Young Lioness: Teedra Moses

Spring 2005; Interview and images by DJ Parallax

GRANDMA used to always say that when someone is truly sincere it will shine through every aspect of their heart and soul. Once upon a time- when artists spent more money producing music than their photo shoots, and before video killed the radio star- R & B music was that longtime friend. You used to sing your joys with that friend. When you were down that same friend perscribed soothing for the heart, soul, and spirit in other songs. When singers really gave their heart when they sang- before your favorite radio station became a category on the dial. And no matter what you were going through, those songs made sense. Listeners seeking that R &B may dig a little deeper nowadays to find that music that speaks to their plaintive heart and soul. You don’t have to dig any deeper than Teedra Moses.

Teedra Moses breathes new life and fresh air into a lot of current and stale music. She does not sound like any of her other R &B peers. She writes her own songs. Her production team puts the hammer down with fresh and unique tracks (Poli Paul, early collaborator with Blackeyed Peas). Her voice and her looks set souls on fire and gives goosebumps. But don’t let the smooth taste fool you. Unlike some of her peers, this young woman does not rely on the grace of her good looks. This beautiful young lady is not only a strong and stirring singer but also is a gifted songwriter who has collaborated with Raphael Saadiq, Christina Milian, Trina, Jadakiss, and others. In 2004 she released her critically-acclaimed debut Complex Simplicity, a myriad of songs detailing her life, love, pain with the pure and powerful, yet delicate voice of a songbird. Her music details the conflicts people go through when working to resolve those not-so-easy issues of the heart with the hope of finding peace of mind.

It’s rare to encounter too many people, especially in entertainment, who are humble and sincere about themselves and their work. We managed to catch up with Ms. Moses in between her promotional tour and her session work on her forthcoming follow-up, The Young Lioness. We wanted to know why this caged bird sings.

A lotta people I know that have heard your project have been trying to figure out your roots, regionally speaking. Where are you from?
I was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. I’m from the 17th Ward. Me and my immediate family moved out to Los Angeles when I was in high school.

What were you doing before you got signed?
I was a stylist; I worked in and out of (the) fashion and music (industries). I have always loved clothes- I have just loved fashion. I always liked to dress, and people always told me that I had a good sense of style.

You do it well.
Thank you! Some of my friends took notice, and I eventually got put on to doing stylist work for several people.

What would you be doing if you hadn’t gotten signed?
I probably would have still been working in fashion, more than likely as a stylist, but I may have grown into something else. I couldn’t exactly say, though. Life can sometimes take you in another direction.

With changing directions, is that how you got interested in the music game? I’m thinking because of how fashion and music are always so closely linked together.
Not really. I went through some personal experiences that led the way to eventually telling my stories in song. Honestly, I felt like it was meant to happen.

Yeah, much of the time we’re being guided by higher powers, would you agree?
Definitely! I didn’t take to it at first in life. But singing was the only thing that felt right to me when I did it. It is the only thing I have done so far that felt good that came naturally. It satisfied me in a way that nothing else ever did before. It just felt like it was meant for me to do.

How long have you been singing?
I’ve only been singing for about three years.

For real?
Yeah, only three years.

I never would’ve thought that in my life, given what the album sounds like and how you sound live, in person.
Yep, I’ve only been singing for three years.

With your feet now planted in the music industry, what are the best and the worst things you’ve seen since you started?
Hmm. So far the best (part) would have to be seeing how my music has affected people, knowing that it’s made an impact on people and that others can relate to those experiences. The worst part? I think just the general shadiness of people. But that’s a part of life.

True indeed. Let’s switch gears for a minute. You are signed to TVT, which usually isn’t known for R&B or soul music. Labels sometimes don’t always deal straight. What led you to them?
I wanted to maintain complete artistic control. The people at TVT respected my creativity and respected what I wanted to do and how I wanted to approach my music. I wanted to be me and they have let me be me all the time, since the beginning.

That’s a good look. You don’t have many artists in control of their situation, especially some female artists, unfortunately. How do you feel about that?
That’s exactly why I did the deal I did, because of that kind of support (creatively). Like I said, I have total artistic control over my work. I couldn’t have it any other way. I wanna be respected for being me and doing my thing. For me it all comes from the heart.

And your music definitely sounds heartfelt and sincere, more so on that real side that we don’t seem to get these days.
Thank you! (smiles graciously) And yes, I am a sincere person. My music is really about my life. This is music from my heart. I am real and I wouldn’t wanna sugar coat anything. When you listen to my album, you get my personal experiences, my feelings during that time, my life- (it’s about) what I’ve heard, seen, felt & experienced.
How many women do you think are actually just themselves on television with their real hair? It’s a fucking shame that these girls on TV act and dress the way they do sometimes. It’s like that black girl with the short hair or the ponytail can’t be herself. A lot of people (in the industry) will try to dictate to the girls how they should be marketed, or who they think they should be. I always just wanted to be myself. You know, this is me. Like the same way that Mary J. Blige affected all the girls- when the girls wanted to wear the boots that she had on, her whole style, she was just herself- she was real. That’s a quality that I think is important in my music and how I create. I’m that real (chick) just like other women out here everyday. Not to say that you aren’t real if you’ve had a weave – I’ve had one before. But you can be yourself. And you can be true to yourself. And that’s what I want to shine through.

When I’m listening to your album it sounds like you find perspective in both the good and the bad in life- all as a part of staying true to yourself, like you said. How do you channel all those energies into your creative process with your music?
I usually write about what I feel at the time. Sometimes I’ll think of situations and create from something I thought of in my head. Other times I write about what I went through or what people around me or close to me have experienced. I created the songs I wrote for Complex Simplicity mostly two years ago. Most of those songs were things and feelings I was dealing with at that time. Once I recorded the first song (“Caught Up”) I needed a little help to construct some of the other songs because I hadn’t really structured a song or arranged vocals before. Now I do it all the time.

And to be clear, you write all your own songs?
Yes!