Libratone and Moa Mckay

How did you discover your musical talent and your love of singing?

I grew up in a lively home where music would always be playing in the background. The music would vary from jazz, through to rock-and-roll and soul. Many ‘oldies but goldies’! I always felt an urge to sing even though I hadn’t learned to walk yet. Once I was a little older, I started playing guitar and writing music. I was, and still am, fascinated by the tremendous effect that music has on people and I always feel completely hooked by that.

Tell us about your own sound.

Our sound is a mix of something new and old. It’s a blast from the past with a splash of new. My aim in my lyrics is to be as raw as possible. I want to display sadness in an honest way as well as anger and happiness with a hint of attitude. The combination of jazz, soul, funk and other close genres I’m inspired by, I try to smash together in all different ways in order to create the sound I want. The vibe of songs has to be electrifying and filled with energy. Most importantly, I want a mutual understanding and emotional connection between the listeners and the music.

What inspires you when you make music?

I get inspired by how much music helps people get by in hard times and enjoy the good ones. I am inspired by different people’s stories and I try to combine it with my own. I always want to try and understand people that have a different way of seeing things, or a different background and experiences to my own. I also enjoy writing a cheeky lyric, here and there, to create a fun atmosphere in the song when dealing with an emotional struggle. I love to see how other musicians work and what I can learn from them.

What has been your career highlight to date?

Being contacted by a stranger who had heard my debut single Fina Duon the radio. She told me that she was so happy she had heard it, and how much she could relate to the song. Experiences like this really make me work harder for my music every day. Seeing gratitude from people, as well as having an impact.

You are part of the Libratone Free the Sound project. What does Free the Sound mean to you?

To me, Free the Sound means to expose myself emotionally, share a joy, and hopefully make a difference to something or someone. By ‘Freeing my Sound’ I hope to give a voice to the voiceless, giving comfort and empowerment, and just reveal myself as a human.

What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working or performing?

I’m happiest when travelling, meeting people and seeing what ideas, ambition and drive other people have.

How did you find working with the team at Libratone?

I found it so fun and amazing to work with such lovely people. It excites me that there are such great music projects happening in the world, and I am truly thankful for the opportunity Libratone gave me.

What’s a goal that you want to accomplish in the next few years?

My goal is to become a full-time professional musician, to be able to tour the world, and to write many more songs.

If people want to check you out where can they hear more?

You can hear the track she recorded with Libratone here.

Website: moamckay.com

Instagram: instagram.com/moamckay

Facebook: facebook.com/moamckaymusic

Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/oacay