Often Referred To As The Female Jimi Hendrix, MALINA MOYE Discusses Her New Music, Biggest Inspirations and Much More!

Here is WCE/Sony National recording artist Malina Moye!

She is hailed as one of the top 10 female guitarists in world and even labeled a Female Jimi Hendrix by Guitar World Magazine. Her current sound is a combination of funk, and blues-rock.

Her new record “Rock & Roll Baby” is available now and the first single “Kyotic” featuring Bootsy Collins debuted at the top of the Billboard 140 Chart #5 and number 11 on Billboard Hot single’s Chart. Her single “A Little Rough”, has also been released and it landed at #47 on the Twitter emerging chart.

Malina has been support to Robin Thicke, Joss Stone and she was also apart of the Experience Hendrix Tour in 2012 and 2014. The event featured Buddy Guy, Jonny Lang and Kenny Wayne Shepherd to name a few.

Learn more about Malina in the following All Access interview:

Thanks again for your time for another All Access interview! So, how’s 2016 been treating you so far? What were some of the highlights of 2015 for you and your music?

Touring in the U.S. in 2015, meeting everyone, and seeing everyone’s response to the album was amazing. 2016 has been incredible. I had the chance to perform in Mumbai, India, which was my first time there. It was a fantastic experience to say the least, especially witnessing the power of music and social media. This year, more music, more touring, and venturing into other avenues.

Growing up, how did you first get into music? Who really inspired you to pursue this career path?

Growing up, I was inspired by my parents. They were the first people who really introduced my brothers and I to music. Watching them in the studio, watching them at rehearsal to watching my mom put on her makeup before going on stage. I was a sponge. I just loved it.

Let’s talk about your newest single, “Are You The One”. What was the inspiration for it? What’s it been like to receive such positive feedback on it? When you were in the studio first recording it, did you have a feeling that it was going to be such a hit?

I think the inspiration behind the song is love. Love never goes out of style. I think truth and honesty in story telling are always the best blue print. You know that feeling you get when it’s like magic is happening. That’s what this felt like. Songs are like your babies and I’m soooo excited that the response has been so good. To be the 2nd most added song at UAC radio when it was serviced was unbelievable. Thank you for saying it’s a “hit.” I’m going to keep praying on it and hope people continue to like the record and it keeps growing. Like ACDC says, “It’s a long way to the top if you want to Rock and Roll.”

How do you think you have grown as an artist over the years? What’s remained the same about you?

I think I’ve become more patient as a person, which in turn reflects my artistry. I think it’s important to evolve and I hope I’ve become better at all the things I’m doing. My goal is to be better than I was yesterday.

Photo Credit- Josh Schultz

Next month, you will head out on your “Rock And Roll Baby” Tour. Where are you looking forward to playing at? What can people expect from your shows on this tour? What have your fans in Europe been like? Are you looking forward to seeing them again?

Yes, I’m very excited about touring in Europe next month. I love Europe. Everyone really gets into the music and they really listen to lyrics. I think my fans will ‘get’ the raw and in-your-face Malina Moye. No matter what, I always like to give all of me on stage. I look forward to all of the dates, but I think Quasimodo in Berlin will be super cool. A lot of legendary artists have performed there.

You are very active on social media. How do you do it all and how important do you think it’s been to your success?

Social media has been very important. Steve Jobs has helped make the world connect faster, where everything you need is in your hands and at the touch of your fingers. It’s amazing the countries and cultures I’ve experienced because of the  social media vehicle that has served my music. Of course there are bad and good sides to that coin, but that just means everyone has an opinion and they can post it.

You’ve performed with so many amazing musicians. Is there anyone in particular that really stands out to you as the most memorable? Is there anyone else that you would still love to either play with or collaborate with on a future song?

Yes, one that always stands out is performing with Stevie Wonder at his House of Toys, and the big finale at Artist for Peace to honor Stevie as well—jamming with all the artists I love like Chaka Khan, Lalah Hathaway, Eric Benet, Bobby Brown, and Judith Hill.

I’d love to do a duet with Pharrell, Lenny Kravitz, or Eminem any day of the week! There are so many amazing and phenomenal artists out there.

Today, what do you consider your biggest musical accomplishment? Is that constantly changing?

Sometimes, it’s the little things that are the biggest accomplishments. I’d say having the guts and courage to keep challenging myself in this crazy business and watching team member by member come aboard. I’d also say this song, “Are You The One.” Radio is still king and to finally have a record that is being heard in this capacity is huge for us. It’s a big step and hopefully this record will keep growing and growing. If there was a single moment though, being the first black woman to play the National Anthem on guitar at professional sporting event was pretty big too.

At the end of the day, what do you hope is the message of your music? What do you hope listeners take away from your songs?

I hope my music inspires people to do better, be better, and I hope at the end of the day, it makes them FEEL something. Good or bad.