Mozella...hot new album! Interview with rising music star...

Mozella is a pretty young woman with a new album out who I was introduced to through one of my contacts at Universal Music.

The name Mozella conjures up a few wild images, but in all actuality, is just a nickname from her youth that she has chosen to adopt for her stage persona.

When I first caught sight of the album cover - featuring the pretty blond in a casual pose (daydreaming a bit, perhaps?) - I was reminded of a couple of musical artists that I used to listen to back in the sixties (Joni Mitchell, Judy Collins, Joan Baez).

Curiously, when I asked Mozella about her creative influences, she was quick to note that the era impacted her greatly.

Mozella (Mo, to her friends) has been on the road quite a bit fronting for headliners such as the ever-popular Dave Matthews Band.

In fact, that gig triggered memories for the rising young star.

"I had just joined the tour somewhere in the mid-west. It was raining and the security crew was giving us a hard time (what else is new?) about sitting under the pavillion (to stay dry) while Dave sound-checked. Dave jumped down off the stage and walked all the way up the amphitheater to where my band and I were sitting. With a big smile, he introduced himself to me like I was his long lost friend. He told the security crew to leave me alone because I was with the tour. I could not believe how genuine and nice he seemed. He invited my crew and me to come dry off and dine with them. It made me realize how important it is to be cool to people no matter how famous you are or how much money you have. He is such a nice guy!"

Dave, by the way, was featured in the scintillating documentary - Before the Music Dies - which I reviewed last year.

Post:  08/07

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2007/08/thomas-carlyle-wordsworth-said-who-is.html

What inspires Mozella to write?

"So many things, but mostly life and love I'd say."

Judging from her style - and the tone of the offerings on the new album "Belle Isle" - I surmised that Mo must be pretty low-key in her approach to her creativity and life in general.

It was no surprise, then, when she acknowledged that.

"I'm a pretty laid back. I think the melodies are calm in places but then the energy picks up when the song needs it. I supposed my attitude about what's important to me gets reflected in my music and in my vocal approach. I'm a glass half-full kind of person but I've also had my heart broken. So the pain and the optimism dance around each other constantly on the record."

The album - featuring a handful of tunes with catchy beats - seems pretty complete in-of-itself.  So, of course, I wondered if there were any plans to spread her wings and go for a new sound.

"I'm always open to trying new things. It would be a lot of fun to make a concept record or do something way left of center under some mysterious alter ego. I also want to make a jazz album one day."

Mozella's musical tastes are far-reaching and span from greats like Nat King Cole to Hall & Oates.

"I love jazz vocals but I also love a well written pop song. Growing up in Detroit, I was heavily influenced by Motown and I think that comes out in the music too. People say I have a Duffy meets Adele meets Macy Gray vibe."

Whew!  That's saying something.

Mozella's goals for the upcoming year ahead?

"To make great music, tour, connect with my fans, and have fun."

As to the past, well, the intelligent young lady has many memories to fondly draw on and be inspired by.

"My grandfather use to sing with me when I was little and play me Ella Fitzgerald and Dinah Washington albums. I know that played a big part in my life. Singing in the car with my mom is a fond musical memory too. And of course, singing in church certainly shaped me as a kid. All my memories (musical or not) help me write. I dig into those same feelings I had in the past (bad and good) and then turn those feelings into words that rhyme."

In the final analysis, Mozella appears to be sitting on top of the world.

That fact was underscored by the fact that  there were no burning desires to be fulfilled during the upcoming Holiday season.

 "My life is really great. I don't even want anything (presents) this year!"

Unlike some acts who thumb their noses at endorsements or anything that ranks of commercialism, this smart gal recognizes the need for a boost now and then in those high-profile arenas.

"Film, TV, and commercial work are the new radio," she stated matter-of-fact without any qualms.

"Getting a song in an ad can be just as potent as getting spins on radio."

The album cover grabbed me from the get-go, so I asked her to expound a little on the creativity and thinking behind it.

"I wanted a throwback, early 60's kind of vibe. I think that look is very sexy and classy and it goes well with the sounds on the new album "Belle Isle" (which is actually an island in the middle of the Detroit river!!!)."

What's up next for the charismatic talented performer?

"More promotion and shows will keep me busy in the new year. Then we shall seeat! I'll keep writing and making music and see what the next few months hold."

From my vantage point, I'm predicting it will be a hit single, and the flowering of a frenzed fan focus that puts Mozella  over the top and into the mainstream in the  glare of the media spotlight.

Good luck, Mo!

Nat King Cole a musical influence

http://www.julianayrs.com/

Before the Music Dies...Music documentary.

Thomas Carlyle (Wordsworth) said,

"Who is there that, in logical words, can express the effect music has on us? A kind of inarticulate unfathomable speech, which leads us to the edge of the infinite and lets us gaze into that."

With that in mind, in recent days I attended a screening of the entertaining film - "Before the Music Dies".
For music fans it is a must-see.

With the advent of "clear channel" and focus groups, Director Andrew Shapter gambled on taking his voyeuristic camera along the roads of America to interview key personalities in the music arena, and came up a winner.

In the words of producers Shapter and Joel Rasmussen:

"We sought to understand why mainstream music seems so packaged and repetitive and whether corporations had the power to silence musical innovation."

The revealing interviews Shapter captured with his insightful lens clearly signal the answer is a resounding "no".

The opening shot captures a magnetic young Billy Preston all decked out in a canary yellow suit gyrating his way to pop icon status in the early days of his career.

In the old days record labels signed about twenty or thirty artists and dictated how their talent would be packaged and promoted, usually keeping a tight reign on their creativity.

"There was so much pressure to turn out a hit," one artist confessed.



Others complained that today the suits would cut a musician loose if they failed to deliver right out of the gate.

"It's all about money" appeared to be a repeated MANTRA in the engrossing film.

For this reason, many popular acts are signed on the basis of one CD so the movers and shakers can cut their losses and capitalize on a sudden hit.

One promoter lamented that few at the majors were in for the long haul anymore.

Bonnie Raitt fondly recalled an earlier era when it was a lot easier for talent to break in; in her case, playing the guitar figured well into her success.

"The way I look, it is doubtful I would have made it in the business today."

That was one of the focuses of the film.

Artists pointed out that with the X-Generation it was all about the "look", glossy images, and sizzlin' sex appeal.

Ah, the seductive nature of those MTV videos!

Industry-insiders noted that all the – um – talent had to do these days was show up.

Can’t sing?

Don’t worry. A sound mixer demonstrated how an off-key note could be sweetened in the recording studio until it hummed with perfect pitch.

The music giant "Clear Channel" was criticized for relying on focus groups (many wondered who these curious mysterious forecasters actually were, by the way) to determine slots and airplay.

Others observed that today it was harder for true artists with a heart to make it.

But many interviewed were enthusiastic about the new trends in music.

Independent radio stations in Seattle and Texas and elsewhere are now scouring the earth for alternative innovative new sounds, they alleged.

In fact, if Shapter's subjects are to be believed, hordes of the teaming masses appear to be turning away from the mainstream radio stations.

One female vocalist thought it was offensive how Radio Stations packaged a radio program for Nationwide airplay and then inserted a short - "Hello, New York" - into the mix to give the impression that the music was tailored to their locale.

A number of music enthusiasts - with eclectic tastes - talked excitedly about garage bands, too.

The acts were applauded for taking destiny into their own hands by shooting their own low-budget videos which they summarily edited and mixed on tracks on their home computers.

Then, given a glorious send-off to YouTube and other sites on the World Wide Web.

In fact, Andrew Shapter noted that one band he was familiar with did just that and are now reaping huge rewards playing to sold-out venues around the globe.

Shapter noted that the homogeneous corporate product that was spoon fed to consumers is now competing with independent music that adventurous fans online and at clubs around the country are discovering.
I loved the look of the film; slick and professional, but heartfelt too.

Shapter is a former fashion photographer and has a great eye which is reflected in his work.

The pacing of the well-produced doc is excellent and the sequences soundly and stylistically placed.
Engaging entertainment.

The historical references are solid, embolden, and ultimately lay a great foundation for the musical landscape that unfolds.

The journey is a worthwhile insightful one.

In sum, the film takes a fascinating energetic (and optimistic) gaze into the fascinating world of music while hinting at the myriad possibilities ahead.

Forest Whittaker narrates.

Impromptu performances by Eric Clapton (at the Viper Room) and Dave Mathews are a plus.

Info: www.beforethemusicdies.com

http://www.julianayrs.com