Waxahatchee and Kevin Morby Welcome Their First Child

Birth Details and Timing

The arrival of the newborn, described by his parents as an "indie rock dynasty" beginning, was announced by Kevin Morby via his Substack on Wednesday, July 22. The Folk Rock artist revealed that the child arrived two weeks ahead of his anticipated August 1 due date, a surprise that shifted the child's astrological sign from a predicted Leo to a Cancer.

Morby shared that the timing of the birth was remarkably close to his return from professional obligations abroad. Having just completed a European tour, the musician arrived back in the United States only eight hours before Crutchfield’s water broke. He described the experience of being away during the final stages of the pregnancy as a period of significant concern for the couple.

"I returned from my European tour just in time. For our little beautiful baby to kick the door in two weeks ahead of schedule. The tour — as amazing as it was — was somewhat tense having to leave a very pregnant Katie [Crutchfield] at home."

— Kevin Morby

Despite the early arrival, Morby expressed gratitude for the extra time the couple now has with their son, whom he described as "perfect."

"We all found ourselves holding our collective breath that he wouldn’t come too early. And like clockwork, I was home all but eight hours before Katie’s water broke. I like to think that the little guy waited for me. His due date was August first but luckily we get some extra time with him. Who we thought would be a Leo is now a Cancer. He is perfect … Katie’s such a badass. But yall already knew that."

— Kevin Morby

Festival Cancellation and Home Life

In light of the new arrival, Morby confirmed he will be withdrawing from his scheduled performance at the Eaux Claires festival in Wisconsin, an event founded by Justin Vernon of Bon Iver. Morby noted that the planned set was intended to include a collaboration with Vernon and Aaron Dessner, a moment he had viewed as "full circle."

While he expressed regret over missing the festival, Morby emphasized his focus on his new family. He shared that his current "jamming" involves spending time with the newborn while listening to the song "Heavy Water/I’d Rather Be Sleeping" by the artist Grouper on repeat.

"I was looking forward to jamming with Justin and Aaron [Dessner] which was going to feel very full circle but I know we will have lots of jamming in our futures. Sending everyone there my love this weekend. For now, in terms of jamming, I’m going to be holding this little ball of magic while listening to Grouper — ‘Heavy Water/I’d Rather Be Sleeping’ on repeat. We are so in love with him."

— Kevin Morby

The announcement featured personal photos of the couple in the hospital, including an image of Crutchfield cradling the newborn and a shirtless Morby snuggling with the infant.

Pregnancy Reveal and Recent Activity

Katie Crutchfield originally went public with her pregnancy in April during the opening night of her co-headlining acoustic tour with MJ Lenderman. During the performance, she addressed the audience directly to share the news before playing a song dedicated to the upcoming life change.

"This is a song about having a baby. This one’s going to hit a little different for me now."

— Katie Crutchfield

Following the birth, the couple has taken a break from their respective touring schedules. Crutchfield was recently seen performing at the 23rd Annual Americana Honors & Awards at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee, on September 18, 2024. Verified industry data notes that Morby’s musical career traces back to a formation date in 1988, and the couple has frequently navigated the demands of the road together prior to welcoming their first child.