Why I Left My High Paying Job to Become a Street Musician | Morf | TEDxKlagenfurt

Would you quit your high paying job to go traveling and live a life earning money as a street musician? And would you be prepared to give up the feeling of security and long term stability to follow your passion and dreams? In this TEDx talk, John Challis alias Morf shares his extraordinary journey of following his childhood dream to be a rock star and melts our hearts with his unique guitar performance. Morf is a multi-instrumental solo musician, singer, beatboxer and busker from Australia currently based in London. He is using instruments the way they were not designed to be played - an acoustic guitar as a drum, a voice as a drum kit or bassline. He is constantly experimenting with new sounds and ideas. He is able to create something fresh and apply it to every new song he produces. After being featured worldwide with major media coverage, including Good Morning America, ESPN, LadBible, and many more, Morf has grown in the public eye and has generated a large fanbase. To find out more about Morf, follow him on Instagram / morfmusic or visit his website www.morfmusic.co.uk/. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@user-qv8lr9wt9o]

Он не с этой планеты, это что-то неземное, заколдовал, зашаманил и ушатал, утащил куда-то в другие миры.

[@user-bc7tt8uw6u]

Очень позитивный и талантливый человек.Индивид. Это талант!!!

[@kellyjefferson2753]

Wow, me and my daughter saw you this week at Edinburgh Fringe and fell in love with you and your music. Just mesmerised by your voice and talent. My daughter is only 9 and wanted to sit and watch you all day. We bought your CD and it is amazing. Thank you for letting us listen to your story, so inspiring ❤

[@joelcohenx]

We just saw him in this year's Edinburgh Fringe. Really great show and great music

[@dailylaughahaha]

If you ever read this brother, I want you to know that you have a wonderful soul and you create beauty in this world. Thank you for showing the true path to happiness and inspiring people to choose to walk in that path. Much love.

[@MorfMusic]

[@livinGhost88]

I'm so glad that this showed up for me. I've shared this video. His story in this video, cradled my soul. To the point, that I honestly cried. Not necessarily from sadness, but for the confirmation, that it's okay for me to essentially, follow his footsteps, to an extent. I have so much more clarity in the direction that my life with music needs to go in. It brought back the sense of practicing, with the mindset of "I NEED to do this".

[@classactracing]

Morf shows his passion for music. He shows a strong feeling and intense enthusiasm towards a compelling desire. A classic display in following your heart.

[@MorfMusic]

[@livinGhost88]

Yes, he definitely does. I've been following him for several years, now. It's SUCH a humbling reason, that he chooses to perform as a busker, too. In one of his performance recordings, he explains it, that he does what he does, because he wants to help others, through his music. He does it, so that anyone out there, who his music can touch the soul of, can be spoken to, through what he plays. The more that I see of, and learn about him, the more of a role model he becomes for me. Coincidentally, the timing that I happened to come across this video, was right at the time, that I needed it to be decisive about my conviction to go in the same direction with where my life is taking me with music, and to not slow down nor turn back. But instead, to invest myself, even more.

[@secretov1da]

I too left a high paying job in search of positive 'life' experiences . I now support vulnerable people with learning difficulties , most with autism. I have learnt much more from the people I support than I would have if I had stuck with the other job. Fantastic video!

[@miivii]

How beautiful dreams can be when you live them.

[@jensriisomschultz3809]

I was lucky enough to encounter Morf in London, randomly performing. I just stood there mesmerized for 20 minutes... Wow...

[@mnmirth2]

I hope to be as lucky someday!

[@1nderboy1]

He was in Bath and like wise amazing some much talent

[@Brobbl]

i saw him in London in November of 2019, and only today I found out that he was called Morf. I was mesmerised by the way he played, even recorded a part of it on my phone, but unfortunately nowhere on the video you can see what he or his album is called - but I was always trying to figure out who he was because I wanted to listen to his music!! And finally today I found out his name :)

[@eddie_d1233]

I discovered Morf yesterday in Washington Square Park in NYC (May 26, 2024). As soon as I heard his voice and music I went and stood and was mesmerized by his talent, his music and his incredible charisma. I stayed until he stopped. I was not the only one. I have never seen so many people listen to a busker in the park and throughout his set people went to put money in his guitar case and now I have subscribed to his channel and bought his download card. Remarkable!

