The first entry into our top 100 is Honeymoon Suite and their song Love Changes Everything.
Back in the hair band days of the 1980’s, Honeymoon Suite was formed in 1981 in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The name and the place share a connection, very witty. They had a string of hits in Canada throughout the 80’s and even had some traction in the USA, highlighted by performing the title track for the movie Lethal Weapon.
Love Changes Everything was released in 1988 and is on their album Racing After Midnight. The song reached number 9 in Canada, 13 on the US Rock and 91 on the US chart, all by Billboard. The band is still recording, it’s latest release was in 2019.
Get ready to rock to a live version of the tune, live is always best.
Today I chat with Betty Moon. She is an accomplished artist, originally from Toronto, now living in Los Angeles, who has been recording since the 1980’s. The interview celebrates the arrive of her 11th studio album, “Cosmicoma”. Her first recording, in 1986, was while with her band Bambi. This led to a recording contract with A&M Records, where she released a debut, self titled album in 1991.
We were unable to link up via phone, so I forwarded some questions via email. Without further adieu, here are the questions and the responses.
We were unable to link up via phone, so I forwarded some questions via email. Without further adieu, here are the questions and the responses.
What brought you into a music career.
I was raised in a family that had music in their blood, and we happened to have a recording studio on the property so the odds were definitely in my favor. I say kids either go one way or another when following what their parents were involved with, and the music bug bit me pretty early. As a teen I had a pretty successful band in Toronto and that led to a solo career with major and independent labels. Over recent years I have been releasing music on my own label, Evolver Music Inc.
Where was your first live performance? How did it go?
My first show was in a photo/film studio on Valentines Day in Toronto called United Studios that is no longer around. As anyone would expect, it was terrifying yet exciting, full of glitches, good times and it set my world ablaze with passion for live music. Once you are holding the mic and you get that feedback from a crowd, you never look back.
You’ve had a very productive career, is there anything you would change?
Well, hindsight is always 20/20 but I would have got further on the streaming and vinyl trains earlier on if I knew it was going to be the driving force of today’s era. I don’t really have any regrets though, I’ve done some amazing things throughout my career and have much on the schedule for 2022.
You have had several songs on TV and movie soundtracks. How does that feel?
It’s a bit surreal to hear your music in a TV show or on a feature film for sure. I think just having it blended within a movie gives you an appreciation for how important music is to film, and having the marketing opportunity to have my music in these spots is amazing. Plus, sometimes these placements pay pretty well and it’s nice to make a return in different ways for the music you create.
How would you describe your music?
I would say it’s my own unique twist on rock n’ roll. At the root of it, I am a rock artist and inject different genres and inspiration into an album and that can vary year to year. I’m not following trends, and if anything I like to carve my own path and make sure I do things my way. A lot of my music can have touches of soul, funk, electronic and even pop.
Inspirations?
Other types of music and artists are only part of my inspiration musically. It’s really about my environment, stories, nights on the town and thinking inward that gets the creative juices flowing. Sure, I have favorite artists from my youth that drive ideas indirectly, but I think it’s more about my surroundings and happenings in life that inspire each song I create.
Have you ever taught music or mentored up and coming acts?
Over the years I have worked with different emerging artists in the industry. I’ve done panels at industry events, worked in the studio with other artists, co-wrote with younger and older musicians and more. It would be fun to teach a class online or do a sort of masterclass at some point, as I have a lot of experience and insight that others may appreciate.
What’s next for Betty Moon? Tours, collaborations?
I’m currently in the studio working on my next album, and you never know who may appear on the record. These new songs are sounding killer, and I think it’ll be my best work to date.
We at Kat Power Hit Radio strive to promote independent labels and artists, and I strongly promote the same. Tell us about Evolver Music, it’s goals and some of the artists signed with the label?
I started Evolver Music originally as a company to fully release and publish my own content and albums. From music videos to artwork, 99% of the magic happens in-house and it’s nice to take back the power when so many artists think of getting a ‘record deal’ as the magic bullet.
To stream her latest album, please click below.
If you would like to see more about Betty Moon, please click on the links below:
Being as how we are in the Kootenays, it seems appropriate to post a tune by Castlegar’s own Frazey Ford. It doesn’t hurt either that it is a terrific tune.
Just a tune, on vacation in the Kootenays, but it is flipping raining. Can’t do much sailing in the rain. Howie Beck with some great Adult “Alternative” for you, whatever Adult Alternative is. Just good music from what I can tell.
Meredith Shaw, Toronto born, is both a singer songwriter and a radio personality. The messenger and the message, cool. She has a weekend show on 97.3 in Toronto, in which she interviews talent etc. She has 1 album out, (2011’s Place Called Happy) which was produced by Big Sugar’s Gordie Johnson and 1 EP (also 2011, Trouble) which was produced by Joel Plaskett. This tune, “Call it a Night” showcases her personality and style and is done live as well. Great song.
English: Tegan and Sara performing at the Polaris Music Prize Gala 2010 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Song Of The Day didn’t have to go far for this one. Tegan and Sara formed right here in Calgary back in 1995 and have had major success with their indie style music. This song, “I Was a Fool” is from their latest album “Heartthrob”, which was released earlier this year. I have chosen a live performance for you to enjoy. An absolutely terrific tune.
