06/28/2025
Hometown Harmony: The Many Sounds of Peter Dean Morgan
Cover Feature by Julie Dillon, photos by Stefanie Palmacci Photography
In a home just off one of Kingstonās quieter roads, music flows as naturally as conversation. Thatās because Peter Dean Morgan, a 2017 graduate of Silver Lake Regional High School, and his family, parents John and Deana, siblings Emma and Ben, are a naturally musical bunch. Raised in Kingston since 2006, Peterās life has been steeped in harmony, performance, and a desire to turn sound into story and vice versa. And now, nearly a decade out of high school, Peterās voice, both literal and metaphorical, continues to resonate in our local community and far beyond.
Now 26, Peter balances a dynamic life as a freelance musician, audio producer, and performer. You might catch him at Soundcheck Studios or volunteering at Levitate, but just as easily hear his voice on a podcast intro, a Spotify single, or even in a national musical theatre production. From performing backup vocals with artists like Ben Folds and David Archuleta to subbing in as a lead singer and rhythm guitarist for a touring band at Somervilleās Porchfest, Peter's career has spanned coasts, genres, and generations.
Currently, Peter works Bergsten Music, Inc. in Hingham, where he focuses on audio equipment organization and preparation, live audio mixing for shows and events, and the intricate behind-the-scenes work that helps live music shine. Heās also a go-to live audio mixer, often working with local band The Shedheads, and continues to pursue songwriting, studio vocals, and musical theatre.
āBeing a musician today means you have to do all the things,ā Peter explains. His sound, a blend of storytelling pop inspired by jazz fusion and musical theatre, mirrors his multifaceted identity as both a performer and creator. āIāve always loved how music can be both deeply personal and incredibly communal. It brings people together, even when the lyrics are about something hard.ā
Itās a philosophy that extends beyond the stage. At the heart of Peterās mission is the connection between artist and audience, between past and present, between identities that often donāt coexist publicly. His original rock-pop musical, The Rainbow Academy, showcases that spirit. Written, cast, arranged, and produced by Peter, it explores the intersection of q***r and spiritual identities. With 27 music videos, a cast album, and live performances, the project represents both an artistic triumph and a personal one. āI want music to be a mirror for listeners, not just a spotlight on me,ā he says.
Kingston locals may remember Peterās standout high school performances, like playing Jean Valjean in Les MisĆ©rables, but his reach has only grown. He headlined Fiddler on the Roof as Tevye for a 12,000-person audience in Utah and performed at the legendary Bluebird CafĆ© in Nashville, an open mic so competitive itās a miracle to snag a spot.
āI like to think Taylor Swiftās bench across from me in Centennial Park sent me good luck,ā he laughs. The song he played? āI Would Follow,ā a love song about wedding day slow dances, is available now under his full name: Peter Dean Morgan.
And that name change? A practical move. āAfter the well-loved reggae artist Peetah Morgan passed away, I started getting condolence messages. That and being confused with the creator of The Crownāmade me realize it was time to rebrand with my full name,ā he jokes. His music moving forward will be available under Peter Dean Morgan on all streaming platforms.
But the music doesnāt stop at the studio. Peter also offers custom commissions, turning journal entries into ballads, crafting jingles for local businesses, or writing personalized theme songs.
āIf someone wants their own anthem or a musical keepsake for a wedding, Iām here for that.ā
Peterās workdays are filled with creativity, whether mixing a horror short film score or baking pumpkin whoopie pies for his family during the holidays. (King Arthurās yellow cake recipe is a personal favorite to experiment with.) When not producing music, heās out exploring Kingstonās open spaces with his cat Ralph, a seven-year-old tuxedo munchkin whoās quite the character. āHe even has merch, okay, just one magnet on Redbubble, but still!ā
Ralph, Peter says, is his āadoptive son,ā and can often be found backflipping after a string toy or peering out the window during birdwatching sessions. āHe refuses to comment on the disappearance of local chipmunks,ā Peter adds, tongue firmly in cheek.
Peter shares his life with his partner Dan, whom he met via Facebook Dating. Together, theyāve traveled to Acadia and the Great Smoky Mountains, often finding peace in natureās grandeur. Hiking, Peter says, has become another form of meditation and storytelling.
āIāve stood in salt deserts, red rock mazes, and even accidentally wandered into a forest fire. Nature grounds me. It teaches you to listen differently.ā
That same attentiveness infuses his local involvement. From supporting the Kingston Public Library to collaborating with neighborhood songwriters, Peter is intentional about giving back. He finds joy in open mics, community concerts, and anything that helps others feel seen and heard.
āMusic is a powerful tool for emotional regulation and shared understanding. Whether it's helping produce a radio show that gives voice to different perspectives or writing a song someone needs to hear, I want to be a part of that.ā
If thereās a message Peter hopes to share with his neighbors, itās simple:
Support local artists, seek joy through music, and protect your hearing.
āWe want to keep enjoying music for a long time. Wear ear protection to concerts, especially the loud ones!ā
With humor, heart, and an unwavering dedication to his craft, Peter Dean Morgan is a hometown artist who continues to make Kingston proud, one lyric, harmony, and open mic at a time.
To explore his music or commission a song, visit:
https://linktr.ee/petermorgan1234
