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NorthernStar "Gettin’ Cozy
With Teedra Moses"
Northernstar@excapethematrix.com
I met with the outgoing, but humble R&B, singer Teedra Moses at Morgan State University’s Communication building for my first big interview. It was such a beautiful experience, and I’m so glad I got to connect with someone as beautiful as she, inside-and-out. On this warm, sunny day of April 20, 2007, we chatted about her upcoming album, "The Young Lioness," raising her twin boys, and what she thinks signifies beauty.
Northernstar- How are you doing today?
Teedra- I am very blessed, and yourself?
Northernstar- I am good, thanks for asking. On "Complex Simplicity," you’ve garnered different emotions and issues. Name one issue you address on your forthcoming album, "The Young Lioness."
Teedra- I always address the issues of relationships between man and woman. I know there are people who say I can’t do this or I can’t do that, but I like to write about life and try to have fun.
Northernstar- Who are some of your musical influences, and who do you enjoy listening to in today’s era?
Teedra- A lot of artists who have inspired me are Prince, Mary J. Blige, Angela Winbush, Rick James, plenty of artists from the 80s (laughs).
Northernstar- And what artists do you enjoy listening to today? I know there aren’t many good ones to choose from (laughs).
Teedra- No, actually I enjoy a lot of different artists. People would be surprised in my taste in music. Right now, I’ve been listening to Sheryl Crow’s old music…
Northernstar- Aaaahhhh…I love Sheryl Crow.
"Beauty to me is confidence."
Teedra- (laughs) Yeah, and I like Amy Winehouse and Gnarls Barkley. But at the same time I can listen to Lloyd, as well as Ciara. I’m not the type of person who likes to judge other’s music. I think everyone has something to offer in music. I really don’t like to listen to the radio because they play the same music over and over again, so I tend to listen to different varieties of music on my iPod.
Northernstar- You are a songwriter as well as a singer. What other singer/songwriters do you admire?
Teedra- Two singer/songwriters I really admire are Robin Thicke and Ne-Yo. I like them because they write the songs themselves and perform them very well.
Northernstar- Okay, what does singing mean to you?
Teedra- It is a Savior; it gave me a way to take care of my two children. Singing is basically like breathing to me, it’s like air.
Northernstar- Okay, you said that singing is what helps you take care of your children; therefore, what is the difference between Teedra Moses, the singer and Teedra Moses, the mother?
Teedra- I don’t think there is one difference (laughs). I am crazy in
every possible way I could be, and I approach everything in my life. I
don’t think I can approach anything in any other way without being
myself. Sometimes I have to apologize to my kids for being myself, it is
what it is and I would rather for them to understand how Mommy is and
hopefully I am making them stronger men because later on in life, they
will know how to do deal with a strong woman.
"It is a Savior; it gave me a way to take care of my two
children. Singing is basically like breathing to me, it’s like air."
Northernstar- Aside from your singing/songwriting ability, what other talents and abilities do you have?
Teedra- Another talent is that I write in terms of Journalism. I am actually trying to write a book, compiling events in my life ranging from the year 2000 to 2007. It would be entitled "Complex Simplicity of a Young Lioness".
Northernstar- Oh ok, that’s another great story to tell, huh?
Teedra- Yup (laughs).
Northernstar- What does the word "beauty" mean to you, and name a few people you think signify the word beauty.
Teedra- Beauty to me is confidence. Confidence is when you have a big scar across your head but you’re still smiling so bright; you just see so much beauty in that. Someone who is beautiful to me is Jill Scott.
Northernstar- I agree with you.
Teedra- She’s not your average slim girl but she’s gorgeous. Another person I thought was very beautiful was my mother. You don’t know her (laughs), but she was a beautiful person with a beautiful spirit. Amazing woman!!!
Northernstar- If an artist gave you permission to cover a song, what song would you choose and how would you put your own spin on it?
Teedra- I’m about to incorporate Prince’s "Adore". I used to say I could not ever touch any of Prince’s music because he is a genius, and I felt like I couldn’t do it any justice. But I would change it up with a little Teedra-style (laughs), something different.
Northernstar- If I had a time machine, what person or event would you go back in time as and why?
Teedra- I would be Bob Marley. I think he was a revolutionary soul and mind and I would love to embody that. But I would take care of myself so I wouldn’t die and I could change the world even more.
Northernstar- That is a very interesting answer, WOW! Well, I’m sorry we have run out of time but it was a pleasure interviewing you.
Teedra- Thanks and I appreciate you for inviting me.