Betty Moon is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, producer, and filmmaker who harbors the heart and soul of a true artist. While she is never afraid to experiment with her sound, it’s her rich, sultry vocals that stamp every song like a signature. Her fans know to expect to be entranced by each new release. But if they’ve learned anything it’s to otherwise expect the unexpected. It’s no surprise that Moon has not only maintained a steady fan base since the late ‘80s but she is also continuously picking up new fans who are eager to come along for the ride.
Betty Moon started her professional journey in to music in 1990 when she signed on with A&M Records. Since then she has gone on to release six albums and has been nominated for four CASBY Awards including Best Album of the Year, Best Singer of the Year, Best Video of the Year, and Best Artist of the Year. Her music has been featured in a variety of hit shows including Californication, Dexter, Bounty Hunters, and Walking the Dead. She has also collaborated with a wide variety of top music industry professionals including John Christ, Wes Scantlin, Kenny Aronoff, Randy Cooke, Jason Sutter, and Grammy Award winner Chris Lord-Alge.
After moving to Los Angeles from Toronto in 2010, she released “Rollin’ Revolution”, which was picked up and put on rotation by the legendary LA based rock station KROQ. This helped greatly with getting her music out to a wider audience in the United States and beyond. In 2013, Moon was a featured artist at the Sunset Strip Music Festival where she shared the stage with Marilyn Manson, Quiet Riot, Black Label Society, and The Offspring. Since then she has become a regular performer at some of LA’s most iconic venues including The Roxy, Whisky a Go Go, and The Viper Room.
Betty Moon is currently gearing up for the highly anticipated release of her latest album CHROME. While CHROME will feature the same unique edge and glam that are staples of Moon’s work, it will also bring in a more upbeat pop, clubby, EDM based sound that is sure to appeal to the masses. If the release of her single “Sound” is any indication of what can be expected from this album, then fans will not be disappointed.
CHROME, along with her new single “Sound”, are already set to go international with an anticipated reach of more than 150 million consumers each day via over 500,000 subscriber locations in more than 100 countries around the world. Moon’s music will now be on rotation and enjoyed by consumers worldwide in an extensive variety of retail outlets including The Gap, Urban Outfitters, Jersey Mike’s, Wendy’s, Anthropologie, Starbucks, Uniqlo, Mcdonald’s, IKEA, North Face, Aloft Hotels, The Body Shop, Qdoba, Steve Madden and Nordstrom. CHROME is sure to be a hit and “Sound” will undoubtedly be a favorite for many fans, both old and new.
The original release of “Sound” was made for dancing and letting go. Its crisp beats and intoxicating vocals will have you wanting to keep it on repeat. If that wasn’t already enough, fans will be happy to hear that Moon has released three remixes of “Sound” with the incomparably talented Ganberg, Mahalo and Loud N’ Killer. Each remix introduces a fresh twist on what’s sure to be an audience favorite. Moon has also released a music video for “Sound,”which features cameo appearances by Kato Kaelin and Martin Klebba of Pirates of the Caribbean. You can check that out right here.
I recently sat down with Betty Moon to find out more about CHROME. I was also interested to know more about her journey as a musician, what inspires her, and what advice she has for new artists just starting out in the music industry.
Betty Moon Interview
TAMMY: You have such an eclectic and addictive sound. I love it! Who were some of your biggest musical influences growing up and what artists inspire you today?
BETTY MOON: Thank you soooooo much! I listened to a barrage of music growing up but I would have to say that artists like James Brown, Zeppelin and The Stones, Laura Nyro, Sly and The Family Stone, and Curtis Mayfield were my early influences. And then came the grunge movement – which strongly impacted my sound.
TAMMY: When did music really become something that you knew you wanted to pursue professionally?
BETTY MOON: I was pretty into it as a teenager but did not start my first band until my twenties. TucanTango, Fandango and Bambi were the very first bands.
TAMMY: How do you feel you have grown as an artist since first signing with A&M in 1990?
BETTY MOON: I think I continue to grow and evolve as an artist. I don’t ever want to stop learning and exploring within the world of sound. It has endless possibilities and I sometimes just feel I’m a conduit for some greater force of power. I also think my piano playing, guitar technique and music production gets better with age.
TAMMY: What has been the toughest or most challenging lesson you’ve learned while navigating through the music industry? And also what has been your biggest triumph?
BETTY MOON: My biggest challenge has been moving away from my family and friends in Canada. My biggest triumph has been that I’ve reached and touched the hearts of many all around Canada, Los Angeles and around the globe. Music can do that and that I feel is my contribution to the world and universe.
TAMMY: Who have been some of your favorite artists that you’ve had the opportunity to work with over the years? Who are some artists that you would love to be able to work with in the future?
BETTY MOON: My favorite collaborations have been with Jason Ganberg, Owen Barry and Leanna James. I would love to continue working with them in the future as well.
TAMMY: I have had “Sound” on repeat for a week. It’s an amazing song! And the remixes are incredible. What was the inspiration behind this track?
BETTY MOON: Sound and everything about it. Pure and simple.
TAMMY: What was the experience like for you working alongside Gangberg, Mahalo, and Loud N’ Killer on the remixes for “Sound”?
BETTY MOON: They are incredibly talented individuals and I’m very lucky to have worked with all of them. When I collaborate with other artists it’s really about the vibe and energy that comes from it all. You know a good fit when it happens, and you always want to keep that going!
TAMMY: I’m so excited for your new album. Tell me a bit about CHROME. What can your fans expect from this album?
BETTY MOON: Expect to feel things you’ve never felt before. My team and I worked on CHROME for over a year and made sure everything about the effort was perfectly aligned with my vision. When it was finally complete, we knew it was everything we envisioned and more. Expect something a bit more than my prior rock style albums, this time we’re going even more electronic and pop than ever before.
TAMMY: What sets CHROME apart from your previous releases?
BETTY MOON: It has a power pop vibe and packs a big punch from top to bottom. Each song was made to sound unique but have a chorus that you won’t forget.
TAMMY: You seem to be so down to earth but also larger than life at the same time. You have an amazing style and vibe. What keeps you grounded and motivated?
BETTY MOON: We are all just people working at something that will make a difference in this world. It’s a hard task. What keeps me grounded is my sense of humor and not taking myself very seriously. I’m flawed like everyone else.
TAMMY: What is something that your fans would be surprised to learn about you?
BETTY MOON: I don’t know. I love monkeys, turtles and surfing. Oh and I love old people.
TAMMY: What message do you have for your fans who have been with you since your first self titled LP? And also what message do you have for your new fans who are just being introduced to your music through CHROME?
BETTY MOON: Well of course I want to thank those who have been with me since the beginning, I couldn’t do this without you. For the new fans, it’s awesome to have fresh ears giving a listen to my newest music and my older stuff. I get a lot of fulfillment knowing my music is heard by anyone and everyone who is digging it.
TAMMY: What advice do you have for artists who are just getting started?
BETTY MOON: Look into what paths your favorite artists took to become successful, and copy that. Not everyone takes the same path, but for the most part if your music is good and you figure out a good business sense, you’ll find the way.
TAMMY: What else are you working on currently or have coming up that you are excited about?
BETTY MOON: I have another album in the works even though CHROME is not out until August. Its in yet a whole different palette of sound that I can’t wait to share. I’m also working with a great team, my band and Evolver Music to develop ways to present the music in new ways.
CHROME is set to be released on August 25th. To find out more about Betty Moon and to purchase her music you can visit her website, bettymoon.com. To keep up with all of her latest news you can follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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