Betty Moon – Transluscent

By starrymag | July 7, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) Thanks for having me for this interview, Jamie. I’d describe my sound as a mix of rock, pop and electronic vibes. Throw in some good soul and funk influence and you may just have a Betty Moon track. I don’t really stick to one genre and just go with the flow when I’m writing music on guitar, piano and in the studio. Those who know my thing, knew I was a bit more rock n’ roll years back but as of late put out a lot of great pop/electronic leaning singles.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) Oh jeez. Well, those are all over the place really. I’d say everything from Patti Smith to Tool, Sade to Garbage, Curtis Mayfield to Depeche Mode and so many others. It ranges from classic 70’s/80’s/90’s music of all genres all the way to modern artists who keep things fresh and motivating. I don’t really sit around thinking, “I’d really like to write something like Tool.” It’s really about being in the moment and those influences rub off on me indirectly.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Dead Out of Love.”

 

A) It really started with the main riff. It was huge and had a big impact on my motivation and excitement around the EP. I decided to keep the lyrics and vocals simple, yet powerful and striking to the listener. It’s got a cool groove on the verse and the chorus incites motivation to push forward in life. Once things feel like they are holding you down forever, this is the song to convince you to break through those walls even when you are hesitant to keep trying.

 

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

 

A) Well, I think the track is the perfect kickoff song for my EP. By the way, it’s called “Don’t Stop Now” on the release. Separate story, but just so you know. For the old school Betty Moon fans, I think it’s a “See, I didn’t forget about ya!” kind of track. For all the others, it really showcases my diverse interest in rock/pop music and sets the tone for the rest of the EP. The lyrics are badass and so is the riff. Who wouldn’t connect with it somehow?

 

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

 

A) You’ll have to check back with me on that, I’m still writing the treatment for that video and a couple others. They are coming soon though, promise.

 

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

 

A) Yeah, typically I write a bunch of songs before I sit outside with a notepad and write the lyrics. It’s like a foundation for a home. You need that first before anything else is built on top. I know that’s not how everyone writes, but it’s what works best for me. Musically, I’ll write on acoustic, piano or by sitting in logic on my mac and toying around with all programmed ideas. It all comes together somehow, but often from different sources.

 

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

 

A) I do it all, minus the times I farm out the mixing or mastering to others. I get some help with guitar, bass and drums. It gives me a chance to collaborate with other amazing musician friends and the ideas come together as a team effort.

 

Q) How has life in California influenced you as a musician?

 

A) I shamelessly wear my love for Hollywood and L.A. on my sleeves. I owe a lot of my success and inspiration to the universe and everything L.A. Everything from the people to the fashion and other artists around town have rubbed off on me over the years. It’s never a dull moment and gives me something to write about often.

 

Q) What are some themes you explore on your new EP Translucent?

 

A) Love, relationships, society, mental health and more. Some of the lyrics are left up for interpretation though, I don’t want everything to be straight forward and “quirky” has always been my middle name.

 

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

 

A) “Don’t Stop Now,” “Did It for Nothing” and “Your Dirty Love” for sure. I’ve been thinking of ideas on how to pull those off live while adding a twist to make them unique for a live audience. When songs are performed verbatim from the album that’s kind of boring.

 

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

 

A) I just want them to enjoy the vibe I’m running with. I hope they understand the work and creativity that goes into making a cohesive piece of art. I’m not expecting someone’s life to completely change [laughs], but I do hope the EP puts them in great spirits and inspires them in many ways.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) Well, before everything happened with the lockdown, I was excited about playing and checking out shows around town. I always loved playing The Viper Room, Whiskey and even House of Blues before they tore it down. Honestly, any venue around Hollywood is always cool with me because I just love the area so much. Since I was young and visiting LA from Toronto, I felt an attachment to the area and concert venues around town. It was just a matter of time before I would play there myself.

 

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

 

A) I know I’ve said this in other interviews, but Josh Homme without a doubt would be a dream collab. I just connect with his music on so many levels and have loved his art since the Kyuss days. He’s a prime example of an artist who has evolved so well from his rock n’ roll roots.

 

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

 

A) At my workout this AM I was listening to The Shape of Punk to Come by Refused. I don’t listen to a ton of hardcore bands, but this one is the perfect gym record and gives me so many ideas. I can’t believe it’s over twenty years old at this point. It sounds better than ever in 2020. It’s also music of our current rebellion!

 

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

 

A) You have to go and hang out where everyone else does. If you want to be seen and connect with others, especially during 2020, you have to have a good presence online.

 

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

 

A) Seriously, thank you for sticking with me over the years. I know it’s easy to jump from one artist train to the other and for those who keep coming back album to album, you all rock so much. For all the new fans, thank you as well and please follow me on my social media channels @BettyMoonMusic