The Sonic Reveries of Betty Moon

The Sonic Reveries of Betty Moon

Betty Moon is a compelling solo artist ready to captivate your senses and set the imagination in flight. With a career that began with an album at A&M Records back in the 90’s culminating into an even more fascinating journey as an independent artist on her own Evolver label, Betty Moon has always presented thoroughly intriguing sonic reveries.  Highwire Daze recently caught up with Betty Moon to find out more about her just released single Waste Your Time, news on a brand new album, discussing her days at A&M, and more.  Read on…

What do you think of the local Los Angeles music scene and how do you and your music fit into the scheme of things?
The local scene in fact is not terribly local.  In other words it spans from DTLA all the way out to Agoura Hills and Calabasas which is pretty vast.  I’m originally from Toronto and back home we’d go hopping from bar to bar to check out bands which were only blocks away or within a few miles. In L.A. it’s more daunting because of how spread out the county really is. West Hollywood has the biggest live scene and club scene also, and most of us can’t even keep track of all the amazing venues out there. When I think about the L.A. scene, I honestly think my music fits anywhere, any place and anytime.

Is there any overall story or concept behind the single title Waste Your Time?
We get caught up in so much of the world’s troubles that at times it’s just so refreshing to enjoy being in the moment with whomever you’re with, even if your just enjoying being alone. Party for one?

How close are you to writing and recording all new material?
The new Betty Moon album is almost done and ready to mix. I’m beyond excited to share this new batch of music and can’t wait to release this bad boy! 

How will your new material compare with your most current release Chrome?
I don’t compare apples and oranges. I think it’s yet again a new refreshing direction that moves forward with a little pinch of classic Betty Moon thrown in there. I don’t like to put myself in a box musically, but over time you can’t help but have a certain sound that everyone listens for in my music. As of late, I’ve really been diving into more old school and modern electronic sounds that have been sprinkled into my music, and you’ll hear more of that on the next album for sure.

Since we have not interviewed you for Chrome, select two songs from the album and what inspired the lyrics.
I don’t really like explaining lyrics. I think that would just give away too much and dwarfs ones imagination, wouldn’t it? If you’re looking for a couple choice tracks, I’d give Sound and Parachute as recommended listening.

You were once signed to A&M Records.  How liberating or daunting has it been to basically release your music independently on Evolver?
A&M Records was a great label to be on. It is somewhat liberating when you don’t have to answer to anyone but it is also daunting as well when you have to wear a million hats, some of which don’t fit your head very well. I can only imagine being on a major label these days as being a completely different experience, and perhaps I was lucky to have my deal during the heyday of being a signed artist.

When you look back on the 1991 Betty Moon album released on A&M, what do you think of it now?
It’s a wee bit dated sounding but it brings me back to such a beautiful time of my life when I felt so true and pure, and so naive about so many things. I will put that album on and still enjoy listening to it though, if that’s what you mean.

What advice would you give an artist seeking a record deal these days? 
Best of luck.  It’s an expensive sandbox to play in. Do as much on your own as possible and let the record labels, managers and agents come to you. There isn’t as much luck blindly seeking a record deal unless you put in the hard work first. I encourage any artist with passion and drive to give it their best shot, but those who do music for the right reasons typically have the best outcome.

What was it like opening for the legendary Pink Floyd?  How did that show come about?  
It was a lot of pressure and I was only allowed a half hour set on a stage where the drum kit occupied three quarters of the stage. It was at a large venue in Toronto called the Phoenix Concert Theatre. The room was so packed and my show went over really well as I had such a great buzz happening in Toronto and a really great backing band. Part of my buzz was my reputation for always having an amazing drummer and great musicians. I’ve been very lucky that way and knew the right formula to get on the best shows and how to impact the audience with a balls-out performance and some sexy finesse.

If you could open for any band either now or from the past, who would it be and why?  
Queens of the Stone Age, The Rolling Stones, Stone Temple Pilots, (well maybe not).  Any band with the word Stone in it? I used to dream of opening for Jane’s Addiction or The Smashing Pumpkins, Chris Cornell or Soundgarden. The latter is not going to happen obviously. (sad face)

What’s up in the New Year for Betty Moon?  
A new album, various singles off the new album, being extremely selective of who I work with, and doing some fun times creating videos for several chosen tracks. Hopefully a variety of live shows and possibly a book release. I started on it some time ago and I hope to finish it before end of 19′.  A movie? The world is my oyster…. bunny!

Any final words of wisdom? 
Thanks for the opportunity to chat. Always keep your chin up and for the musicians out there, keep pushing ahead. It can be a long road but it’s about the journey, amirite? #hustle