Betty Moon – Cosmicoma

By starrymag | May 28, 2021

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I honestly wish it was easier to describe, but I would say it’s a mix of rock, pop and electronic influences. For those curious, I really encourage them to sit down and check out some of my recent albums, it’s of course focused and flows perfectly track to track, but then you realize the genre bending is not what you expect. Not every song is in the same pocket, and I like to keep the listener on their toes while keeping things upbeat and catchy. I like to say it’s a wall of sound, crafted in a way that creates unforgettable and infectious tracks.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I really like a lot of rock music from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. I loved Guns N’ Roses and Sade, but as time went on, I fell in love almost weekly with new artists that come on to my radar. I can just as easily love and pick up inspiration from a Dua Lipa, Queens of the Stone Age or even newer Alice in Chains single. It’s hard to say that because the inspiration isn’t always literal. I don’t hear a pop song and go write something that sounds like it. I could have heard a heavy rock track that gave me an idea to jump on the keyboard or track something incredibly pop driven.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “My Only One.”

 

A) I spent a lot of time outside and in the studio working on ideas. I’d pick up the acoustic, jump on the piano, or call up my session player friends to come track spontaneous ideas that would come to mind. Most of my songs, including “My Only One,” started with an idea. Maybe on acoustic, then a line or two for the chorus and then I’d save the idea and finish up as soon as I could. But this bed track was essentially created with Owen Barry and Jason Ganberg and then I took it to where I wanted it through to the final mix and master.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I think the listener can pick up the lyrics and energy of the single and make it their own. I’m not a huge fan of explaining the reason I wrote the lyrics, as I like to keep the fan engaged and ensure they feel their own connection to it.

 

Q) How does the upcoming video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) The video is coming really soon, and I can’t wait to share it with you all. I won’t spoil any of it now, but the visuals in the video won’t exactly give away what the song is about. I just like having fun and pairing killer visuals to the art I created.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) I typically sketch out ideas by picking up an acoustic guitar or sitting at the piano. I’ll hit record on my phone if I want to remember it and if I really like it, I’ll head straight into my studio to take it to the next level. Often, I’ll hum melodies in my head and record that as well and then after the fact write a chorus or verse around it.

 

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) I handle all the production and engineering in my studio. Often, I’ll take care of mixing as well but typically outsource the mastering. I have some great friends who work with me as session players to create that “band” energy that you can’t quite capture just doing it 100% yourself.

 

Q) What are some themes you explore on your upcoming LP Cosmicoma?

 

A) Typically, I explore themes of relationships, emotions and situations that come up in life that stick with you forever. Some of these songs might be about a moment I experienced twenty years ago, but it stuck with me and I know the listener can absolutely relate. These songs are just an extension of my real-life stories and a bit of fantasy about living it up in LA. I really wanted to rock out a bit more on this album, especially after 2020 giving me a lot of pent-up energy to expel.

 

Q) What songs on the LP challenged you the most to create?

 

A) None of them really, to be honest. I work at my own pace and everything came together when they were supposed to. I think just getting going with writing and getting the production process going is the hardest part. Then, you keep moving like a train and just need to know when to stop. We all know as an artist that it’s hard to “call it a day” with making your album. [laughs]

 

Q) What tracks hold a special place in your heart and what makes them so significant to you?

 

A) I think “My Only One” stands out as a favorite, it captures all the energy I had while writing and feel like it’s the best song on the LP. While every song is equally a part of my story, this one really just acts as the best projector of Betty Moon from my mind to your ears.

 

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to your new LP as a whole?

 

A) Well, I hope they then go and listen to the rest of my catalog! [laughs] Seriously, though, I hope they dig it and can feel like a part of the album resonates with their own life. Ultimately, I just want them to rock out and have a good time listening to a great rock/pop record. I challenge the listener to go beyond “My Only One” and listen to Cosmicoma front to back, like a true record should be consumed. I know we are a singles culture these days, but I did write the album to be listened to as a whole.

 

Q) With concerts currently on hold, what do you miss most about being on stage?

 

A) I think that interaction with the crowd and your friends before/after the set is all what a show is all about. It’s that human connection that makes live shows amazing and, yes, I sure do miss that experience a ton.

 

Q) With the LP coming out on May 21, how do you plan to celebrate the release?

 

A) I may have some friends over for a listening party with cocktails and food. I’m not doing any live streams or shows this time around, I’m just making sure the listener knows it is on Spotify and Apple Music and they can celebrate any way they like.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) I like those kids in Greta Van Fleet, they pay tribute to the 70’s style rock that should be celebrated but are coming into their own nicely. I bet we could make something really cool together, and I bet it would be a huge hit!

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) The new Billie Eilish “Your Power” single is great and many of her recent singles and collabs. I just like it when artists veer out of the typical lane a bit and disrupt the status quo. The video is really moving as well.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) Do we really have any other choice?? [laughs] I do enjoy it, but I feel as though if you don’t maintain a good social media presence you may miss out on a lot of potential fan interaction. Often it is a great time, but there are moments where I realize we are obligated to keep socials active or run the risk of obscurity. I’m very thankful for my following though and understand it’s part of the job to keep it moving.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) I appreciate all the listeners, new and old, and hope you can all check out Cosmicoma. Also, thank you, Lisa for taking the time to interview me.

Listen to “My Only One”