Over the course of her career, Betty Moon has been championed by the likes of Billboard, American Songwriter and Consequence of Sound and released her 10th studio album ‘Cosmicoma’ back in May. Having recently shared her latest single from the collection, “My Only One”, PopWrapped caught up with Betty to talk the message of her music, her artistic influences and inspirations and her thoughts on social media.
Who or what inspired your single “My Only One” and how is the track different or similar to anything else you have put out before?
I think lyrically it fits the flow of what I do on many Betty Moon songs. I purposely write lyrics I can dance and play around with, without feeling like I’m cramming too much into each verse. Last year when I wrote “My Only One” and most of the album, I was reflecting on my early days in Los Angeles and growing up wanting to move to this amazing city. I dreamed of past adventures, nights out on the town, interesting relationships and more. Although I don’t live in the past, it does make for some great source material for songs.
What do you hope is the message of your music? What do you hope people continue to take away from your songs?
I’m trying to write music that is authentic and exciting to the listener. Some of it can get you going, others can be more relaxing if anything. It’s up to the listener to make the lyrics their own and that’s really it. I think we can change the world one person at a time, and with music it’s really by making music that the ideal Betty Moon listener really gets and feels inspired by. I just hope those who hear the music have a great time and get the same buzz I got when writing and recording it.
What was your creative process like when it came to making your album ‘Cosmicoma’?
As I usually do, I pick up an acoustic guitar, sit at my piano or jump into the studio to hash out whatever ideas pop into my head daily. It’s almost like a journal, and all the songs slowly start to come to life like a book being written. When something is close to a full idea or I’m riding high on the vibe, I call up my friends who do serious studio work and we take the song to the next level. I do all the production, engineering and most of the mixing, but I do require a team to ensure we get to the finish line. What’s the fun of doing everything 100% by yourself anyhow?
Do you plan to put out another single or any music videos from the album?
Definitely, I’ve been hashing out video ideas over the past month to get going on. I’m not sure of the next single though, but I know once the perfect visual pairs with that song I’ll know what to release. I love directing my own music videos and these pieces are truly extensions of myself creatively and personally.
Which bands and artists have really inspired you before and since you first started making music? Who would you love to work with in the future?
I’ve been a fan of so many artists since I was young, but if I had a top few to collaborate with, I’d choose Josh Homme, Sade, Shirley Manson and Rob Zombie. They all have different sounds, but I think it would be so awesome to get creative together in the studio.
How do you think Los Angeles has influenced the Betty Moon sound and how you carry yourself as an artist?
Los Angeles was rubbing off on me before I even moved there. I was clearly born to live here, and I love everything about it. So, I was probably writing songs with an LA state of mind before I even hit the runway at LAX. As an artist, I like to carry myself as someone with a clear rock-driven identity, but like to remain approachable and sophisticated. I’m confident about my brand, but like to have fun with it and appreciate the chance to be in the music industry after all this time.
How would you say that you’ve grown as a musician over the years? How has your sound matured and developed? What has remained the same?
I think as a producer and writer is where I’ve grown the most. I’ve always had a focus on singing, and know that will always get better as I master other instruments and production techniques. I’ve always remained an average drummer though, hah!
Where do you think you are the happiest – in the studio recording new music, on stage performing or elsewhere? With all the negativity out there today, what else in life truly makes you happy as an artist?
I love being in the studio, it’s where I feel both creative and meditative all at once. While I’m very social most of the time, I do need my alone space, and there’s no better excuse to get away than going into the studio. When I see or hear about all the bad things happening in the world, I alway remember that musicians are some of the best healers out there. The music, lyrics and vibes can seriously change someone’s outlook and attitude in just one song.
What do you think makes for an ‘ideal’ artist in this day and age? I know things are much different now, so I’m curious about your take.
I think the pressure to network at shows, get a huge record deal and tour like crazy is an old business model. While the idea of an artist truly expressing herself without societal pressure will never change, I think the medium and distance between the artist and listen has become closer than ever. I feel like if you make art authentically, and figure out how to create a platform to promote yourself, it’s just a matter of time before you are seen. The ideal artist has a brand that isn’t forced or manufactured, and it’s harder than ever to try and do that like major labels used to do decades ago. I feel like the ideal artist maybe doesn’t know he/she is even there; they just do it big and play by their own rules. Then one day, it’s all working like a completed puzzle.
With all the different social media platforms out there, how do you balance it all? How do you think that social media has impacted the Betty Moon brand? How often are you using social channels interacting with fans and how have you been able to utilize them through the years?
I like to focus on just a couple channels and do it well. There are way too many options and it gives me anxiety just thinking about it! I use Facebook and Instagram to share imagery of the Betty Moon brand, and of course updates on what’s going on musically and personally. I find that my fans and even friends interact on here and I know for sure they’d have no clue I had a new album coming out if I wasn’t on socials. Over the years the pressure has increased a bit because of algorithms, sometimes I’m not sure what percentage of my followers are actually seeing the content. Often you have to boost posts and run ads, but that’s just part of the job right?
It’s been a crazy 18 months or so but the world is slowly returning to some semblance of ‘normality.’ How are you feeling at this point about the pandemic and everyone and everything, including the music industry, finding their and its feet again?
I’m feeling really good honestly, I think we did the best we could in 2020 and played it safe until things were good again. I think we see a light at the end of the tunnel, and it’s exciting to see things slowly getting back to normal. For everyone in music, this is huge news for sure. I’ve caught wind of venues opening up and bands starting to book shows and tours, so that’s some fantastic buzz to have going around.
How excited are you all about live shows coming back? Do you have any future dates already scheduled yet?
Tell me where the next show is at and I’ll be there! I know they are figuring out the process and protocols for shows, so once we get a few of my favorite bands back in the area you can count me in for sure. Personally, I don’t have any upcoming shows on the books yet, but that could change here sometime this year.
Give ‘Cosmicoma’ a listen below and for more information on Betty Moon, visit her website, give her page a like on Facebook or follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
