Editor’s Note: Sometimes what gets lost in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood is the art and the passion for the arts. Singer/songwriter/producer Betty Moon is here to remind us of that passion. Betty has recently released her album entitled “Hellucination” and she has released several music videos to coincide with the release. It is no secret that she’s on a path to stardom, as she is currently on the Grammy ballot in four different categories due to her hard work and perseverance in her art. Betty Moon sat down with Madness To Creation to talk about her reaction on getting on the Grammy ballot, gun control, Hollywood, and mental health awareness. Fans can find Betty Moon at the following locations:
www.facebook.com/Bettymoonmusic
www.twitter.com/bettymoonmusic
www.instagram.com/bettymoonmusic
Madness To Creation: You have released “Hellucination”. Take us into the album and what was the most challenging and rewarding aspects about producing and writing this album!
Betty: Very excited to have the album out in the world and hearing all the great feedback and reviews is nothing short of amazing. I was working on songs for the album for about a year before finally committing to the album name, final tracks and artwork. There was a time where I wasn’t sure of the plan, and just kept writing songs until there were more than enough for multiple albums. The most challenging aspect was to choose the right tracks falling into some type of cohesive winding flow of music and for my team to work on finalizing the tracks, mixing and then of course mastering the album. It’s a trippy collection of songs hence another new word to add to my own dictionary which moves towards the darker side. Though there is a lot of happy tones, my aim was to make sure the attitudes were fierce throughout.
As a creative we can all relate when we come to the moment where the final tracks have been selected, mixed, mastered and sent off to find their own paths. Sometimes it’s difficult to put the “done” stamp on music since we can make things better and change things over and over. It was very rewarding to see the CDs, vinyl and final digital version of the album go live on Spotify etc. I think the everyday listener doesn’t fully understand how much emotion and work goes into making music, and then ultimately someone can just add to a playlist and listen so casually. That’s incredible, just clarifying that. But I’m thankful to tell these stories so listeners can realize the backstory behind all these songs.
Madness To Creation: I love the song “Save My Soul”. The video seems to go through the perils of Hollywood, take us into the video and song.
Betty: I wanted to tell a story of modern day humanity. We’re all the same, and so similar to others in more ways than not. I was showing a contrast between someone “affluent” and someone “poor” and telling the story that no matter what we often feel lost at times and that our souls need saving as a whole. I have found that your true happiness really comes from within, and external material possessions are simply “icing on the cake”, but not a means to true fulfillment.
While I’ve been in love with Hollywood and the terrain of Los Angeles since a young teen, and an amazing night on the town can be magical and fun, I also refuse to become like everyone else here who is looking for their 15 minutes of fame. Everything doesn’t always count in large amounts. Reality hits home as time goes on, and hopefully we can help our fellow people out to realize life is okay just where you are at that moment.
Madness To Creation: What is the weirdest thing about Hollywood and the thing you love about Hollywood the most?
Betty: Love the energy here mostly. Hollywood is so creative and electric. You can go into town and create memories that will last a lifetime. I don’t really think it’s that weird coming from a city like Toronto where weird is a lifestyle choice for many of my artist friends and musicians who I still have great relationships with. But Hollywood really has such a deep history especially in the arena of entertainment. Its powerful and I feel it, not to mention having some of the best clubs, food, beaches, hotels and nightlife on the planet.
Madness To Creation: Fun Question: Who was your star crush growing up and who’s your star crush now?
Betty: Star crush growing up was always Jim Morrison for sure, he was just as fun to look at as he was to listen to and watch. I would say Ed Norton as a more recent one. I can see his house on the Colony from my house and one of these days I’d love to pop by his house and say hey.
Madness To Creation: My favorite song on the album is “Get Your Gun”, take us into the song.
Betty: The song was written as my little punk rock anthem, with the idea of gun control in mind. I know there is strong debate and different angles to consider, but it’s a really simple message. Take away the weapons and violence will tank. It won’t disappear altogether but the numbers of fatalities, deaths and murders will surely be affected. It’s also long overdue.
Madness To Creation: Madness To Creation focuses on mental health awareness, what gets you through when times get tough and what advice do you have for your fans and readers?
Betty: It’s important to take a break from it all, be around friends and family, and remember that we all have limited time on this planet. Creativity is so therapeutic and its important to take care of yourself and be good to yourself. Why not be around people that appreciate you, treat you good, and are fun and loose to hang with. I find it’s also important to find the things that make time stand still, and do more of that when life seems to bring us down.
Madness To Creation: You’re on the Grammy ballot in four categories, what was your reaction when you received the news?
Betty: I was blown away really, all the hard work really pays off and the next level of work kicks in. We’re almost at the finish line with this type of milestone, but it’s really about celebrating a small victory, and moving quickly back into hard work and next steps. But really, it’s pretty damn cool!
Madness To Creation: What can fans expect from Betty Moon for the rest of the year going into 2020?
Betty: I’ve been working on new music for the past few months and for those that know me, I’m working on structures for at least 1 song per day and keeping them on file. I’m still on the album cycle for ‘Hellucination’ through the end of the year, so we’re pushing the single “Runaway”, the music video for “Save My Soul” and we have a couple other things up our sleeves for the holidays. For 2020 there will be a new album, but don’t have the final details on when and what the title will be yet.
Madness To Creation: What else would you like to add in regards to “Hellucination”?
Betty: I’d highly suggest listening to the album front to back, kind of like you would be listening to a vinyl. I ordered these songs specifically to take the listener on a journey. A little bit of rock, electronic, soul and a whole lot of Betty Moon all throughout. I love a good single like anyone else, but it’s truly an experience listening to ‘Hellucination’ from beginning to end.
Madness To Creation: Thank you very much for your time to interview with me for Madness To Creation!
Betty: My pleasure. And thank you for your time to engage in this. Please check out my website at www.BettyMoon.com and my music is available to download or stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube Music and most other streaming platforms. Let’s do this again sometime!
And there you have it! Check out Betty Moon’s social media pages and her official website for latest news and happenings!