[@matthewjohnson1643]

I found him on KZbin a few years ago and he’s extremely talented

[@TomEnduro]

Driving fast is one of my favourite pieces you perform. I'm glad you opened with it. I smiled when the audience started to applaud when you pause... As they always do when you perform it.

[@skylerquinton1367]

i realize Im kinda off topic but do anyone know a good site to watch newly released series online?

[@braylenkorbyn9267]

@Skyler Quinton Lately I have been using Flixzone. Just search on google for it =)

[@julioemory8339]

@Braylen Korbyn Yea, I have been using Flixzone for since april myself =)

[@skylerquinton1367]

@Braylen Korbyn Thanks, I went there and it seems like a nice service =) I really appreciate it !

[@braylenkorbyn9267]

@Skyler Quinton happy to help =)

[@MichaelBurnsGuitar]

Klagenfurt, right near the boot camp, lovely :)

[@AndrewBowns]

Well done Morf! Love following you on FB keep up the great work and positive energy.

[@AdrianJohn1956]

Heart touching subject. Thanks for sharing your passion...

[@NakedSnake541]

Incredibly inspiring as always Morf. Can't wait to see what you come up as a musician and as a person.

[@panjiachmari7309]

I wish I had half of your talent and your courage to follow dream. You are so inspiring. I saw you at Bourke St Melboure and you are amazing.

[@tommyboy19101]

Hi Morf, thanks for sharing your talent and inspiration. This brings me back nostalgically to those moments on Bourke Street Mall whilst watching you perform. These will forever stay with me.

[@JohnRidersoldoutforjesus]

This is where I'm at with life right now. I feel I've made some really bad choices for all the right reasons. Whats security when happiness is gone??? I think I would rather be happy in life while I'm still alive to enjoy it.

[@dannyr333]

I love his type of sound on the vocals that delay/reverb and his guitar skills is mssterful

[@MartinBaldock]

Well done Morf! In recent years I've taken up the things I love to do too, for me it seems right to have waited until it felt right. It's everything you said it would be, scary but exhilarating, and supremely fulfilling.

[@andraskovacs5247]

Well done Morf - you're an Inspiration.This video deserves more views!!!

[@trevordallas]

Such an amazing human being, humble in every regard, fearless yet controlled, pure realist who understands that our lives are constructed of our experiences not necessarily from the goods that we acquire, disciplined and creative with ease but only because if the countless hours of dedication to his craft, visionary with just the right amount of precision to build and execute to his path, wise not from stolen catch phrases but from being there...from allowing himself the opportunity to discover what's worked well and what hasn't....and if that isn't enough....one of the most technically stunning performers that sits not on a pedestal designed for elites but with us with no expectation that you will support him....giving freely and following his dreams. Much respect.

[@NiceRage2009]

Not just an amazing musician, but an inspiring motivational speaker. Great talk man👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@BonnieBayCrochet]

We saw you in London today, HAD to buy a CD (thanks for signing it!) because your sounds were so very beautiful...even in the rain. Thanks for your inspiring story. I can so relate to your story in so many ways. May God bless you!

[@dertraminerify]

Thanks for sharing your story man. I love how you feel the musik while your playing.

[@UllichSteybe]

I saw you at the fringe and was amazed by your music. Fascinating, that in your words I found exactly what I feel, when I look at my two jobs as an artist and as a social worker - I do what I love and I'm so happy with it.

[@ericamullen3563]

So well said, Morf. I smiled through the whole 17 minutes (I even laughed at your jokes), I could just feel your happiness with life and the decisions you made.

[@andyzar1177]

Carry on brother! Beautiful soul you are my man!

[@mthek3129]

Fascinating musician... Great song! Always a pleasure to listen to his music.

