Morgan Myles - Naughty List Blues

Morgan Myles is a powerhouse vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for her stunning five-octave range and emotionally charged performances. After earning a Top 3 finish on NBC’s The Voice in 2022, she has continued to captivate audiences worldwide, amassing over 30 million social media views and receiving praise from Billboard, American Songwriter, and Rolling Stone. This year, Myles brings her soulful style to the holidays with two standout Christmas releases — the bluesy, cinematic “Naughty List Blues” and her reimagining of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” A relentless touring artist playing over 100 shows annually, she delivers a rare blend of vocal power, emotional depth, and authentic storytelling.

How did you come up with the idea for Naughty List Blues?

I actually wrote it for a movie pitch for the Violent Night sequel. I'm not sure if it made the cut, but I love that drama. I think it’s a clever spin for a Christmas song!

When you write a Christmas song, how is the creative process different from writing your regular material?

Christmas can be tough because it’s been done over and over again, so it’s hard to find a new avenue that hasn’t been touched before or you have to make it feel like a classic. I think you have to tap into the different stages of your life and how the holidays grow and change with you. To me that’s where you can find the true emotion and meaning of Christmas.

Can you talk about your version of Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree?

I absolutely love this song. I always have. All we need is that retro guitar lick at the top of the song and we already are in the spirit. I wanted to make it a little bit sexier because this is more about the adults enjoying the Christmas party in my version. We kept noting the Raising Sand Album by Alison Krauss and Robert Plant for production inspiration. It’s sultry with a grassroots vibe, which I think really takes the song in a different direction!

If you could do a duet with any artist on a Christmas song, who would you choose and why?

Hands down Andrea Bocelli. Honestly, I would sing anything with him. His voice is just transcendent. I remember being a little girl and crying to The Prayer that he did with Celine Dion. It’s imprinted on my soul forever.

Where do you feel your vocal power and intensity comes from?

It’s honestly all spiritual. Hopefully I can be a vessel to use my music to help people.

What does Christmas mean to you?

Christmas means slowing down long enough to feel God’s goodness again. It’s remembering where I’ve been, giving thanks for how far I’ve come, and trusting the path he’s still laying in front of me. It’s a season that softens my spirit, fills me with gratitude, and reminds me that hope is always being reborn.

Who are your favorite Blues performers? 

That is truly a tough one, but I would have to give it to Bonnie Raitt. For me, “Love Me Like a Man” was the very first song I learned how to play on guitar. I love how she still has great melodies and lyrics to go along with her insane guitar skills.

What do you hope listeners feel when they hear your Xmas songs this year?

Well, these two songs are quite different, lol! For “Naughty List Blues,” I hope they find some funny videos to do when loved ones are acting up, lol! For “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree,” I hope it makes them loosen up and dance and maybe find that mistletoe if they’re lucky. 

How do you want your Christmas music to be remembered in the years to come?

Well, there might be a full Christmas album coming. All I can say is I want it to have a classic gospel sound that will never go out of style. I want it to be nostalgic and create lasting memories for families for years to come.