Photo credit Harvy Moon

We Survived the Storm, Vol. 1 is a testament to Moise’s talent in channeling human emotions across a vast and varied range of heart-wrenching experiences, touching on relationship breakdowns, pity invites, substance addiction and the intimacy in sharing compliments. 

When speaking on the inspiration behind the creation of this record, he explains, “I want people to realize that this life that we have is never going to be easy. You’re going to run into a lot of bumps along the way, and as long as you can stay calm through the storm and not get caught up in what’s happening today, everything will be okay.”

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1. Tell us about your first exposure to music and art. What do you remember about it?

Growing up all the family gatherings would end up becoming dance parties. Watching my aunts and uncles laugh and dance together definitely had a formative effect on me. Now that I’m in my twenties I find myself enjoying making the sounds that fuel these moments with my friends and family where we are laughing, having great conversations while having some music in the backdrop. I even remember my uncle in Iowa having boxes filled with VHS tape recordings of music videos that would play on MTV and BET. My cousins and I would spend endless hours in front of the TV flipping through these music videos. That consumption and exposure to music at an early age had a lasting impact on my love for music and the art behind it.

2. What inspired your latest project?

Okay we have all been cooped up, gone through unrest, even lost people that we loved. This is all stressful and traumatic, yet the goal of this record is to celebrate and give ourselves a pat on the back for once. In order for us as a society to take positive steps forward we have to also decompress and just acknowledge our current state and the blessings we have. Life isn’t perfect and will never be. I hope that for at least thirty minutes each track gives you something to live for and want to stick around. We truly have survived a storm, one that hasn’t really even gone away. Just enjoy the moment as much as you can even when it gets rough.

3. Who is your favorite singer of all time?

If I had to pick one – Michael Jackson – he was an overall performer. With such elegance and grace he would capture the attention of audiences no matter the format. I wish I had been blessed to see him perform live, instead I have to settle with old tapes that have been ripped onto youtube to get a taste of his greatness.

4. Who was your favorite artist last year?

According to my spotify most played – Lenny Kravitz – his music was a benchmark I consciously was trying to hit when it came to mixing and overall sound of the music within the record. Also his songwriting is layered in real life conversations, especially as a young man in his twenties his early albums speak to where I feel I am at in life. Let’s not even get started on the live performance aspect of his career, the essence of rockstar.

5. What inspires you day to day?

Honestly most of the inspiration comes from weird dreams I have. I usually will wake up in the middle of the night and take a voice memo, or fire up ableton to start recording some vocals. My dreams all play in my head like a movie. Very vivid and detailed. 

6. How do you want to be remembered in 50 years?

As someone who truly positively impacted those around him of all backgrounds. I want to spread my wings in every way possible to have the most impact on as many people as possible, for me, this outlet of expression comes easiest through music. I’ve seen firsthand how music has carried me through the hardest moments in life and brought out joy when I needed it the most.