From her early career based in New York, signed to a major American recording company to today as a host of her own TV talk show, musician and performer Anika Moa is one of her country's biggest stars.
The youngest Kiwi musician signed to a major American recording company… Quite the achievement. What was the early stages of your music career like, particularly being 18 living in New York?
I loved living in New York at such a young age: being signed was a big deal, but it never swayed me to releasing in my own country first and finding my style as a woman and musician. I cut my teeth doing gigs on my own for a year or two before I started to get noticed. I felt young and free.
How influential overall has the US signing being for your career?
It's funny because when you sign such a major deal then people look at you differently and treat you a bit better. I was oblivious to it all and just went on my merry way. I just wanted to get stuck into performing and travel and learning. I eventually rang my American record company and just asked them to cool off and they did, so much so that they forgot about me. I thought it was very lol.
Last month you launched 'All Talk With Anika Moa' on Maori Television; what's it like to host your own chat show?
Ha! It's nerve-wracking and really, really hard. I am inherently lazy, so I assumed I wouldn't have to work much, but it's the exact opposite and I'm working around the clock. I love it though, and love the social part, interviewing famous actors and musos. So very cool.
Television compared to performing on stage… How different are the two formats from your perspective? Do you prefer one to the other?I love singing, but there's something about talking that makes me feel alive. It's thinking on the spot most of the time and using your wit and humour to encourage and warm guests. I do love singing and engaging in the more emotional side too. I am lucky to have the ability to do both.
You are heading across the ditch later this month for a tour alongside Mel Parsons… what can we Aussies expect from you Kiwi gals?
Not much. Jokes! We sing, we talk, we sing together, we talk more. I love performing with Mel, she is an old friend and we've toured all over NZ and still make each other laugh. She has the voice of an angel with devil horns.
Life on the road touring; do you still enjoy the travel aspect after all these years?
[I] love traveling after all these years! I really want to do Europe, but I have too many kids for now. Might have to wait until they're all over 18 and I kick them out.
You posted about Trump's US Election win: 'Yay he won. Just trying to be positive and upbeat'. You obviously see the result as a chance for the greater community to heal and move away from traditional political systems?
It was a joke. I am disappointed with the result and that's pretty much the truth of it.
You have won a stack of awards during your career; but you must be super proud of the achievements attached to your children's album?
I am mostly proud of my bubbas albums because I did it all myself for the first one, and then with help from all the yummy mummies all over NZ with crowdfunding. It feels good to be helping children, communities and even kids get to sleep at night. I am humbled by its huge success and also a bit chuffed about it too.
What is next for your career… politics?
YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! I would love to get into politics, but do they mind swearing in parliament?
2017 for Anika Moa… have you looked that far ahead; if so, what's the plan?
Lots of fun with my children, learning more Māori and releasing another adult and bubbas album and hopefully more talk show. No big deal.
If we're coming over to your place for dinner, what are you serving us?
You cook, I'll provide the wine!
Favourite new TV show, why?
'Black Mirror'. It is morbidly fascinating... And of course 'Stranger Things'.
Finish this sentence: The Wallabies will defeat the All Blacks when… Who cares. LOL!
Anika Moa Shows
Wed 30 Nov - Black Bear Lodge (Brisbane)Thu 1 Dec - The V Room (Sunshine Coast)
Fri 2 Dec - Indi Bar (Scarborough Beach)
Sun 4 Dec - Mojos (Fremantle)
