band has enough material for another project, Joe recognizes that the current music industry has shifted toward releasing individual singles on a regular schedule rather than immediately putting out full albums.

For Tattered Sons, the goal remains centered on creating music that feels familiar while still offering something new. With influences ranging from Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath to Rush, Southern rock, Queensrÿche, and jazz, Joe Morgan and the band continue to build a sound rooted in the music they love while creating songs that connect with audiences on their own terms.