INTERVIEW: NZ's Anika Moa heading back to London   13 Oct 2014

Charlotte Everett

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Anika Moa is one of New Zealand’s most iconic musicians. London Editor Charlotte Everett grabbed the opportunity to chat with her ahead of her London show on October 30.


Anika, you are one of NZ’s most iconic singer-songwriters. How did you get into music, and had it always been your dream?

Anika: Hi! Both of my parents are singers who travelled all over New Zealand, so I was born into it. I truly fell in love with music at high school because it was so much cooler than maths or science. I started writing at 13, and grew from there. Such a nerd! My dream is to write for other people such as Beyoncé. Haha! I wish. 

 

You were picked up by Atlantic Records in the United States as a teenager. You were determined to stick to your own unique style of Kiwi-folk acoustic songs... did the record company have other ideas, and how difficult was it to remain authentic?

Anika: My record company were amazing. Not only did they want to nurture my needs, but they waited for me to grow a bit musically. I toured my first album all over America and it was so full on, I got homesick and had to come home... That is where I discovered that I had to do it in my own country before I went anywhere else.  

 

You’re now mother to twin boys. How has it been, juggling family life with your music career?

Anika: Having twins is soooo hard but sooo amazing. My sons have inspired me to work harder and my heart is full of love for them. I write less but when I do, I really make the most of it!! I've released a baby album called Songs for Bubbas that I released last December and it's been a huge hit - even more so than my actual adult albums. LOL.

 

You’ve been recording your fifth studio album. What can you tell us about it?

Anika: It's simple, elegant and heartbreaking. The usual, but with strong beats and my producer Jol Mulholland makes it. We wrote the songs together and it was a slow, easy process. I will release it and then tour it everywhere I can! I hope you love it.  

 

You’re playing Bush Hall in London on October 30th.  How do you find the vibe here in London?

Anika: I've lived in London so I'm happy to be going back to see all the old haunts. I love the live music scene and catching up with old friends. It's super exciting being there - I also see my family in Gloucestershire, which will be fun, fun, fun!

 

What are you most looking forward to with the London show, and what can the crowd expect?

Anika: I can't wait for people to hear my new stuff. I want them to swim in it and my voice, and to have a drink and listen to my intensely strange but awfully good stories – and to be taken back to life in New Zealand.

 

Will you have any “down time” in London – and how do you plan to spend it?

Anika: Downtime with friends and family and beer. LOL. 

 

After London – what next?

Anika: Spain! Part holiday part music conference, then back home to nearly summer in New Zealand. Yay! 

 

Our friends at Spacific Music have given us two double-passes to give away to Anika’s London gig at Bush Hall on October 30. Visit our Competitions page for your chance to win!

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