Moussa

“Real quick - I’m a solo artist (Moussa) and I’m in a band (Gazillionaires). I’m stretched between a handful of different genres (folk, rap, punk, etc.) I go by Moussa, Moussalangelo, and Moses. If you’re confused... so am I.”

Background and Influences:

Who are some of your biggest influences?
The music of Andre 3000 has had a huge influence - not just on my art - but the way I live my life. I can only describe his lyrics as being helplessly honest. I feel like he really bares his soul through his art, flaws and all. Like - sometimes you can almost tell he’s embarrassed by what he’s admitting to in a song but.. it’s the truth so here you go! I get the same thing from Mac Miller. I really appreciate when an artist gives you the whole truth. It’s an act of generosity in my eyes.

Where are you from?
I’ve spent most of my life in Seattle. In the past year, I’ve been living at a house-show venue called Evil House.

How has your upbringing and experiences impacted the type of music you make?
My proximity to the local punk scene has definitely influenced the sound of my band Gazillionaires. We get rowdy. It’s been so fun. The spontaneity gets me outta my head.

What was the first song you ever released and can you still find it online?
I released my first song on SoundCloud in 2018. It’s called Meth Addict. I was a child lmao don’t look for it plz. But it’s out there.

Creative Process:

Where or what do you get most of your inspiration from?
When I make music alone it’s usually a stream-of-consciousness process. I’ll come up with an opening line that interests me and let the sound of the words guide me in a meandering line until a theme reveals itself. Once I discover what the song’s about I’ll try to hone in on that thesis by the end of the track. I almost never know what it’s going to be about when I start.

Can you walk us through a typical songwriting process?
When I make a song with Gazillionaires however it feels more like a rocket blasting off. We just slap shit on the track fast as possible and rarely look back. When I’m writing a lyric or a guitar lick there’s no time to ask myself “is this good enough?” As a result, we end up finishing and publishing way more music. It’s really liberating after so many years of creating exclusively alone. I’m truly so grateful to Will The Human... The solo and collaborative processes inform and influence one another. I’ve come to realize how important it is to have both.

Music Career and Goals:

What is your main goal for your music career?
I want to write great songs! Songs that are worth remembering. Not to sound like a cornball, but I want to be honest and thoughtful and generous with my art. It would also be cool if eventually, I didn’t have to worry about money so much. Over the past few years I’ve noticed myself letting go of most of my expectations around musical “success” and notoriety. But recently, when Gazillionaires perform and I see complete strangers singing the words to our songs... it’s hard not to feel like the world is full of latent fans waiting to be activated. I think my ideal scenario is Gazillionaires spreading energy and fun across the freaking world while I nurse my own soul through solo music.

What are your current thoughts about the music scene in your city?

Well, I fucking love the armpit of Seattle music that I inhabit! There are so so many great young bands. It’s a genuine community full of real life cartoon characters. We believe in each other. It’s beautiful frankly. I’d like to be more tapped in with the rap scene too - I’m sure I’m oblivious to countless talented local artists. If you’re reading this - send recommendations heheh“

delve Deeper:

Can you share the most pivotal moment in your music career so far?
I animated an entire music video in 2023. Hand drawn. I think it literally took me 1,000 hours. It consumed my life and when I finished it... I no longer resonated with the message. It was the hardest I’ve ever worked on anything in my entire life and letting go of it killed my creative confidence for over a year. You gotta die to be reborn. It’s never easy.

How do you balance being an artist and making music with other aspects of your life?

I’m an illustrator and a musician, so my life really revolves around art. I drive delivery to pay the bills which sometimes I feel embarrassed about. But I’m getting over that. I keep a roof over my head and I work on my craft every single day. These are the terms I’ve created for myself.

What kind of impact do you want your music to have?
I try to stay focused on the process rather than the outcome/impact. Getting caught up wondering what others are going to think is textbook self-sabotage.'

What advice would you give an aspiring artist or someone thinking of becoming an artist?

To say you’re an aspiring artist is like saying you’re an aspiring human haha! The best thing you can do to nurture your own art is to be present. Read books and walk outside and notice things. Oh and speaking from personal experience, comparison is the thief of joy. It’s best to avoid it entirely.