Stephanie Morton-Small
Lyricist & Songwriter
“I am a lyricist. I explore the expanse and depths of my awareness eliciting compelling perspectives, vivid imagery and powerful metaphors to illuminate my brightest and deepest emotions and experiences. I hope that these songs resonate with people and evoke a feeling of connection, and perhaps for some souls, provide solace on their own journey in life.”
Stephanie Morton-Small
SONGS
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NOT YOUR TIME
Had I only ever written one song, it would be this one.
“Not Your Time” is a window to a specific moment when I wanted to let go of life. My inner light fading, I felt a profound sense of pointlessness to life itself. At the very moment of wanting to leave this world, I clearly heard the words in the air: “This is not your time…”
The first lyrics I wrote depicted my experience of that otherworldly, surreal moment right on the edge of my intent:
“The world falls silent colors fade,
Angels listen and the sky turns gray,
The ultimate test of will,
In this moment time stands still.”The crescendo of the final chorus, exhales the magnitude of that moment through the convergence of my voice: “I hear the words,” the ethereal voice: “Not your time,” with my quandary, when I came much later to write this song, encapsulated in the most vulnerable, honest line I have ever written: “Will I write I found strength, will I write it comes again, will I write it comes again sometimes.”
In vulnerability lies strength and a transcendent source of growth. Sharing our most vulnerable experiences is a powerful form of connection, one filled with compassion and empathy; a gesture which says “you are not alone.”
“Not Your Time” is my ultimate legacy. Yes, had I only ever written one song, it had to be this one.
Lyrics by Stephanie Morton-Small, Topanga Canyon, California. April 2021.
Music by Cassandra Howell.
Recorded by Cass Eager.
Single released October 18, 2024. -
IF LOVE IS MONEY
“If Love Is Money” is my signature song. It is the realization of my self-worth, giving myself all the love that I need and not accepting relationships that offer less than I deserve. The metaphor of love and money powerfully denotes “costs” paid in my past vs “self-sufficient source of wealth” - my love for myself.
“If Love Is Money” is particularly significant to me as although far from being my first song, it was in the moment that I finished writing these lyrics that I first truly recognized myself as a songwriter - poignant considering the core of this song is about self respect.
Lyrics by Stephanie Morton-Small, Topanga Canyon, California. June 2021.
Music by Cassandra Howell.
Recorded by Cass Eager.
Released on “Modern History” album February 24, 2024. -
WINNING MOST LOSING YOU
I wrote “Winning Most Losing You” reflecting with the clarity of hindsight. By letting go of a difficult relationship I opened the door to my dreams and an incredible new chapter of my life. So often painful closure masks, yet also signals, a beautiful new beginning. “Sometimes the prize comes in disguise” and now “The stars can watch me shine”.
Lyrics by Stephanie Morton-Small, Topanga Canyon, California. October 2022.
Music by Cassandra Howell.
Recorded by Cass Eager.
Single released April 29, 2024. -
SINGING OUT LOUD
Cass wrote the first version of “Singing Out Loud” as a birthday gift for me. Having initially written it inflight, she realised while waiting at the baggage carousel that she had lost it when she had shut down her laptop. So she wrote a new version right there and then in Tom Bradley Terminal at LAX and sang it to me that very evening, my birthday. It was the best birthday present ever! We added more lyrics for the rest of the song together and recorded it a few days later in studio. This song is about us, our friendship and fun times we have together especially driving down the canyon and PCH - “Singing out loud with the top down…”
Lyrics by Cassandra Howell, LAX Baggage Carousel, California & Stephanie Morton-Small, Topanga Canyon, California. November 2023
Music by Cassandra Howell & William Lefler.
Recorded by Cass Eager.
Single released August 23, 2024. -
SEVEN IN YOUR HEAVEN
“Seven in your Heaven” is inspired by differences between two people in a couple and how each person elevates the other to their best self. The defining lyric of this song is: “The best of us is the both of us”.
I had fun writing this song using retro and cultural references, combining two elements and their greater unison as a euphemism for a well-matched relationship: “I’m the five in your four, studio”, “I’m the queen in your game, casino”… “I’m the quake that’ll shake your status quo.”
Lyrics by Stephanie Morton-Small, Topanga Canyon, California. January 2021.
Music by Cassandra Howell.
Recorded by Cass Eager.
Single released July 3, 2024. -
HOT MESS
Cass and I wrote the lyrics of “Hot Mess” together. It began one morning when Cass was driving along in Byron Bay buzzing on a lyric in her head - “less smooth more gritty, more ugly less pretty”. On a video call an hour later, we hooked onto the title “Hot Mess”, and in 20 minutes bouncing off each other, laughing hysterically, we came up with the entire song. This was so much fun to write. The direction Cass took the music is fantastic, I love the funky swagger organ by Lachy Doley! “Hot Mess” - we’ve all been there!
Lyrics by Stephanie Morton-Small, Topanga Canyon, California & Cassandra Howell, Byron Bay, Australia. November 2023.
Music by Cassandra Howell & William Lefler.
Recorded by Cass Eager.
Single released June 7, 2024. -
BREATHLESS
“Breathless” is intensely personal. It captures desire, longing and sensual, stolen moments. This song manifested its own memory - a soundtrack I haven't forgotten.