[@hojuandrea]

Reading some of the comments Morf is loved and has inspired so many people. Not everyone is supposed to work a "normal" job. Im also Autistic and have depression. I also suffer from Anxiety. So happy to know you Morf.

[@robertlake9009]

Sounds more like you have excuses for not being strong enough to overcome problems. Its never your own fault, its the depression, anxiety and the autism. Remove the crutch and you will be able to walk straight.

[@Freddie1M]

@@robertlake9009 Did you ever suffer from anxiety or depression and just removed it as if it were only an excuse you were telling yourself? Unbelievable comment.

[@mikefendel]

M O R F....I found you on FaceBook and have followed you and listened to you for sometime now. Having watched your TEDx now I know and understand so much more. This amazing musician is also a very wise and articulate quite astounding young man with great insight and understanding about what and who he is. Congratulations on living you dream and your wonderful success in doing so.

[@iks1988]

Thank you TEDx for sharing this man with the world! And especially thank you Morf for your beautiful music, gorgeous soul and very powerful and inspiring message! It came at the perfect time for me and right to the point. Sending love to everyone reading this!

[@MorfMusic]

[@user-wo7om8ey6m]

💜❤️

[@iks1988]

@@user-wo7om8ey6m ❤️💚💜

[@annamiskei9850]

GREAT talk ... thank you :)

[@veganchaatparty]

Wow!!! So so so beautiful!!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@noreddinebenbihi9021]

respect 4believing in your self we all have to live our dream thanks 4

[@ariuna3384]

Такой талантливый 👍👍👍👍, какая же красивая мелодия в конце👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@user-fw7yt6sx5p]

Так кроме этого у него ничего нету

[@ariuna3384]

@@user-fw7yt6sx5p он же музыкант, значит ещё будет✊

[@MrDwaneMann]

Most amazing I’ve ever seen. I’m crying :-)

[@jamespsyfer]

Dude definitely looks 👀 like he’s living his best life 👏👏👏👏🤩🤩 Really glad you made the leap.. you are phenomenally talented!!!!

[@nadafarah9152]

Thank you Morf. That was very inspiring 👌

[@StreetSong]

Wise words Morf, good stuff!

[@danielelbom2185]

Thank you Morf ❤that was beautiful on so many levels. You spoke right to my heart and soul. Now I might have to change my t-shirt cause I teared up so hard😅thank you 🥳

[@nigelwiseman8644]

He makes me cry.

[@rajinsitompul2690]

Luar biasa inspirasinya... Morf is amazing

[@mariamcgiver3664]

Saw Morf last week a block from my home in NYC, Washington Square Park 👍lovely!

[@chrisfabri8512]

Just wow man!!!

[@babaradavis]

I am crying with delight

[@comicart1st]

The title of the song he played at last minutes of vid, must be *_Jump_* a soundtrack he presents for everyone in life. Well done!

[@user-tw5bh4bp6o]

Lieber Morf, du bist jederzeit in Berlin herzlich willkommen!!!

[@deskcorner]

great... just great , onya Morf.

[@glendabraga874]

Awesome talent and delivery! God bless you on your journey to your kind of music. :)

[@nachonacho1800]

That reverb is very Tool. I'd love to hear him done a structured vocal song

[@skullduggerysmiles8393]

My wife and I have listened to Morf perform quite a few times over the years. It's always a pleasure, not only a true talent but also a really nice guy. We hope to catch you at the fringe in Edinburgh later this year.

[@Carismystic]

What an amazing musician.

[@TheMg49]

Inspiring 🙂👍

[@francobrothersLLC]

this guy is in another level of good

[@englishbilly1481]

Legend mate

[@JamesScott-ob3uu]

Hi i grew up with the music of the 60's pop, glam rock, hevey metal, and punk but i would have loved to have heard you in my teens

[@wolfsblut99]

I never heard this sound and music before and it´s great. This is music-art and music is his life, not a job for him. His story is being authentic and talented and living an own life. What is the meaning of *Morf* ? I look for it: "Morf is like when you really tired and just got woken up..." And he did ...

