THEAUSSIEWORD.COM special interview with Melody Moko.
How and where did it all begin for you? What drew your interest to the music industry?
It begun before I consciously realised it. It begun being surrounded by records in a suburban house in Adelaide, exposure to my Dads eclectic musis taste gave me an early appreciation for the art of songwriting and performing and I knew from a very early age that the music industry was for me.
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
My motivation is a conscious need to create. Its how I heal, Its how I express myself and its how i thrive. I am fortunate that my music is my job and so therefore the drive for me to succeed as a creative comes from the need to support three small kids and create something they can be proud of too.
What are some of your biggest goals you hope to accomplish?
I’d love to tour internationally a bit more, grab a support for one of my idols (Hello, Brandi Carlile?) and write a song as good as How To Make Gravy.
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
Yes! I am taking my album Suburban Dream out on the road with my guitarist and husband Michael Moko, and support from some great female acts Felicity Kircher & Chloe Styler.
Tell us a bit about your latest release and how would you best describe your music?
My latest release “Suburban Dream” is a thematic album, celebrating and dissecting life as a wife in suburbia. Its australian songwriting combined with americana, dreamy production.
Give us an insight into your creative process. What gets you writing songs?
its a holistic approach for me, I form big ideas and create smaller concepts around that. I generally write with an album in mind and think of it more like a big story that I want to tell, and the songs are the plot twists, the characters stories, the chapters.
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
I definitely talk about some topics I think may be hard to grab on first listen. My current album talks in parts about feminism, sexuality, misogny and parenting challenges.
Success, what is the secret to it?
Redefining what it means for YOU as an individual, for me that isnt what it means to everyone and I think we chase a dragon if it looks the same for everyone. What do YOU really want? Its not money or fame for me, my goals are more internal.
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
Definitely recording my latest album in the US with a dream team of players alongside my husband.
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
Musically, Brandi Carlile, Paul Kelly, Liz Stringer & Tracy McNeil.
Individually and with their ability to carve out a niche and lean into it, Fanny Lumsden, Hayley Marsten, Georgia State Line and Jenny Mitchell.
I am also inspired by some newer artists doing cool things, Piper Butcher, Felicity Kircher and Patrick Wilson
Are there any new projects in the pipeline?
Always, as a woman with ADHD I am constantly creating new side projects, leaning into my work with my manager Kaz Waters and our brand ‘Rebel & Roar” to create some online mentoring for women at the moment
The music industry is constantly changing, where do you see yourself a few years?
Hopefully still here! Mentoring is where my heart feels called right now, so I’d like to be in that space more.
What is your favourite and least favourite part about this line of work and why?
Least favourite is the toxic male culture that surrounds country music, and the lack of representation from female and other underrepresented minorities on festival lineups and radio etc. Favourite is the opportunity to change that!
Name a few of your favourite Australian artists.
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
How will you continue appealing to the international market?
With sheer honesty and connection plus jazz hands.
Do you collaborate with others? Who is on your wish-list?
Of course! I have collaborated alot with my husband, he is my co-writer, producer & guitarist. I also love co-writing with my mates Catherine Britt & Natalie Henry. My wish list would have to be Brandi Carlile & Paul Kelly.
Be YOURSELF. lean into that and amplify it.
A message for your fans. How do you best interact and respond with your followers and fans?
Best way to get me is on socials, I love a good slide into my DMS, or a healthy stalk.
Any last words?
Dont let the man get you down.
Website: melodymoko.com
Facebook: facebook.com/melodymokomusic
Twitter: @melodymokomusic
Instagram: @melodymoko