DJ Parallax sent this interview from 2006 my way. It's a good read so check it out!

http://www.avenue1online.com/bodega/8004.html

For more info on DJ Parallax: http://www.djparallax.net 

Teedra Moses - Effortlessly Sultry And Seductive - Soul Joint Interview

Native of the state best known for Mardi Gras and ladies flashing their breast assets - New Orleans, Teedra Moses has flashed the R&B scene with her nonpareil and fiery vocals. Dropping her debut album, “Complex Simplicity”, in late September 2004, Teedra’s been on the go ever since. From coping with personal loses, battling chicken heads and standing by her man, Complex simplicity has it all. SoulJoint.com took a moment to catch up with Ms. Moses and see what’s up and where her unique masterpiece has taken her.  read more (1,131 words)

Teedra Moses is a songbird in the myriad of new talent hitting the airwaves. Complex Simplicity, is the title of her debut CD, and she says the title is no misnomer. "That's who I am," she says, "I like my life simple but somehow things always get complicated". Be Your Girl her first single is a mid-tempo groove that's seems to gain radio request daily. Although this is her first solo project, she's no rookie to the game. She penned the smash hit Dip it Low (Christina Milian). She has also written for Macy Gray, Nivea, and is featured on two songs on the latest Raphael Saadiq album.  read more (511 words)

http://sounds-of-soul.com/interviews/teedramoses.php

Teedra Moses, the hip-hop songstress was able to chat with us about her new singing career thus far. She also told us about her new album she's working on, who she wants to work with, and how greatful she is for her fans. She even has time to take lunch to her kids.
 read more (3,849 words)

By: Michael Arceneaux :)

http://www.thehilltoponline.com/main.cfm/include/detail/storyid/840186.html

For a female R&B artist, the current climate of the genre could not be more chaotic. Competition hasn't been this stiff in years, and in a here today, gone tomorrow world of music, it's important to carve a niche early.

Success often lies in securing substantial promotion from your record label, and crafting the perfect image, which usually exudes some varying degree of sexuality. Successfully using that recipe typically decides whether or not you enjoy the multi-platinum success of artists like Beyonce, or the disappointing sales of a Vivian Green.

There are artists, such as Jill Scott, who succeed because of the critical praise their albums receive, and the word-of-mouth movements they help spawn. But, critical acclaim alone does not guarantee success. Such is the case with Teedra Moses whose album "Complex Simplicity" was named one of the "Good Albums We Overlooked" by The Washington Post.

An accomplished songwriter and former stylist for stars like Nas and No Doubt, Moses along with producer Poli Paul crafted an album that warmed over critics, but went unnoticed by the general public.

The Hilltop recently caught up with Moses to discuss her album, her songwriting credits and her being compared to other artists. read more (502 words)

Vibe Interview Teedra Moses, Not Just Another Sad Song

Thanks Ray!

By Patrick Taliaferro

Teedra Moses is no stranger to affairs of the heart that go awry. Like R&B heavyweights Erykah Badu and Chaka Khan, her relationship ills make for great fodder for her self-penned tunes. read more (385 words)

The BV Q&A: Teedra Moses
By Isoul Harris, Special to AOL BlackVoices
On rare occasions, an artist surfaces and breaks the sometimes unbearable monotony that’s sadly plaguing the music industry today. Teedra Moses is fully equipped to break the blandness. The New Orleans native burst onto the scene recently with her critically acclaimed debut album, ‘Complex Simplicity,’ on TVT Records. Yeah, she is Lil Jon’s label mate, but before you think that this former fashion stylist is a crunk MC, know that her music is actually a new-school offering of ’80s style lyricism and melodies swathed in ’90s hip-hop soul. ‘Simplicity’ displays real-life situations and the emotions of a young woman in search of a love that she finds, fights for and finally accepts. Vulnerable yet arrogant, Moses is the musical progeny of Teena Marie, Cherrelle and Mary J. Blige with the attitude and confidence of Roxanne Shanté.

AOL BlackVoices recently caught up with the singer to discuss how she “spits” game, resurrecting Christina Millian’s career and why she’s now feeling herself.

You were a fashion stylist before becoming a singer. How did you make that transition?

I was laid off from my job as a marketing analyst for an architectural firm. I hated that job. Listening to my music, you can tell that’s not where I’m supposed to be. My very best friend is a stylist and she told me to come with her and I was like, “This ain’t a real job,” you just running around getting clothes. I had just finished school and I had that traditional way of thinking. I went out with her for two jobs and no one was telling you to clock in, and after about three jobs, we built a team of three with another friend, and ended up styling No Doubt, Nas, R. Kelly and so many others. We made so much money to be so young in the game, and this was before the business became so tight wad like it is right now. It was a lot of fun. I broke my leg on the set of a video. I was walking down a hill and I started to run and jumped over a boulder and landed on my right leg and my femur bone snapped. After my first surgery, I met [producer] Pauli [Pol] and we started to make music.

I know you were happy with the success of Christina Millian’s ‘Dip It Low’ being that you penned it.

Very happy. People say all the time, “It was a really great song, why didn’t you keep it for yourself?” Well, I have no less than 16 great songs on my album. I knew that song could be huge if it went to the right person. Like my song ‘Backstroke,’ if that song went to another person it would be so huge. Certain songs I know are beyond my personal experience. Sex sells, bottom line. ‘Dip It Low’ is really not a song about sex, however. It’s more about pleasing your man and understanding that you don’t have to be a ho, but when it’s time, don’t be fake about it.

When you perform it in concert, it’s an entirely different feel than Christina Millian’s cute version.

I love that. When I wrote it I definitely did not think that anyone like Christina would sing it. I had it as a song for me, because that’s something that I would say and think. That song is really gangster when you listen to the words. People just got the sexiness out of it. I love sending songs to people with my personality and seeing how it comes across with them.

Your personality seems a little bold. On ‘Caution,’ you swank, “I lick my lips and think of how good it must be to be me.” Your self-esteem is off the meter.

Well, if you don’t love you, then who will? I went through a period of time when I didn’t. I love me now. I don’t really need validation anymore. I don’t need huge record sales to indicate that I have a hot album. I’m not saying this in any way to sound conceited, but I just feel blessed. My mother raised me to feel good about myself, but somewhere down the line I lost that and I got into a relationship with someone who made me feel like I wasn’t good enough. After I finally left, I was like, “Damn, you were so hot all along.”

What type of struggle did you go through before landing your deal with TVT?

It wasn’t a major struggle. I really love Teedra, so when someone would tell me, “Yeah, I see where you are going. You could be the R&B Lil’ Kim,” I would look at them like, “Yo, I am outta here” and wouldn’t care what label it was. At the end of the day, I want to be respected by my peers and by people who love good music. I want to make good music and get paid for it. I am humble enough to know that it’s not about being a superstar. It’s about showing your talent and letting people know where it comes from. You are always an underdog when you want to be an artist. My motivation is to make people’s mouths drop and that doesn’t always come with a radio song.

Are you happy with the reception of the album so far?

It’s a blessing. People come up to me all the time beefing about my record label not promoting me enough. They are like, “You are such a hidden jewel!” This one girl came up to me talking about the song dedicated to my mother (‘Shirley’s Song’) and she broke down crying and I started crying with her. I don’t need everybody to love me, but if two or three people feel me and understand what I am doing, then I know that I am not crazy.

You have twin boys. How do you balance career and motherhood?

I was a young mom, so I had to thug it out. I have help from their father’s mother and family. But, if I wouldn’t have had [my kids], my motivation and confidence would not be as strong. They are so proud of me. They tell their friends when I pick them up from school, “You guys come and see my mom!”

Rapper Ras Kass is their father right?

Yeah, we were young, had-no-business-hanging-out-together young, when we met. We were together forever. He was my first boyfriend.

Dec. 15, 2004
 

Tuesday, November 02 2004 @ 06:53 PM GMT Contributed by: Lizzie

Teedra Moses - Plain and Simple

In a rehearsal space tucked away in the suburban sprawl of Burbank, California, Teedra Moses sings her heart out. Decked in designer jeans and a tight pink blouse, the round the way girl plays musical traffic cop, turning her newly recruited backup singers through their paces for an upcoming live appearance.

A New Orleans native, Moses, 27, was weaned on music. During her teenage years, she grooves on Cherrelle, Starpoint and Eric B. & Rakim. "I wanted to be a rapper when I was younger," she says. But before she picked up a mike to bust a rhyme, she made her living as an assistant stylist to the stars, working with R. Kelly, No Doubt, and Will Smith. "I just kept telling myself, I will make a record," she says. And when she met producer Poli Paul (Black Eyed Peas, Nivea) through a mutual friend, she new she was on her way. "Teedra's one of the most gifted writers I've ever dealt with," says Paul. "She spits it real. She doesn't really know how to be fake when she writes."

Their musical relationship led to her debut album, Complex Simplicity, which pays homage to the sounds of her youth. "When my mom died two years ago, I started feeling nostalgic for those times," she says. Moses' sultry melodies fit snugly into Paul's sparse arrangement on "Doin You," while Jadakiss invokes the rugged tone of Rakim on "You'll Never Find (A Better Woman)."

Still, it's her empowering messages to wronged lovers on "No More Tears" and "you'll Never Find" that are her most inspirational moments. Her honest approach to songmaking doesn't end when the record stops. "I'm supposed to tell you I'm 23. But I don't want anybody looking at my video saying 'That *censored* know she lying'," she says with a laugh. "I don't have superstar expectations, I just want to make good music."

Marc Weingarten

Source: Vibe Magazine [thanks Megan!]

 

T M H (Josiah): Explain the title of your debut CD, Complex Simplicity.
Teedra Moses: Ya know, Complex Simplicity is just my little interesting way to explain my life, my experiences and the things that I write about on my album are basically my life. I feel like life is something that's very simple yet complicated. Even something as simple as a passing is complicated to me because if you see something you want you don't always end up getting it. I go into details about different types of relationships and interactions that I've dealt with in life.

T M H (Josiah): Have you decided on the 1st single yet?
Teedra Moses: Well, the first single is the one you've heard, "You'll Never Find A Better Woman" with Jadakiss and we're getting ready to do the video for that.

T M H (Josiah): Have you chosen a director for the video?
Teedra Moses: Yes, Mr. Hype Williams.

T M H (Josiah): Tight, can't wait to see it. I know he's gonna come correct.
Teedra Moses: Yeah, it should be very hot.

T M H (Josiah): What is your personal favorite track on your album?
Teedra Moses: Umm, that's very hard to say because it changes very often. The most emotional song for me is the one that I wrote to my mother. At the end of the day, if I heard this song twenty years from now, that would probably be my favorite.

T M H (Josiah): Does it have a title yet?
Teedra Moses: Oh yeah, it's called "I Think Of You."

T M H (Josiah): As far as musical artist, whom do you look up to in the industry?
Teedra Moses: I love Prince. He's my favorite artist of all time. He's a great painter, illustrator and sculptor when it comes to the music. Even if you listen to his first album, he's very clear on how he expresses himself.

T M H (Josiah): If you had to look at today's artist, who is Teedra Moses listening too and feeling right now?
Teedra Moses: I love Beyonce's album. I think it's great. I also like Anthony Hamilton. There is this girl who I have a single of and I just think her voice is really tight. I think her name is Latoya Williams and she also sings on Anthony's album. She's really awesome. There are not too many albums that I can say I entirely like, but there's different artist that I like.

T M H (Josiah): I guess the next appropriate question would be, who would like to work with musically?
Teedra Moses: You know what, I look forward to working with any talented people that will be happy working with me. That's being honest. Anybody that's talented doing something that feels good, I would definitely love to collaborate with them.

T M H (Josiah): Tell me about growing up in New Orleans?
Teedra Moses: Growing up in New Orleans was really cool. It was down home to me and also about family and the community. We were influenced by what was going on in New York. So we pretty much emulated N.Y. until it turned into our own style. Growing up in any ghetto is just like growing up in the plain ol' ghetto except with the South it was just mad county (Laughing). But it was cool though and I'm glad. I wouldn't trade that for the world.

T M H (Josiah): How would you describe the music scene down there?
Teedra Moses: Well you know what, when I was growing up we listened to Luke and a lot of the music out of Miami also. That was the only music that we really had that was considered "down South" music. But look at what has come out of New Orleans. now. It's really to see people come there and stay there. It's cool because so much goes on in that little town and you can get stuck there. It's just nice to know that there is a music scene in New Orleans.

T M H (Josiah): Who are some of the artist that you think have really blown up New Orleans and made an impact with their type of music?
Teedra Moses: I really like Mannie Fresh and his tracks. I really, really love his music. You can really hear New Orleans in his tracks and just the way that the bass rolls and how his drums crack. I would really like to work with Mannie Fresh since were talking about him.

T M H (Josiah): So we can expect Teedra Moses to be the R&B Front- Runner for New Orleans?
Teedra Moses: Awwwh thank you. Ya know, that's what I'm aiming for since there really is no R&B artist doing it right now from New Orleans.

T M H (Josiah): Who are the producers on the album?
Teedra Moses: I did a large majority of it with a guy named Pauli Pol and I have some stuff by Lil' Jon and that's pretty much it at this point.

T M H (Josiah): Did you do all the songwriting?
Teedra Moses: Yes, yes.

T M H (Josiah): Tell me more about your initial relationship with Pauli Pol and what made you make him co-executive producer for the album?
Teedra Moses: Well his is a partner of the production company. But other than that, he's not extremely well known and nobody knows who the hell I am. So when we got together to work on music, he just really listened to me and listened to what I had to say. Like you know when new artist, sometimes the producer doesn't listen to them and he would really listen and understand what direction I wanted to go in with the music. I didn't want a gang of songs to sound the same or a bunch of songs to have the same emotion talking about the same thing with the same tempo. I wanted it a certain way and he got that. I wanted it to move in different ways like how life is. Initially I didn't want to do the album with just one person, but after I realized that whatever I asked for that he could do it, I was like I might as well. Plus, I don't mesh well with a lot of different people; my personality is just like that. So musically I just really felt comfortable with him.

T M H (Josiah): What's your star sign?
Teedra Moses: Sagittarius.

T M H (Josiah): Let me find out, me too! Sagittarius representin in the house! December 14th a brotha just turned ##.
Teedra Moses: What!!?? I love you. Mine is December 17th.

T M H (Josiah): (clearing throat) So if you don't mind me asking, how old is Teedra?
Teedra Moses: (Laughing) Nah, you can't get that out of me. They won't let me give out that information (laughing).

T M H (Josiah): Well I guess all that matters is that you look really good and also seem smart. So at first glance, that's Teedra Moses; smart, young and sexy.
Teedra Moses: Thanks (Flattered).

T M H (Josiah): When you worked with Jadakiss how was it working in the studio with him? Did you work with him in the studio?
Teedra Moses: Well actually, no! I would love to give you this whole picture of it, but no. With Jadakiss, I had recorded that song before I got my deal and I had told my A&R that I had really wanted a rapper on it but I wanted to make sure that it was someone who was street and really gully. Jadakiss is definitely that, and my A&R was like, "I know who would be perfect for it, Jadakiss!." So he got Jadakiss on it and he did a wonderful job. So I talked to him after we had already released the song to radio and he told me that he was really diggin the song and he was ready to do the video. That was really great to hear because people can do collaborations all day and not really care about the music. So the fact that he was feelin the song was really cool. I wasn't in the studio with Lil' Jon when I did the records that I did with him, but we're probably going to have to re-do some stuff because I'm one of those people that like to have the music and go through it by myself.

T M H (Josiah): Do we have a release date yet for Complex Simplicity?
Teedra Moses: Yeah, we're looking at March or April.

T M H (Josiah): 2003 was the year of Beyonce Knowles hands down. 2004 kicked off with Alicia Keys hitting the scene by storm as her album is pure genius. How do you plan on making an impact when your debut CD drops?
Teedra Moses: I don't know if I'm planning…..

T M H (Josiah): Well, let me simplify. Certain artists come out humble and don't want to be major and some artist come out and really want to be the big, huge celebrity!
Teedra Moses: Well, I'm not the artist that wants to be the huge celebrity, whatever God provides that's wonderful. But I do want my music to be heard. Hopefully, I will be recognized as a writer. And also recognized as an artist. I'm half decent looking chick and that's cool but I don't really care about that.

T M H (Josiah): Nah, you definitely good. Don't worry about the image, you are straight.
Teedra Moses: I would like it if people would be like, "I like her and her music melodies are really good along with her content, etc." So when my album comes out I'm going to work really hard to make sure it sells, but I'm not looking to be too huge!

T M H (Josiah): So you started out writing to music of Prince, what would you do if you had the opportunity to collaborate with the icon?
Teedra Moses: I would probably choke and die (Laughing). I don't know man, to be honest with you I have no idea what I would do. Many people do not impress me; I'm never one of those people that get star struck. But he bleeds Prince's blood, and I don't know what the hell I would do. I just think that he's just that awesome.

T M H (Josiah): It's interesting that you used to rap, do you do any rapping on Complex Simplicity?
Teedra Moses: No, I don't think so this time. I just talk a couple of times, but I'm not really rapping. When I rap, I try to write like a rapper.

T M H (Josiah): What's Teedra's most embarrassing moment of 2003?
Teedra Moses: That's a hard question because I don't get embarrassed that much. Like I could pass gas and not really care. I'm serious, it's just like whatever. Let me see, what's the most embarrassing moment for me. I need to be more embarrassed by stuff. I can't think of anything though.

T M H (Josiah): If you had a chance to gather a group of artists to go on tour with, who would you choose?
Teedra Moses: Outkast, No Doubt, Maxwell… I don't know if this makes sense?

T M H (Josiah): No it does, continue.
Teedra Moses: Umm, I think that's it.

T M H (Josiah): I think it's a great idea to have a concert with different artist that play different music!
Teedra Moses: Yeah, I mean I think that more people are starting to just like music. If I play my music for middle-aged white women and they say they like it and then I play it for a 14-year old girl that likes it, I think that's when we know the gap between music is closing because a No Doubt song could be played and both ages would enjoy it as well. I would love for everyone to enjoy my music.

T M H (Josiah): How do you feel about the Grammy's and just all of the different music awards that artist gather along their careers? It is really important for you to be recognized off the back with a statue or silhouette?
Teedra Moses: I think it's great that people are awarded or recognized for great music or whateva, but I'm not holding my breath for nothing like that. I just want to be happy with what I do. If something like that would happen I would shit bricks. I'm not tryin to sit up here and front like I wouldn't be excited but it's not something that I care so much about at this point. I think it's wonderful that people get recognized. I'm not taking away from that at all. It's a valuable thing to have a career where people acknowledge you throughout your career, but if no one else every acknowledges what I do, I love what the hell I do and I enjoy listening to my music so that's what matters to me.

T M H (Josiah): What was your reaction to Britney Spears and her chaotic marriage ceremony that the media went crazy about? Teedra Moses: I dunno, I didn't really think about it. I heard it on the news but I didn't really think about it. I try my best not to care what people do in their lives because I'm so concerned with trying to keep my shit together. I kinda was just like "damn girl just wanted to go get married and do her damn thing. Why should anybody give a shit?" I just think it's bad that people gotta be that engulfed in this child's life.

T M H (Josiah): How do you feel about artists that keep their relationships on the low versus those that are very public about it? For example, there's Jay Z & Beyonce and then you have Bennifer?
Teedra Moses: I feel like, to each it's own. As far as myself I don't really have anything to tell anybody. I don't have a boyfriend you know what I mean. I would prefer to keep stuff to myself because I don't want everybody trying to give opinions about me. But I don't care. I would appreciate for anybody who did care about me to realize that it's my life. I wouldn't want for anybody to take away anything from my life.

T M H (Josiah): Are there any female rappers out there that you are feelin' that maybe we could see a possible future collabo with?
Teedra Moses: I am a huge fan of Foxy Brown. I think that she's just the best! I would love to work with her. I would really, really love to work with her. I don't think there's any other female artist that I could see myself working with except her.

T M H (Josiah): Any of the veterans in the R&B game that you're looking forward to see drop a new album this year? Brandy's coming back, Faith, Janet and a few others.
Teedra Moses: Faith. I always look forward to what she's going to bring. Her and I'm looking forward to Latoya Williams dropping something.

T M H (Josiah): Any last words for your fans?
Teedra Moses: I don't think I have any fans. Nobody knows me (laughing).

T M H (Josiah): Umm, actually you do! It's funny when I hear any artist say that. You would be surprised to which fans are with you from the very beginning! You have several on our web forum and I've talked to a couple other friends about your single that's about to be pushed now.
Teedra Moses: (Laughing) I guess you never know these things, but that's tight. I would just like to say big up for the New Year and make sure you get everything that you want done!

