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MoZella Interview: SXSW 2010

In 2006, MoZella debuted her music career on Warner/Maverick Records, and embarking on a national tour alongside pop/rock names such as Dave Matthews Band, Michelle Branch, and Lifehouse. With her songs becoming instant sensations on the Hot AC radio charts, and being featured on popular televisions shows like 'How I Met Your Mother,' 'One Tree Hill,' and 'Lipstick Jungle,' MoZella is ready to bring her music to new audiences at this year's SXSW festival. Spinner recently got the chance to speak to the singer/songwriter about her growing career and what she's grooving to these days.

Describe your sound in your own words.

I guess my music is jazzy, pop, soul? I don't know! It's got a vintage feel but mixed with modern beats. I have a raspy jazzy voice. Not sure what you'd call it. You tell me!

How did you and your band form?

I'm a solo artist. Over the years I've found musicians I love to play with and I always go back to the same few guys. I started playing guitar at age 13 and was booking my own coffeehouse shows by age 15. I then moved to LA at age 18 seeking a record deal.

What are your musical influences?

Wow. Good question. I love almost all music. Some of my favorites? The Beatles, Smokey Robinson, Chet Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Prince, Joni Mitchell, and Bill Withers.

How did you come up with the name, MoZella?

Mozella is a nickname from when I was a kid. My real name is Maureen -- Mo for short. Mo got turned into everything [Mozie, Mozers, Momo, and Mozella]. And when I made my first record for Maverick/Warner Bros, I went with Mozella as my stage name.

What is it like hearing your songs on television shows like 'How I Met Your Mother' and on MTV?

I still get excited every time I hear myself on TV. I wrote a song for the Droid/Google phone called 'Magic' and every time it came on screen I would start dancing -- even a month into it airing! Am I a dork? Yes.

I've actually been really lucky this year. My songs have been in too many shows to count (MTV's 'The Hills' & 'The City,' 'Castle,' 'Modern Family,' 'Drop Dead Diva,' 'Fringe,' etc). I've also had 4 national commercials and two international. I've gained so many new fans from it. I'm so fortunate for the opportunities!

You have toured with big names like Lifehouse and Michelle Branch. Who would be on your dream tour?

I'd love to open for The Black Eyed Peas, Gwen Stefani, or maybe even John Legend.

What's your biggest fear?

Never writing another good song.

What's in your tour survival kit?

Excedrin, ear plugs, a neck pillow, lots of tea, Downey wrinkle releaser spray, and a good book.

Who was your first musician crush?

Ed Kowalczyk from the band Live. I was obsessed when I was like 11. It was comical. I actually hung out with him when I got older but the love had faded by then!

What's currently on your iPod?

I have SO much music. I can't even begin to narrow that one down! My mix for jogging includes Hall & Oates, Jay-Z, The Killers, Pink, Prince, and The Ting Tings.

What's the craziest thing you've seen or experienced while on tour?

While on the road with Lifehouse, we played at this place in Wisconsin that is apparently an old, haunted social club. It was freezing cold and really creepy. Apparently people drowned in the basement pool or something. It was freaky. I went looking around alone in the upstairs ballroom. Rule number one in any scary movie? Don't go off alone! All of a sudden the lights went off and I was on this massive, empty dance floor in pitch black. This red light came on in the corner 200 feet away. I never ran so fast down a flight of steps in my life! One of the guys in Lifehouse told me that the hotel across the street is where Jeffery Dahmer cut up, froze, and ate some of his victims. We were SO ready to get out of there by the end of the night!


Alisha Miranda is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.

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Brent Harvey

Congrats Mozella for May 2010 Hollywood music in Media nomination http://bit.ly/a3cJZE

Brent Harvey
Executive Producer / Co-Founder
Hollywood Music in Media Awards & Conference

June 28 2010 at 9:28 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply