Moya
Moya returned this week with her new album Lost & Found, which is a diverse and great sounding record.
I caught up with her to talk about the new album as well as what lies ahead for her for the rest of the year.
- You have just released your new album Lost & Found so for anyone who has not heard the record yet so what can we expect from it?
I'd probably say it's full of surprises! But its got something for everyone on it. I tried to write an album that would be perfect for every mood that people could easily relate too.
I think its important that my fans can understand what I'm like as a person as well as through listening to my music; so you go from fun loving pop to emotional ballads. I obviously have quite a changing personality!
- There are some pop elements on the album as well as some great guitar riffs and even a Latin flavour with Morning Rain so how would you describe the sound of the album?
Its difficult to give it an overall sound because its a very eclectic record. I like all types of genres of music so I wanted to translate that into one record.
On paper I guess this record would probably look like a mess because some of the tracks are so different but when listening they fit together nicely! If I had to say something though, it would probably be a juicy version of pop-soul.
- How much did you plan such a diverse sounding record?
I didn't really plan at all...it kind of all just came to me. It was like years of listening to music, making up melodies and writing down phrases all just fell into place! I don't think I even knew what to expect at the time of writing...but I think it paid off!
- And how have you found the response to the album so far?
The response has been really great. Its always daunting you know bringing out your first album.
It's like getting chucked straight into the deep end of a pool when you can't swim yet but I've been very lucky that people have been so loving and enthusiastic about it all. It keeps me smiling.
- I chat to musicians all the time and some say that they don't like the recording process so how do you find getting into the studio?
I actually really enjoyed the experience! Don't get me wrong it has its ups and downs but I found the whole thing quite enthralling.
You do get quite sick of some songs rather quickly though. Just when you think you can't listen to it again they only go and have to tweak it that one more time!!
- You recorded the album as the prestigious Alaska Studios in London so how was that experience?
I can't speak more highly of Alaska Studios, the people there have become my extended family for life!
There's a really good buzz that just projects itself around that place and they all know how to throw a good party; vital when you've had a hard day in the studio!
- And I was reading that Wiley is a bit of a fan and wants to record with you so how did that come about?
That was all so weird! Wiley is a regular at Alaska and has recorded a lot of his stuff there so he picked up on a 'new artist' recording in the building.
The next thing I know he was tweeting about me and my youtube views were flying up; he had apparently been sat at Alaska's reception youtubing all my videos and was impressed! Let's just say I was more than happy!
- You have also just finished a track with Seanie T so can you tell me a little bit about that?
Alaska studios is renowned for its hip hop, reggae and rap and Seanie T is part of that crowd.
We just ended up going into a co-write together and came out with this awesome track about the London riots that happened last year.
Its literally just him and I doing our thing with an acoustic guitar. Not only is it a summer song but it's also got a message
- How did you find working with him?
Well it wasn't a conventional co-write I must admit! There was a lot of free- styling lyrically, which I'm terrible at!
But it was also great to sit down and write something with a rapper. It gave me a whole different slant on writing and ways in which to do it. Let's just say it was a lot more relaxed than what I'm used to!
- You have penned all of the tracks on the album so what/who are you influences when it comes to writing?
Well I'm what they would call a top liner and lyricist, which means I write all the melody and lyrics, so I think that's why I find it easier to incorporate my love for different types of music; I'm not basing the music around a specific instrumental.
With the pop side though, I totally love what Adele does but I was heavily influenced through what I listened to as a kid. Influences and inspiration I've found though can come from anywhere.
You never know when your going to get that killer line for a hit. I live in Brighton and grew up in Bournemouth so sitting on a beach and being out in the open fuels a lot of inspiration.
- So where did your love of music start - did you grow up in a music household?
I guess I did kind of! My mum was very musical back in the day. She went to performing arts school in London and still to this day has a great voice.
There was always music playing at home and she still plays Stevie Wonders 'Isn't she lovely' on my birthday! My dad however is completely tone deaf but had a very talented pianist as a father...guess it missed a generation with him!
- And so when was the moment when you decided that you wanted to pursue music as a career?
I reckon it's always been there in the pit of my stomach but it was probably when I started going to a stage school on a Saturday when I was a kid.
It wasn't just the singing though, it was performing as a whole. I knew I had to be up on a stage.
It wasn't till I left college though that I realised that I had to be doing this full time. A normal 9 to 5 job just wasn't going to cut it! I've got too much energy!
- And are there any live shows coming that you can tell us about? And for anyone who hasn't seen you live how would you describe a Moya gig?
I'm supporting Smoke Feathers at Venue 229 on the 18th July but I'm also doing an acoustic thing for Balcony TV on the 10th July for those that like a bit of online music loving.
As for a Moya gig...expect to be taken on a bit of a rollercoaster; a whole spectrum of emotions, but ill be sure you leave elated!
- Finally what's coming up for you for the rest of the year?
This year will be filled with gigs, festivals and hopefully a support tour but come September I'm going to be getting back down to the writing side of things...I'm already feeling a second album in my bones!
Moya's new album Lost & Found is out now - read out full review of the record here.
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw