MMIM had the pleasure of interviewing the talented songstress Teedra Moses. Her energy, as well as passion for music is evident not only in her music, but in her words when she is simply speaking to you in a conversational tone. MMIM hopes that you enjoy the interview featured below just as much as we enjoyed speaking to the Young Lioness. She clearly exemplifies what it means to be So Kool, while remaining humble and real in the ever-changing music industry.
MMIM: Can you tell our readers who the Young Lioness is what inspired you to become a singer?
Teedra: The young lioness is a character that I use to make myself strong. It’s like a character I put on to make me realize my royalty because I don’t always feel so strong. Sometimes I feel like I am so much weaker than I pretend to be, but if I pretend to be strong than I will become stronger and that is kind of what the Young Lioness is. It can relate to a lot of people out here where you just gotta wake up everyday and make it happen, regardless of what you are going through. I also watch a lot of Animal planet (laughs) and I saw a lioness and how she walked with pride and I was like yo that’s what I feel like so the young lioness name kind of stuck.
In terms of music it was always something I loved. I was a wardrobe stylist and I was around the music industry. I got in a situation when I had nothing and it was just me and my children. I cried out to God and asked him for something that I could be fulfilled in and still take care of my family and he gave me music.
MMIM: Can you give us more information about your label the Black Moses Group, as well as what inspired you to start it?
Teedra: I have an entrepreneurial family and I from New Orleans. A lot of people own their own businesses. My dad always told me that if they pay you this much, then you are worth way more. They never give you what you are worth. Or if you are going to get what you are worth you need to handle it yourself. Before I was with TVT, I was with a production company and when that relationship fell apart, my sister and I came together because we figured we are smart women so we can do this. So far so good and now I have a hub to protect myself and in the future I would love to put out other artists as well that deliver music from their hearts.
MMIM:Many people are unaware that you have written so many hits, such as Trina’s Here We Go, Raphael Saadiq’s I Want You Back, and Christina Milian’s Dip It Low, and your entire Complex Simplcity album. Can you tell us what motivates you when you are writing and have you written for any other artist recently? Teedra: I worked with Macy Gray earlier this year, but I took some time away from writing for artists because it was confusing me. When I conform to what other artists want it takes away from what I want to do for me so I stopped because I wasn’t completing what I wanted to do for myself, so in order to clear my head I took a break from writing for other artists.
Basically what inspires me to write is what I am going through. Whatever I feel – that is what comes out. If I have to sit there and try to figure something out or push something out, then that is not the record for me. I just do me! The best songs come out when I am driving in my truck. That is like my mobile studio. California is so pretty so you can just ride around and be inspired by so many things. I just freestyle and if I like it I stick with it.
MMIM:Loving the new song “So Kool.” Is that featured on your latest mixtape Royal Patience and where can our readers purchase this from?
Teedra: I never did put out the mixtape Royal Patience because I had it together and everything and I didn’t like it that much. Not that I am extremely critical over myself, but I just can’t throw things out just to throw them out because I have to love my music first. I am going to put out of a mixtape and I haven’t figured out the name of it yet because I don’t want to put out what I had before. So cool will be on there as well as some other songs.
MMIM: So what’s next? Can we get details on your upcoming project?
Teedra: Well I haven’t taken it to a new label yet because I had to clear up everything with TVT. Its a process, but it’s so worth it when you are able to make a product you can stand on freely and have the right support behind it. I am doing a photo shoot soon and worst case scenario I will put the album out myself. I just want people to be able to relate to my songs. I have been blessed to come across people that can relate to what I am talking about in my music. Its not about being a superstar. I was born a rock star. What I feel comes out because I am fire! I don’t care about super stardom I just want my music to be heard!
MMIM: What producers did you or are you working with?
Teedra: Jadakiss did a verse on one of the songs for me. I also have a record that I want to include a rapper on, but I want to make sure they are conscience of what they are saying. Raphael Saadiq produced the last song on the album. I also took a Radiohead sample and created a song. There are a variety of other producers on the album, but this album is definitely going to deliver feel good music.
MMIM: How can our readers reach out to you?
Teedra: They can always go to MySpace.com/TeedraMoses Also I will be going on tour in February so make sure you come to my show!
MMIM: Make sure DC is on the list.
Teedra: Of course the DC/ Baltimore area was the first place to make me realize that people really like my music because they came out in droves. There were so many people that came out when I did my first show I was like I am going to have to move here!. The DC and Baltimore audience loves music!
MMIM: Is there anything else that you want to share with our readers?
Teedra: I just want to say pray for me and I will pray for you. I am really ready and so focused to put my music out there for anyone that wants to here it. I appreciate everyone for showing me love and waiting patiently on my album. Also I want to say that I do like the site and I have come across you guys site often. Really honestly sites like these are moving music. You guys are doing a great job for artists and music lovers. You may not realize that you are making an impact, but you are. We appreciate you babies. Lots of Love.