Lyrics by Stephanie Morton-Small, Topanga Canyon, California & Namibia. May & October 2020.
Music by Cassandra Howell & William Lefler.
Recorded by Cass Eager.
Released on “Modern History” album February 24, 2024. -
SWITCHBACK
The lyrics of “Switchback” are the first song lines that I ever wrote and it is the song that galvanized me to become a songwriter. It is inspired by the switchbacks of Tuna Canyon Road, the irrepressible memories of a recent relationship and driving away from that person after our last encounter. The song’s metaphor alludes to glimpsing back at the past, the way one sees the road one has travelled at the apex of the mountain bend, as I recall how I was drawn back time and time again before finally moving on.
Lyrics by Stephanie Morton-Small, Tuna Canyon Road & Topanga Canyon, California. March 2020.
Music by Cassandra Howell.
Recorded by Cass Eager.
Released on “Modern History” album February 24, 2024. -
HEART POPPING LOVE
I wrote “Heart Popping Love” as a celebration of passion: of the sexuality, sensuality and the happiness of being deeply in love. Personally, I have never wanted or needed grand gifts or great declarations as proof of love, nor marriage as a defined path for love or relationships. “Heart Popping Love” sets aside these society norms and goes straight to the exhilaration of being “in love”. A super fun, feel good, love song!
Lyrics by Stephanie Morton-Small, Topanga Canyon, California. September 2021.
Music by Cassandra Howell
Recorded by Cass Eager.
Single released September 8, 2023 and on “Modern History” album February 24, 2024.
Writing was my first love, even before wine…
Yes I have a wine life, but that’s another story.
I navigated my childhood on a tightrope of mental strength. Writing emerged as a cathartic need to reach out for connection in the deafening silence of those younger years.
Over time as a thought leader - penning philosophical essays, composing poetry and in speaking and songwriting - I have been delving into feelings, thoughts, and themes intrinsic to my life, which resonate powerfully with other people on their own journeys.
I am at one with my universe as the independent, sensual, soulful woman that I am. In relationships, I see the dynamic of what they give and take while valuing their nuanced beauty no matter how long they last.
I’ve certainly felt lost at times, questioning my purpose and every essence of my being. Though today, I am more than ever appreciative of the myriad of experiences that have etched song lines on my soul.
Having grown up in England, I’ve since lived in five countries on four continents while working in wine. Contrary to how it might sound this travel was never nomadic, rather it reflects my independent approach and agile nature. Significantly, it has led to deep connections and love of friends which profoundly transformed my life. Energized by the personal stories of so many I have met along my way and through a convergence of insight and empathy, I often find myself an emotional conduit for those wanting to discover and express their true selves.
Now, like so many songwriters before me, I have settled in California… in Topanga Canyon. Here I find the tranquility of the mountains profoundly inspirational and walking the trails has become a crucial part of my songwriting process.
I love to write lyrics rich in metaphors evoking vivid imagery, emotional journeys and at times humor, which are empowered with a sense of life experience. My songs are perhaps a nod to songwriters I so deeply admire - Amy Winehouse, Joni Mitchell, Beyoncé and Leonard Cohen.
All these threads weave my personal tapestry and are reflected in the iridescent colors of my lyrics and the emotional alchemy of my gold.
All so often, it’s 3am… and words fall like golden rain.
COLLABORATIONS
I believe when a collaboration reaches its zenith the song becomes greater than the sum of the individuals involved, developing its own lifeforce which has the power to resonate and connect us all.
Cass Eager: Singer-Songwriter, Recording Artist
Since we first met in 2020, Cass and I realized our souls are so very aligned and that we are in the same moment of our lives. My inner voice found a compelling expression in Cass’ singing voice. She intuitively understands my lyrics and sings them with such resonance and authenticity, be they haunting, powerful, sensual or fun. Cass writes the melodies while crafting and delivering these songs with a beauty that lifts them to their most meaningful form. Collaborating as songwriters, our energy takes on a beautiful dynamic which I treasure and recognize as truly special. Meanwhile our friendship has grown to be one of the most beautiful of my lifetime. We are soul sisters.
We have written many songs together, four feature on Cass’ album “Modern History” released February 2024. Eight more songs are being released as singles in 2024, and will be included on her upcoming album.
AWARDS & ACCLAIM
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THE USA SONGWRITING COMPETITION 2024
POP: FINALIST
PLAY YOUR ACE -
THE UK SONGWRITING CONTEST 2024
SEMI-FINALIST + 5 STAR RATING
NOT YOUR TIME
SWITCHBACK
HOT MESS
SINGING OUT LOUD
PLAY YOUR ACE
SEVEN IN YOUR HEAVEN
HEART POPPING LOVE
WINNING MOST LOSING YOU
BREATHLESS -
THE UK SONGWRITING CONTEST 2024
HIGHLY COMMENDED
5 STAR RATING
IF LOVE IS MONEY -
UNSIGNED ONLY MUSIC COMPETITION 2024
R&B / HIP-HOP: WINNER
HONORABLE MENTION
WINNING MOST LOSING YOU -
UNSIGNED ONLY MUSIC COMPETITION 2024
SEMI-FINALIST
HOT MESS
NOT YOUR TIME
HEART POPPING LOVE
IF LOVE IS MONEY
AS FEATURED IN: FILM, TV & COMMERCIALS
Watch this Space!