R&B Singer Morgan Taylor Isn’t Looking Back with New Single “Outside (That’s PeriodT)”

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There’s a time for looking back. For R&B singer Morgan Taylor, it’s all about moving forward.

In her new R&B single, “Outside That’s PeriodT,” Morgan wants the world to know that “Imma still do me.” And nothing is going to hold her down.

The song starts with what sounds like keyboards recorded backwards, evoking the love she is leaving in the past. But with the first line, the beat drops and she makes it clear that she has no plans of moving backwards herself, singing, “I can say I love you / But I really don’t.”

Morgan explains the song as follows: “Well, ‘Outside That’s PeriodT’  is that 90s early 2000s vibe, nostalgic feeling. It’s about being in the cuffing season in the winter and fall, and then when you hit summer…you outside. By yourself…loving on yourself and doing you.”

Just like “Outside That’s PeriodT” is an anthem for moving on, Morgan Taylor doesn’t like to stay in one place. Based in St. Louis, she recently completed a degree at Boston’s Berklee College of Music. She recorded “Outside That’s PeriodT” at the Atlanta Sound Factory, where she has worked with a production and writing team including Jeremiah AdkinsAmore Jones, Gavin Gray, and Xavier (Eks) Hayes.

Morgan’s rise has been moving at a rapid pace. With a handful of early singles beginning in 2020, Morgan broke through in early 2025 with her debut EP. This concept project traces the arc of a relationship from first spark to heartbreak. It resonated with fans, racking up more than 1.5 million streams.

As those numbers suggest, Morgan’s audience is growing fast. Her YouTube channel alone jumped from just over 300 subscribers to more than 8,500 in the past year. Her fans there praise her throwback R&B sound and powerhouse vocals.

For Morgan Taylor, though, it’s more than numbers. In addition to her deep admiration for classic R&B, including the great singers like Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, Morgan sees herself as a voice for her generation. Her songs particularly speak to young women, in a way that is both confessional and empowering.

As Morgan says, “It's about recognizing your own value and having the bravery or the courage to want something better. I want to create a community where young women can celebrate themselves.”

“Outside (That’s PeriodT)” is a teaser for big things coming. The single will be the lead single on a new EP due in early 2026. And with plans for a college tour and live performances in St. Louis and beyond, Morgan is eager to showcase her dynamic voice and performance style, and to make closer contact with her fans.

In other words, Morgan Taylor isn’t just outside, and she isn’t just moving on. She’s moving up.

Stream “Outside (That’s PeriodT)” everywhere now. Follow Morgan Taylor at the links below:

Highonmorgan.com
YouTube
Instagram
TikTok
Spotify
Facebook
X
Apple Music

Photo Credit: Jeremy Braggs

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Exclusive Interview with McKell

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Artist Spotlight: McKell

Taking influence from The Notorious B.I.G.’s storytelling and Foxy Brown’s cadence, to Jodeci’s style with Nicki Minaj’s epic flows and deliveries, McKell tries hone his craft by creating catchy hooks and melodies, writing a song from start to finish, and finding a way to have all elements exist within a song harmoniously.

Our conversation with McKell takes us inside the mind of a creative powerhouse — and what continues to inspire them.
 
PapersPlanes: How do you typically move from an initial idea to a finished piece of work?

McKell: 
An idea can come from anywhere—hearing a beat, a conversation, or even random lyrics that get stuck in my head. My process really depends on that starting point. If I hear a beat that inspires me, I’ll get it and start writing right away. If it begins with lyrics I can’t shake, I’ll record them first and then connect with a producer to build a beat around my vocals. From there, I keep shaping the track until it feels complete.

PapersPlanes: What part of the creative process do you find most challenging?

McKell: 
One of the most challenging parts of my creative process is that it’s never the same thing every time. Sometimes it’s finding a beat that really speaks to me. Other times, it’s taking longer than I’d like to write lyrics I’m fully satisfied with. There are also moments when finding the right feature for a track can be difficult. It really varies from project to project—there’s no single challenge that defines the process for me.

PapersPlanes: Have there been any recent shifts in the way you think about your sound or style?

McKell: 
Not in any forced or deliberate way—it’s more of an organic evolution. I don’t overthink my sound or try to shape it too intentionally. It naturally develops through inspiration, life experiences, and staying open-minded. As I grow, the music grows with me.

PapersPlanes: What influences your decisions when experimenting with new musical ideas?

McKell: 
My decisions when experimenting with new ideas are driven by whatever sparks something in the moment. It can be as simple as a word I like the sound of, a flow or melody from an older song, or even a random social media video where someone says something witty that sticks with me. Inspiration can come from the most unexpected places, and I try to stay open to all of it.

PapersPlanes: What skills have become more important to you as your career has progressed?

McKell: 
Patience has become one of the most important skills for me as my career has progressed. Things don’t always move as quickly as I’d like. Creating a strong body of work is one challenge, but getting it in front of the right audience is another. There are times when you’re ready to perform but don’t have many opportunities locally, or you’re waiting for momentum to build before the right people take notice. It’s taught me to stay consistent, trust the process, and keep pushing forward regardless of timing.   

PapersPlanes: How do you evaluate which opportunities are worth pursuing?

McKell: 
I try to be intentional about the opportunities I pursue. Sometimes it’s obvious when something isn’t genuine—like when a proposal leans more on flattery than real value. In those cases, I take a step back. Other times, I’ll run it by people I trust, do my research, and see what kind of track record is there. And beyond all that, I trust my instincts—if something doesn’t feel right, I don’t force it.

PapersPlanes: What aspects of your latest project feel most representative of where you are now?

McKell: 
This project feels like a true reflection of where I am right now—it’s upbeat, witty, and full of positive energy, while still expressing my thoughts and emotions with clarity. That balance really represents who I am as a person, and it’s the same mindset I try to hold onto, even on days when things feel off.

PapersPlanes: Were there any unexpected challenges that shaped the final outcome?

McKell: 
There weren’t any major or unexpected challenges behind the scenes. The only real change was with a feature—I initially had a different artist lined up for one of the tracks, but their vocals never came through, so I ended up bringing someone else onto the record. Aside from that, the process was pretty smooth overall.
 
PapersPlanes: How do you maintain a connection with listeners as your work evolves?

McKell: 
I’d say I’m still in the process of building that connection as more people discover my music. My goal is for listeners to hear something they genuinely connect with and want to keep coming back to. I touch on a wide range of topics and try to offer a bit of everything, so different people can find something that resonates with them.

PapersPlanes: What role do listeners play in motivating you to continue creating?

McKell: 
It’s always a great feeling when someone tells me they enjoy my music, recites lyrics back to me, or shares how much they relate to it. That kind of connection is a big motivator for me. I love the idea of putting a smile on someone’s face or having them nodding along, windows down, listening while they drive. Moments like that remind me why I create in the first place.
 

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