I have just became pals with Betty Moon and was amazed by her accomplishments. SO I decided to interview her for Punk Globe... Please enjoy.
Punk Globe: Can you give the readers some background on yourself?
Betty: My name is Betty Moon and I am a producer/songwriter based here in the Los Angeles area. I am originally from Canada and started my music career up there in the 90’s. I would say I’m best known for my unique songwriting and appreciation of great fashion. I take a lot of pride in writing great music on my own terms and presenting myself in a way that commands the listeners full attention. Betty Moon is an experience, and I think it’s important part of being creative.
Punk Globe: How long have you been Los Angeles from Toronto?
Betty: About 10 years now, wow time flies. I remember playing the Roxy, The Viper Room, The Whisky Ago Go and the Sunset Strip Music Festival as some of my first gigs living down here like it was yesterday.
Punk Globe: You seem to be very accomplished you are a songwriter, producer and you excel with many instruments
Betty: Thank you, it’s an ongoing journey to get better and better at this stuff. We all know that 10,000 hour rule right with anything? I’m aiming for 20,000 hours haha. But really, it’s about being passionate about the full songwriter and producer experience, and you always fine something new to learn and get better at. I have been branding my own unique sound for many years. Lately I seem to be called a leader of whats happening next culturally speaking. I love that I've become a leader and have influenced many artists. As they say "imitation is the biggest form of flattery". It truly is and now when I see and hear people copping my trip I don't get pissed anymore. I used to though. There comes a time to let things go and thats when you will have the most control over your trip. My imagination is as bold and bright as it ever was and I now have a huge fanbase that has grown to not only appreciate it, but become empowered by and need it in their lives. That means a hell of a lot to me right now.
Punk Globe: Do you work with other musicians on your releases?
Betty: Absolutely, I have a great network of engineers, guitarists, bassists, DJs and more that I collaborate with on my music. You can only do so much by yourself, and it’s more fun and creative when you team up with others. I love my team very much, I have fun with the process of writing and recording and I think you can hear that in the music and art that I generate from my being.
Punk Globe: Do you use other musicians when you play live or tour
Betty: Yes, I have great players that I work with for live shows and in studio and they are not one and the same.
Punk Globe: Who are some of your influences musically?
Betty: I have so many that range in different genres from rock, punk and electronic. Some of my favorites are artists like Sly and the Family Stone, Stevie Wonder, Patti Smith, The Stones, James Brown, Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, Rage, Sade, Massive Attack, Aretha, Ms. Lauren Hill, Curtis Mayfield, Black Flag, Iggy, Depeche Mode, Public Enemy, Janes, Prince, the Smashing Pumpkins and so many many others. I only have 5,000 cds in my collection and a library of vinyl that I've collected for 100 years.
Punk Globe: Are you familiar with my dear friend Biff Naked who is out of Vancouver?
Betty: Absolutely. It’s awesome to know women like Bif who are representing Canadian music culture in an interesting way, and staying busy in an industry that is often hard to maintain longevity in.
Punk Globe: On May 17th you released Hellucination with a new single 'Save My Soul' worldwide.. Will you be releasing any videos for the release?
Betty: I’m in the middle of editing a new video as I type this. I would say at least 2 new videos are coming up in addition to “Save My Soul” from this album. I can’t wait for everyone to check them out, and producing videos are one of my favorite things.
Punk Globe: Any tour plans?
Betty: I’ve been very busy preparing for this release but yes there are tour plans in development. I just hope they include Canada and the UK. Perhaps Australia?
Punk Globe: With your prior release 'Chrome' you won alot of accolades from the press. Tell us about 'Chrome' and the reviewers reaction?
Betty: I was honestly surprised and didn’t expect this kind of reaction. I was honored to be written up and reviewed in so many publications. It’s always nice to get that feedback, but I really just make the music because I can’t see my self doing anything otherwise. Some of these reviews and top placements in retail radio really add fuel to my creative fire.
Punk Globe; Having lived in Toronto I am sure that you know The Horseshoe. Have you ever played there?
Betty: Back in the day I played there a few times for sure. Some of my favorite memories are in Toronto and The Horseshoe is totally part of those.
Punk Globe: How cool that your music has been featured on Dexter, Californication and The Walking The Dead... You also are a filmmaker any films that the readers may know?
Betty: Most of my work on screen has been with music videos. So if you have seen a Betty Moon music video, then you’ve seen my work =) Thats what I'm referencing when I say I'm a film maker. Its hard to let someone else realize my vision for the songs and I quite enjoy the art of moving pictures and editing film.
Punk Globe: Tell us about the CASBY awards are the like the Grammy awards? Tell us what awards you won?
Betty: I was nominated for five CASBY awards for some of my earlier work when I was signed to a major label and living in Toronto. I've never won awards for my music but I have been nominated. I think getting a Grammy would be amazing. Its a great feeling to get that type of recognition. I'm not going to lie and pretend I'm too cool not to appreciate those types of accolades. I'd go after it for sure.
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Punk Globe: You have many more releases out, can you give the readers a rundown on them?
Betty: ‘Hellucination’ is actually my 9th studio album. Some of my favorites that you should check out are ‘Chrome’, ‘Amourphous’ and my album ‘Pantomania’ which have some pretty killer covers like “No Good” by the almighty Depeche Mode and "Gimme Shelter" written by the Stones. Along with the songs I've penned on them as well.
Punk Globe: Do you have any Internet Addresses you would like to share with the readers?
Betty: You can check out most of anything about Betty Moon at my official website and Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/BettyMoonmusic/
https://www.instagram.com/bettymoonmusic/
Punk Globe: Describe yourself in three words?
Betty: edgy, passionate and tempestuous
Punk Globe: Any last words for Punk Globe readers?
Betty: Thank you for taking the time to interview me Ginger. Always a pleasure and for the readers, please check out ‘Hellucination’ on Spotify or Apple Music! Never stop reading and listening to great music. Hence, food for your mind and soul!
