Betty Moon – Hellucination

By starrymag | December 12, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) It’s a great mix of different genres, including rock, electronic and pop. My sound is unique because I’ve been doing this longer than most artists on here and like to keep things interesting by changing up genres from time to time without losing my unique musical vibe.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I grew up on a lot of great rock and electronic music from (Depeche Mode, G&R, etc). Some of the best 90’s hard rock bands (Alice in Chains) and late 90’s bands had a huge impact on my growth as a songwriter as well. My musical taste is so diverse it would fill up this entire interview. [laughs]

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Runaway.”

 

A) The lyrics are about a toxic relationship and facing the internal and external demons that come with it head-on. The song is actually not about running away from anything, but really coming to terms with a situation and dealing with it. Funny enough, it’s more about walking away from a relationship after doing some soul searching and having those tough conversations many avoid.

 

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

 

A) I think everyone can relate somehow to a good breakup song. If you haven’t been broken up with, then you’ve broken some hearts.

 

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

 

A) Yes, I typically write most of the music first on acoustic guitar or even when messing around on the piano with melody ideas. Since I have my own studio, I quickly lay down whatever song ideas I have and can easily keep track of what’s in my head. I tend to write the lyrics last and block out time to lay those down for a bunch of tracks at once.

 

Q) You’re an independent producer. Why is it so important for you to be so hands on with your music?

 

A) I’m actually just starting to work with other producers. To date though, I have enjoyed having 100% control of my music, for various reasons. Since being signed to a major before I even graduated high school, I had this thing about controlling as much of my music as possible. That hasn’t changed, but I do love collaborating with incredible musicians and mix/mastering engineers that fit the Betty Moon vibe. The more you understand about production and engineering, the better you can make the music truly what you imagine without outside influence to derail your creativity.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live Betty Moon performance?

 

A) I like to throw a great rock show. Everything from visual experience to turning up the guitar and bass past 10 – in other words cranking it. It’s an experience and one hell of a great time. I tend to stick to a 4-piece setup, with myself playing guitar while singing and one of our players will have keyboards and tracks to back things up. We play in various venue types, from amazing art galleries to venues on the west coast right now.

 

Q) What songs off your Hellucination album are you looking forward to performing live?

 

A) “Save My Soul” for sure. It’s one of my favorites to listen to and I think “Get Your Gun” will be another great one to play live.

 

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

 

A) That they have their own relationship hearing my songs. It’s such an individual experience and very personal, but I’ve heard my songs can be “vulnerable yet empowering.” Ultimately, I just hope that they connect with Hellucination the way that myself and so many others have so far.

 

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

 

A) I actually am pretty content with whom I currently work with. But, hey, I would love to do something with Iggy Pop or Josh Homme in the future. I’m currently collaborating with an exciting new producer. It’s a bit hush right now, but I’m also working some great co-writes with a few local people that have great track records in the industry.

 

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

 

A) Velvet Revolver (Contraband) popped into my mind today so I put that on. For obvious reasons that band was awesome and just that combination of Scott Weiland with members of G&R was magical. Also, Rage Against The Machine has been on a bit for nostalgia reasons since they are apparently back together?

 

Q) You have been in the business for 25+ years. What advice would you give to upcoming artists?

 

A) Do your homework. Some of the best practices that worked for artist in the past still work today. While it’s great to promote yourself online, nothing beats solid networking and meeting great industry people of all types. Build a great reputation for not only having awesome music, but also for being great to work with.

 

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

 

A) You go where the fans hang out the most right? Besides in-person at a show, they can usually be found on Facebook and Instagram connecting with others in different ways. It’s critical to update your social media just for the purpose alone of showing fans your brand still has a pulse. It’s easy to be forgotten, so you have to be proactive to stay top of mind.

 

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

 

A) As always, thank you so much for always taking the time to listen to my music. It means the world to me and it’s why I do what I do daily. For the long-time fans, you are amazing and I’m thankful to have you in my life!

 

For new fans and listeners, please be sure to follow me on Instagram (@BettyMoonMusic) and learn more about me at www.BettyMoon.com

 

 

Listen to Hellucination on Spotify: