IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Moxi
Dreamy. Synthy. Anthemic. Together, these three words describe Moxi’s sound. Moxi, based in Los Angeles, California, connects the musical minds of Anna Toy (vocals) and Andy Toy (keyboards). They are getting ready to release a new EP, Figures Bathed in Light, on August 18, 2017, via CatBeach Music. The duo have previously played shows with numerous acts, such as Sir Sly. Aside from their busy schedules, Anna and Andy carved out some time to share an inside look on their beginnings in music, a couple of their essential tour items, and what the “Moxi” drink would be.
What’s the story behind your talent and passion in music?
My parents got me a karaoke machine for my 7th birthday, and I became 100% obsessed with performing and singing after that. I took voice lessons in junior high, and my vocal coach convinced me to learn the guitar. He told me, "You aren't going to just be a pop star; you are going to write your own music and be an artist and one day, you'll thank me for this.” He was right. I started writing when I was 14, and haven't stopped. I have a full on dramatic/messy love affair with music. Mostly with the music industry. It's the thing I love to do the most, and I feel like it's the only thing that allows me to express the crazy things I feel inside, but I also hate it because I get so wrapped up into it that it's hard for it not to break my heart. I care so much about the music that I write that it can feel sort of heartbreaking when we release it, and that's it. I'll never stop though. : )
What sparked your interest in music, both playing and listening?
ANNA: My parent's put me in a children's chorus when I was 5. I liked it, but it was definitely too structured for me. I remember being obsessed with the Spice Girls and Shania Twain when I was 8 or 9. I would make up full-on routines to their songs and dress up and make my family come to my "shows". I was always a strange kid with a huge imagination, so music sort of just naturally fell into who I was. I've always felt like music is something I can connect to on a different level—it creates a world where I feel understood, which I rarely feel that way in normal life.
You just released a new single titled, “Figures Bathed in Light”. What was the process of writing, recording, and producing it?
ANDY: We wrote the song about a car crash that we were in a couple years back. We were driving in the mountains near Santa Barbara, CA, and hit a guardrail and lost control of our car, skidded out of control, and almost careened off a 200-foot cliff. The only thing that saved us was a concrete support pillar for the bridge. A few feet to the left or right, and we would've been goners! The experience left us with a sense of purpose and inspiration, and I wrote the track a few days after our crash. Anna added the lyrics and melody, and we had a song! We recorded drums and bass at Sonikwire Studios in Irvine, CA, and Bobby Hartry added his guitar magic to add the finishing touch.
Who are some of your prominent musical influences?
ANNA: This is a hard question for me because I've been influenced by so many people at different points in my life. I'd say the most prominent would be Ryan Adams, Damien Rice, Feist, and Beach House.
ANDY: Tom Waits is and will always be my favorite, hands down. I also love New Order, 80's New Wave, and Brandon Flowers.
What are you currently listening to?
ANNA: We both listen to a lot of classical. It helps clear our heads and it really calms me down. I get anxious very easily, and classical just full-on relaxes me. BEST. I've also been listening to Lorde lately, HAIM, and Chance the Rapper.
ANDY: Puccini
While on the road, what are some of your essential tour items?
My cat, wine, some sort of tequila, my tight cat pants (if you know, you know), and my essential oils. MEOW. We also have a portable cocktail shaker kit that Andy custom-made haha!
If you weren’t a musical artist, what would you see yourself doing?
I am, and have always been a HUGE animal lover. I actually run a pet sitting business on the side. I've been a vegetarian for years now and I'd love to work more with animals and for animal rights. Even if music is always a full-time thing, animal care and activism will always be something I'm interested in.
What are some of your favorite restaurants in LA that you’d recommend?
ANNA: Ooooo. Gracias Madre is one of my favs for fancy vegan food with a great ambience. I love Manhattan Beach Post. And my favorite for breakfast or lunch is Homestate. They have the most amazing breakfast tacos. Oh, and you can't forget Republique. I could go on and on.
ANDY: Osteria Mozza and Pizzeria Mozza! AOC, Terroni, Fishing with Dynamite.
Who is your favorite superhero character, and why?
ANNA: Catwoman because she dresses like a cat. Also, I always liked Mr. Freeze, but he's bad. lol. I just like that he can freeze stuff.
ANDY: Ripley from Alien. Because she's a total badass.
If there were a drink with the name “Moxi,” what would it consist of?
ANNA: Tequila, strawberry puree, lime, orange flower water and Serrano bitters.
ANDY: Mezcal, Tequila, lime, honey, Campari, and Topo Chico.
A tremendous thank you to Anna and Andy for taking the time and thought to respond to the questions, and to Ella for coordinating!
Stay tuned for updates from the band by following them on Twitter (@moxilovesyou), Instagram (@moxilovesyou), and liking them on Facebook (/moxilovesyou)!