Malina Moye
Interview conducted on February 24th
By Dan Locke
Everywhere she goes and on every stage she plays, Malina Moye is recognized as one of the top guitarists of her generation. With a witting disregard for genre restriction, this modern-day six-string champion shatters the boundaries between Rock, Funk, Soul, and Pop. Bad As I Wanna Be, her third and latest set, topped the Billboard charts for two consecutive weeks and drew rave reviews from music press and fans alike. Penning all of the songs herself, she deftly flexes her musical storytelling, yet keeps radio-friendly appeal throughout.
What is your upbringing?
I was born and raised in Ohio and grew up in the twin cities. (St. Paul Minnesota)
How did you discover music/
My mom and dad. I grew up in a family of musicians.
How did you get your first guitar, and do you still have it?
No, I dont have it. It was a Gibson melody maker. I was nine years old when my dad gave me my first guitar. I tried it and didn’t like it. So, when my dad left the room, i flipped the guitar to the left side and started playing it that way and it worked. I loved it. I’m naturally a lefty.
What is your favorite guitar. Year, make and model and does she have a name?
I have so many favorites. One of my main axes it my custom Fender Stratocaster guitar, and i also like my Gibson Flying V. It’s a replica of Jimi Hendrix’s 69.
Describe your music.
I would say Rock with elements of Pop Rock, Blues, And Funk.
What was your first performance like?
My first performance was liberating. I was six. I always loved singing and dancing as a kid. My parents encouraged it.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
Yes, The song was called Big Life. I was eleven years old. It was an actual recording my brothers and I did at a studio,
How was It to see your album on the billboard as the number #1 blues album?
I was very excited and shocked. I’m still shocked. Its a wonderful feeling. When you look back in music history you will see Malina Moye “Bad As I Wanna Be” in that chart position at that time.
How was it to meet Steve Wonder?
Mr. Stevie Wonder is wonderful. His energy is so good and positive. When you are around him you feel like you are getting the history of the world. He has given so much and has been through so many things. He is a real living legend and a national treausre.
Tell me about the time you set with the Arsenio Hall band?
I had a-great time. It was my first late night TV appearance. Arsenio and his staff were so kind and it was a great first experience.
How was it to be the first black woman guitarist to play the National Anthem at a major sporting event?
I was honored. I was honestly honored to play it and then after i played i realized a lot of firsts came out of that NFL game. It’s a beautiful feeling. I’m very proud to have played it and now there are so many more women playing the guitar for major sports team across the sport spectrum.
What is the process of writing your music?
Sometimes I hear melodies and i come back and create from there. Sometimes i hear the words and start creating from there. It all depends.
Tell me about your new single “Say My Name” from your album “Dirty”?
I always say when you say a person’s name you are forced to learn their story and you see them as a person rather than a hash tag or a number. I just wanted to write something that empowered people and gave them the ability to hope and go after everything they desire and feel like everything is possible. It’s not a sprint but a marathon and your story or journey is valid and counts.
Tell me about the filming of the video?
It was fun working with film maker Marc Fusco and the team that was assembled for the video. Marc and I are a great team. He directed my last four Music videos, So i had to have him do this one. We shot on location in La and at a production house with lots of cool sets. It was a dream to work with him and i think he executed the vision beautifully.
What are you feeling about streaming music?
I think its good and bad. The good is more artist are getting discovered this way. The bad is artist aren’t getting paid fairly.
What is your happy place?
Sitting in my bedroom watching TV or soaking in a warm bath drinking sparkling apple grape cider.
Digital vs. vinyl?
Both, because they are both so darn cool. Vinyl, i guess, because It always has a great smell. (lol) plus im a sucker for great images.
Anything you would like to say in closing.
Thanks for the interview and i look forward to seeing everyone on tour this year! xo