[@peaceloads1368]

A wise young man ,also very talented.

[@user-od8pk2xy3d]

Молодчага

[@marvelluslucass3662]

Morf is amazing 😉

[@MorfMusic]

[@ruslancharniak3173]

Super!.

[@daywil03]

I have a dream to perform especially in singing, the face from the audience when they watch someone perform on the video busking make me wonder and that would be beautiful to happen. 😊

[@JusDean]

Your truly living your best life. Keep living that dream. Ladies and Gentlemen, August Rush.

[@jilldeschenes6302]

He is very August Rush!

[@ariuna3384]

@@jilldeschenes6302 I can't answer for English. Да, точно подметили👍

[@igitahimsa5871]

That is one of the first things I thought of also, watching him play :-).

[@user-wc7pn2nf4x]

I like it!

[@siren369xstar8]

I like it💐👏

[@ZOV_PREDKOV]

Вот это талант 👍

[@veraver8221]

Почему я раньше не слышала 🤦‍♀️👍

[@deborahvictoriaedwards5188]

Greetings from THE TRINITY 3 ✨🙏💖 Misleading many people are as they sell fame and fortune with stars in their eyes. I do imagine you made enough money at your job to live this lifestyle now. Honest humans are not. Cheers 🤳 Bee 🐝 Beautiful music we all love, much practice for years most need.

[@pegeot1977]

MORF🔥🤩🤩🤩🤩🔥

[@user-rk5yz3sv8p]

Бесподобно!

[@whenifeellow]

I love the part hen he re-enacts quitting his job

[@robertcarey3383]

Surprising how many "Extraordinarily" talented musicians have autism. That was one of the most stunning performances I have ever witnessed.

[@Sergharley]

🔥🔥🔥

[@jugbeats476]

whats the name of the song on the intro? i could listen to it on loop.

[@lima621]

Been there ...done that..I know where you`re coming from mate 🙂

[@uni-t1933]

Круто мужик 👍😎 музыка просто огонь🔥, просто пушка

[@EricGranata]

Saw you on Reddit!

[@Jo-yp8wy]

Same.

[@MorfMusic]

hi!

[@user-lr4dy8yu6c]

Вот человек Будущего!

[@someguywithahoodandbrother4615]

There's risk no matter what path you take in this world ... Let them do theirs , you do yours .... ☯

[@user-ed2jz2we1p]

Ахриненно👍👍👍!!!!

[@tericote3221]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Shambala_G]

Take the step and the bridge will appear... Well done Morf for learning to live in integrity 🌉👍

[@tomtaylor2594]

Big talent from a strange man. Making the world a better place

[@adamcampbell001]

This song would be good in a film or something

[@menorak]

If he ever showed up on 'America's got Talent', they'd have to rename to 'America's got Morf'

[@UnderTheMilkyWay-mc8md]

😂

[@user-qk7rg3ii3y]

Гений!!

[@joeythegypsy]

💯

[@lopesdareosa]

Eu acho até que ele deveria ser pago para tocar de graça em todo o mundo!!!! I think he would be paid to play for free around the World!

[@rumsbums3113]

Holy hail

[@shahnoorrahmanbabulshahnoo7784]

What is the name of the music that he played last?

[@MorfMusic]

Seven :)

[@walkerinwoods]

Please do a song with Ed Sheeran. Your wonderfull

[@user-fd9lb7dm8k]

КЛАСС

[@marekkomar292]

JEST GIT

[@coolmusic2150]

молодец

[@watntarnation8471]

This gives me Pink Floyd vibes and I love it

[@user-dt4xl7qv7v]

Класс😊

[@user-gg3ew7sx4h]

Не слушай никого, они тебя погубят, живи сам

[@user-hs1os6wv4u]

У музыки нет границ 👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘👌👌👌👌👏👏👏👏🙏🙏🙏

[@kayakchrispy]

After watching 5 seconds of his performance I decided I won’t be quitting my job...