Teedra Moses | Interview (2004)

Aries: What took the album so long to come out?
Teedra Moses: You want the truth or the short version (laughs)?

Aries: (laughs), Well we're always looking for the truth, but whatever is easier for you to explain.
Teedra Moses: (laughs), You know what, a lot of songs that are on the album now were done a long time ago. I was ready but TVT wasn't. TVT wanted to put more time into marketing me and promotion, so they delayed the album a few times. So I went back in and did some more songs while they were waiting to release it and some of those songs now appear on the album people will get. So really that's the truth and now we're both ready!

Aries: What's your favorite track from your album?
Teedra Moses: My favorite song is "I Think of You" (Shirley's Song). It's dedicated to my mother who passed away and she was a gospel singer as well. The song starts out with her singing, then I come in. A lot of people didn't know it was like that. They think it's all me (laughs).

Aries: I'm not even gonna lie, I was just listening to the CD and I didn't realize that either (laughs).
Teedra Moses: (laughs), See you have to listen (laughs). But no, people who knew her and everything kind of know the first time they hear it, but others are always surprised when I tell them that. So don't feel bad.

Aries: What overall expression do you want music lovers and listeners to get from your album?
Teedra Moses: Just to see where I was coming from when I recorded it. Like this is some of the realest shit I have ever heard. It's all me, you know! No tricks, just the truth. The producers who worked on my album just let me be me. It's just real and it's coming from my heart, I'm not trying to fit in with what's playing on the radio. Teedra is just being Teedra and I was writing about what I was going through at that given time. I want people to feel it.

Aries: What singers have influenced you?
Teedra Moses: So many, but I have to say Prince is #1 without a doubt! What he does is simply amazing. Prince does it all and all genres of music. He doesn't just do all genres of music, but he is great at doing them all. We all can do a lot of different things, but to be great at them all is just amazing. Every artists can not do that. To tell you the truth, I kinda see myself like that. I mean I love all kinds of music & I feel I can do it all. I aspire to be near him one day. Vocally, I gotta say Angela Winbush, I mean she has voice control and personality in her voice. Not too many singers have it like that. I mean Beyonce' is another one, she has crazy personality in her voice. I love to listen to singers like that.

Aries: How does it feel to have a top-10 single with "Dip it Low?"
Teedra Moses: Yeah I co-wrote that song. It feels wonderful and it's just crazy. You see someone with your personality and they are just representing your creation on a track is crazy. I mean she felt what I was doing and something I felt and to tell you the truth, it feels better than having a hit for my own record.

Aries: Who would you like to collaborate with in the near future?
Teedra Moses: Umm, I would say LeToya Williams as an artist, I just love her voice. And as a writer also, her voice is amazing. Nina Sky as writers, those two have some great personalities. Nas of course, he is such a dope rapper. I could be here all day naming people (laughs).

Aries: Do you have any ideas on what your next single is going to be?
Teedra Moses: "Outta My Head," the one we're going to release is going to be a little different than the one on the album. I'm going in and re-recording the vocals for the radio and video mix. It's a song about falling in and out of love. It's like we've tried this and we can't go back, but your feelings are still there of course. I love how I sing that song. I think it's the best vocally structured song on my album.

Aries: What's Next for you?
Teedra Moses: A tour starting in September. The album of course. I'm also working on two mixtapes with the young hustlers. They're going to be mad grimey. I come from the streets so I'm use to being around hood people and those are who I relate to. That's who I am. I'm also working on a production company with my sister who also manages me. The company is called Black Moses Music. I also plan to work with other artists in the near future.

Aries: Any last words for your fans?
Teedra Moses: Yes, I would like to say... life is too short, so live the shit up!