Photo Credit: Tyrone Richardson
Felicia “The Poetess” Morris has upgraded her recording studio in the heart of Leimert Park.
Located on W 43rd St. and Crenshaw Blvd., Morris Media Studios is more than a place to record. Along with being a studio for private recordings, Morris Media is also a production company that specializes in internet radio. The company broadcasts nearly 20 podcasts that range from subjects on politics, to community affairs, entertainment and more. The most popular, however, are the uncensored comedy podcasts. The studio also has a kitchen and lounge area for breaks.
“I made this studio to give our people a voice and it’s a nice place to be. When a lot of people come here, they like the energy and vibe of the studio,” said Morris, the owner. “I want people in our community to be able to express themselves with this new technology and new information highway.”
Photo Credit: Felicia Morris
Morris has radio in her genes as her father has worked in the radio industry for 52 years. In 1985, she moved to Los Angeles from Northern California and looked for jobs in entertainment. Morris was a rapper, journalist, and worked on a syndicated radio show when she first moved to Los Angles. Her big break came in 1993, however when Hip-Hop station 92.3 The Beat offered her a job. She worked on-air with them until 2007 and caught a funny bone ending up at Jamie Foxx’s radio station, The Foxxhole. This was one of Morris’ first introductions to internet radio, as it was broadcasted through Sirius XM.
After working at the Foxxhole, Morris and her dad were offered a job to put together an internet radio studio for Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffle’s CEO, Herb Hudson. After building that studio and network, Morris knew that she didn’t want to work for anyone anymore. In 2013, she started putting plans together to own a studio of her own. Her dad was on board to design, build and install everything.
“I was fortunate to have worked in radio this long, but it was my daughter who had the inspiration to be independent,” said radio veteran Johnny Morris. “As her father and as another broadcaster, I’m proud of her. She has created a full-service media company and professional platform where the public has an opportunity to have an uncensored voice of opinion.”
While looking for a studio, Morris looked in Hollywood, Culver City, Burbank and all over Los Angeles. One day, she got a call from a friend who told her that she had to come see a space on Crenshaw. The space was a former studio that wasn’t being used but had the perfect setup for a studio already. Morris says that the it was there waiting for her.
Photo Credit: Felicia Morris
“There’s no other place I’d rather be, not only because of the physical makeup, but the neighborhood,” said Morris. “This neighborhood has always been an important part of my life and growth here in Los Angeles. I didn’t know how I was going to do it, but I knew that I was going to make it happen.”
To get everything up and running, Morris had to fundraise. She had a savings, but it took a lot of the fans and donations to make up the rest of the money for equipment and everything on the inside of the studio. One person who gave a generous donation was rapper Kid Ink, which really helped open the studio in 2015. His donation helped get the microphones, computers, mixers and other equipment. More recently, Morris won an essay contest put on by Wells Fargo this year that won her a $10,000 renovation.
The renovation, payed for a new backdrop, a higher table, new chairs, window covers and more. Along with a new look, Morris Media has qualities that are under the surface. The media company has an audience and following, so recording there can give more exposure. The podcasts can be heard on www.morrismedialive.com, but the studio is also open for podcast recordings, voiceovers and all things internet radio.
