Aiming High

"So many people are under the impression that musicians become an overnight success but it's a long, slow road for many," - Lee Morgan

For Lee Morgan, that road began at age 11. Born on Framlingham Aboriginal mission in South-Western Victoria, Lee's love of music has helped him forge a 17-year career as a guitarist, singer and songwriter.

He's worked and toured with legendary Australian acts including Midnight Oil, Weddings, Parties, Anything and Yothu Yindi as well as artists like Archie Roach and Paul Kelly. Lee is also a successful recording artist in his own right, producing energetic and highly honest material.

Before long, Lee came to the attention of Arts Victoria. Since 2008, he has successfully applied for funding through a range of funding programs designed to support him on his musical journey.

Lee explains, "Having the support of a network of people and financial assistance has been such a positive driver for my career."

To assist with his professional development, Lee received funding through the Indigenous Travel and Professional Development Fund to attend the 2008 Big Sound music summit in Brisbane and in 2009 he received support to attend Sydney's AustralAsian Music Business Conference.

In 2009 Lee also received a Music Career Building grant through Victoria Rocks which supported the recording of his latest solo album, Sonny Boy.

Top of his class

Lee has already made great professional inroads, but his attendance at Perth's One Movement for Music (OMFM) conference in October really helped to boost his career.

Held from October 17-18, OMFM is one of the biggest music expos in the Southern Hemisphere, drawing industry professionals from around the globe. It includes a showcase performance of finalists competing for the Australian Indigenous Music Scholarship (AIMS), a highly sought after scholarship which includes a recording contract and distribution deal.

After qualifying as the Victorian finalist for the AIMS, Lee headed to Perth, again with support from the Indigenous Travel and Professional Development Fund.

Lee and the other AIMS finalists performed for a select panel of judges at OMFM, including Alan Pigram of the Pigram Brothers, Shane Howard of Goanna Music and Rhoda Roberts, Artistic Director of The Dreaming Festival.

Ultimately, Lee took the top prize. He will join the roster at Skinnyfish Music (home to Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu and the Saltwater Band, June Mills and Tom E. Lewis), with an album release through MGM Distribution.

"Winning the AIMS showcase will allow me the opportunity to work with a producer, to collaborate on ideas and input, and give me a greater scope for getting my music out there," Lee said.

"It's very encouraging on a personal level, as it's recognition that you are heading in the right direction and being rewarded for your persistence."

AIMS judge Rhonda Roberts was so impressed by Lee's performance that she has invited him to perform at the 2010 Dreaming Festival, and it looks like he will be heading to the United States for his next recording session.

It may well be a long, slow road to success, but it looks like Lee has finally arrived.