ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: StellaMoon

The Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC) is a just a week away, and the two-day event is packed with musical performances by many talented Pilipina/o Americans. I had the wonderful opportunity of interviewing StellaMoon, one of this year's performers. A Los Angeles native who studied classical voice and jazz studies at Cal State University, Northridge, StellaMoon is an up-and-coming singer with a jazzy, R&B sound.

Not only will she be performing her original music, but she will also be singing the Pilipino and U.S. National Anthems at the opening of FPAC. Please be sure to check her out at FPAC, especially her main performance at 11:30a on Saturday, September 11th.
How did you first get into your art?

I started playing around on the piano when I was five, learning some pieces by ear. But I really took to singing when I was about 8. I actually got my start in musical theatre productions. In high school, I discovered production equipment, and I was hooked on producing original music since then.

What challenges have you faced as a Pinay in the music industry?

There are not that many of our faces in the media.  I think many companies don't know how to market an Asian artist. They somehow always market a little off of who the artist really is, so there's no real solid identity. Many pilipino artist are very close to hip-hop R&B, but not exactly like how it manifests in the market today.  There's an underlying creativity in our culture that's trying to surface in American media, but hasn't quite found its grounding yet.  It's exciting and interesting to watch.

Who are your musical inspirations? I noticed you mentioned Jimi Hendrix and Nina Simone on your Myspace page.

Yes, I discovered old musicians at a very young age.  Nina Simone, Thelonious Monk, Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Janis Joplin.  Those were the artists I listened to most in high school.  They had a very deep sense of what music and groove can do to move your spirit.  That led me to study jazz in college and explore that idiom.  Meanwhile, I was also very inspired by Nine Inch Nails and Nirvana in the 90's.

Where would you like to be five years from now in terms of your career?

I'd like to be creating original music, hopefully on my third or fourth venture since "Activate." The record I just finished this summer is my first full length production.  I'd like to get into media writing as well because as a composer, residuals really are your pension.  I'd like to be on my way to creating a lasting career in the music making industry.

Tell me about your most memorable performance.

Well, last night was pretty darn memorable. I played a set in Ojai, CA, which, if you don't know, is SO beautiful.  So many stars in the sky!  It was the first time I ventured away from my normal piano sounds and explored playing different sounds live, and it gave new life to the music.

What message do you have for any aspiring Pilipina/o American musical artists out there?

I'd say to practice a lot and stay focused. Finish one thing at a time and learn some business basics.

StellaMoon will also be interviewed and featured on Kababayan LA in the next month or two. For more information, please visit her website or her Myspace page below.

stellamoon.com
www.myspace.com/moonbella