T M H (Josiah): Well, it was a pleasure talking with you.
Teedra Moses: You too pumpkin, you made it very easy. Thank you very much.



Source: http://www.tmhxone.com
 

The big homie, Mr. Wiggins over at TVT Records was hyping this new female sensation they are releasing. Teedra has a new Cd being released on TVT entitled, Complex Simplicity. I gave her the Stoli test and I can say that besides being very attractive, she has got serious talent. Her sound is a new twist on the urban groove and her look is that of a young diva. She's got her first major album release coming up on TVT, so I wanted to see where her life is now. I asked her some questions and she gave me some answers. Here's what's on Teedra's mind...

Stoli: Your bio speaks of humble beginnings, specifically being raised in the ghetto. What effect has this had on you as a woman today? How have these experiences, during this time play into the powerful music you produce now?

Teedra Moses: Makes me much stronger and focus. And more appreciative of what I get in life. The ghetto was the inspiration for a lot of subject matter. It effects the way I write. Deep down I'm a ghetto girl polished up alittle bit.

At what age did your parents separate? Was it difficult for you to deal with that at such a young age? What advice or words of encouragement would you give to your fans from broken families?

My parents separated when I was about 11 or 12 years old. I personally didn't want my mother and father to stay together because they were destructive. The advice I would have for my fans from broken families is that it isn't about the child. It's about the parents and a lot of times parents staying together can tear the family down.

After your parents divorced, you and your mother moved to Los Angeles. How was it being placed into a different way of life? You claim a close bond to Los Angeles today, how did these feelings come to be?

It was a big culture shock moving from the ghetto of New Orleans to suburbs of Los Angeles and there wasn't that many people I could relate to so I stayed by myself. In the last couple years of high school, I met some friends who I could relate to and they showed me places and things that made me feel like I was back in New Orleans.

You have had to deal with the loss of your mother not too long ago. Offer, if you will, a little insight into your relationship between you and your mother? Did your mother play a role in music's importance in your life? How did you personally deal with having to get over the loss of a parent?

My mother was like my best friend. (I told her the first time I had sex.) My mother played an important role in my love of music. She used to sing in the church and in the car. And I can hear her voice in my voice. When she passed, I stayed around my family, I wrote about it and I got closer to God.

You have chosen to work with mega producer, Pauli Pol, on your new album. You actually split the production on the new album, Complex Simplicity. How do you explain the chemistry that makes you both be able to make such great music together?

He understood that I wanted to do something different. I wanted to have diversity and he allowed me to do that. TVT Records has taken a stand with your career by signing you onto their fine roster. How did TVT catch your buzz? Do you feel like they offer a good amount of space to expand your creative boundaries?

The A&R at TVT Records got my demo and he liked the picture. From that he played it and liked my voice and played it for the President of TVT. We had a meeting and I joined the roster. TVT Records has allowed me to be creative. They don't have a structured way to handle music and neither do I so it was a perfect fit.

So now onto your favorite topic: your freshman major league debut, Complex Simplicity. Where did you go to write and create the music for this album? What song is your favorite or means the most to you and why?

I wrote a majority of the songs in my car and my room, which has very inspiring walls. Then I would go to Pauli's crib to record. I don't really have a favorite but the one that doesn't change too much is "I Think of You" b/c its about my mother. It is the most personal thing I've ever written.

Your ties to both Hip Hop and R&B are very strong and you are said to be able to bust a rhyme yourself. How did it feel to mix your R&B style with one of the grimiest in the game, Jadakiss?

It was really cool. The words on "You'll Never Find" are geared towards street living. Jadakiss got the vibe of the song and his rhyme hit it right on the nail.

Anyone who takes a look at your picture will notice that you are quite attractive. Many women in the music biz are expected to keep a tight body and flaunt sex appeal. Do you feel like this has created a double standard with your male counterparts?

I really don't even think about. If it is a double standard I don't think about it cause' I don't mind flaunting my sex appeal.

Your turn!! Any thoughts or plans for the future or anything you feel Skope readers need to know about, Teedra Moses?

I speak from my heart!!

Well, thanks for the eye time. If you want more Teedra Moses, head over to www.teedramoses.com.


Source: Stoli, Skope Magazine (February 2004)