by / Erica Russell
When emerging NJ-bred, LA-based pop artist Moxie Raia’s press release first landed in my inbox, I was immediately hooked. With an earthy voice oozing with honesty and sensuality, Moxie’s sexy, rhythmic mid-tempo summer love anthem, “Buffalo Bill,” was an instant earworm.
Currently, the Capitol Records artist (who even grabbed the attention of Perez Hilton earlier this year) is working on her debut EP, due out this Fall. Ladygunn caught up with the brunette stunner about writing with confessional honesty, her musical upbringing, and finding the “perfect high” with “Buffalo Bill.”
Tell us a little about writing “Buffalo Bill” and the energy of the song:
I used to live in a house with my production company and we had this one room that we called the “Ashram” because it had such a special and inspiring energy. We put tapestries all over the walls and lots of cozy places to sit and also our piano. The idea for the song and the beginning melodies and chords first came alive in that room. The song is just about “the perfect high” and wanting a great mood or moment or state of mind to last forever.
And what about the inspiration behind the video? How did the decision come about for you to not physically be in the “Buffalo Bill” lyric video?
I am in the official video but I am not in the lyric video. I didn’t want to be in the lyric video because I didn’t want it to be about me. I wanted to create a world and a mood that represented the feeling of the song. I wanted it to evoke strong feelings and emotions because the song is about having strong feelings and emotions. I felt the best way to do that was through passion.
Buffalo Bill is one of the poppier songs on the album, but the mood and voice and point of view are definitely an accurate taste of what’s to come.
Being a part of The Brain and living at the house was the greatest and most inspiring period of my life. To live with six of the most talented people I had ever met — each genius in their own way — and bounce ideas off of them and observe how they worked, their unique creative processes, totally changed my life. I learned so much and grew so much as a writer, artist, and person. It’s also really special to be able to write and work with people who you love and who know you so well.
That’s a huge compliment, thank you! I’m really into rawness. I didn’t want my lyrics to be too “worked on” but rather just train of thought… confessions, diaries.
I grew up in a very musical household. My parents are not musicians but huge music fans, especially of Soul and Motown music so that was always playing in the house when I was growing up and it definitely seeped into my blood — it’s still all I listen to still when I am home.
Would definitely be Stevie Wonder – Fulfillingness’ First Finale or Songs in the Key of Life. I am also a Miseducation (Lauryn Hill) junkie. That album will never get old, my ears will never grow tired of it and my mind and heart will never cease to learn from it.
I have done a few! I recently had a show in LA and was able to perform with a big band. I had a sitar player and a horn section. God willing the tour can be like this! I love big bands and lot of unique arrangements and instrumentation.
I’m most excited for the release of my single “I Love It When You Cry” in the Fall. After that I am releasing an EP… and my full length album hopefully soon after that.
MORE:
FB:Â https://www.facebook.com/YoMoxie
Soundcloud:Â https://soundcloud.com/yomoxie
Twitter:Â https://twitter.com/yomoxie
