Behind the Music: An Exclusive Interview with Betty Moon
- Hawk-IT Interviews
- 6 days ago
- 9 min read
Welcome to Hawk-It Interviews! In today’s feature, I had the opportunity to sit down with Betty Moon, the Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter, producer, and founder of Evolver Music Inc. Known for her distinctive sound and fearless creativity, Betty opened up about her journey in the music industry, the evolution of her artistry, and the inspiration behind her latest release, Strangely Beautiful. We also explored the experiences and influences that have shaped her career and continue to drive her passion for creating music.
I hope you enjoy reading this interview as much as I enjoyed conducting it.
Amit Ahuja: To begin at the very foundation of your story, I’d love to go all the way back to the beginning. Could you paint a vivid picture of your early years—what were the environments you grew up in like? I’m curious about your hometowns, not just geographically, but culturally and emotionally. What was the energy of those places? The sense of community? The people you were surrounded by? And within that, what were some of the defining challenges and opportunities that shaped you during your childhood and teenage years?
Betty Moon: I grew up in Toronto in a really creative environment, with a small recording studio right on our property that constantly brought musicians through the house. That energy shaped me early, being surrounded by artists, music gear, and that sense of possibility. It wasn’t just a place, it was a vibe that embedded itself into who I am and how I create.
Amit Ahuja Looking back now with the clarity that comes from time and experience, how do you feel those formative years influenced the person—and the artist—you’ve become today? In what ways did your upbringing shape your worldview, your emotional depth, your resilience, and ultimately the way you approach creativity and self-expression?
Betty Moon: Those early experiences in Canada gave me a strong sense of independence and creative confidence. Being around music from such a young age made it feel natural, not intimidating. It also taught me resilience and how to trust my instincts as both an artist and a producer.
Amit Ahuja: Taking that a step further, can you walk us through your personal musical journey? When did music first enter your life in a meaningful way? Was there a specific moment, memory, or turning point that transformed music from something you simply loved into something you felt compelled to create?
Betty Moon: Music entered my life very organically through that studio environment, but it really clicked in my early teens when I got into alternative music. Starting my first band, Bambi, was the turning point where it went from passion to purpose. From there, things moved quickly and I was fully immersed before I even finished college.
Amit Ahuja: What initially drew you toward the genre and sound you explore today? Beyond the music itself—the intensity, the structure, the emotional weight—what was it about the culture surrounding it? The visual identity, the sense of belonging, the community? What made you feel like this is where I fit?
Betty Moon: I was drawn to alternative and post-punk because of the raw energy and individuality. It wasn’t just the sound, it was the attitude and the freedom to be unapologetically yourself. That sense of belonging and expression still carries through in my music today.
Amit Ahuja: Were there particular artists, bands, or even individual songs that connected with you on a deeply personal level early on? How did those influences shape your desire to pick up instruments, start writing, and eventually carve out your own artistic path?
Betty Moon: A lot of my early influences came from the underground and alternative scenes, artists who weren’t afraid to push boundaries. Those sounds inspired me to start writing and experimenting with different textures. They gave me permission to carve out my own lane instead of following trends.
Amit Ahuja: When it comes to songwriting, I’d love to dig into your creative process. Where does your lyrical inspiration come from? Whether it’s rooted in personal experiences, relationships, internal struggles, observations, or even more abstract ideas—how do those influences evolve into lyrics? And how do you translate emotion into something tangible through your music?
Betty Moon: My lyrics come from a mix of personal experiences, relationships, and observations about life and the world around me. I usually start with a feeling or energy and build from there, letting the music guide the emotion. I also like leaving space for interpretation so listeners can connect in their own way.
Amit Ahuja: Shifting into your latest work, could you take us inside your new 6-track EP Embarogo? I’d love to focus in on a few standout tracks—“Last Night, A Taxi Ride,” “Live in the Moment” (your Portugal. The Man cover), and “Soulfly.” For each of these songs, what stories or emotional landscapes were you exploring? What was happening in your lives—personally and creatively—while these tracks were taking shape?
Betty Moon: This EP is really about evolution and reflection, blending confidence with vulnerability. Tracks like “Last Night” and “A Taxi Ride” explore moments of transition and emotional movement, while “Soulfly” taps into a more introspective, spiritual energy. “Live in the Moment” felt like a natural fit to reinterpret because it aligns with the EP’s message of presence and perspective.
Amit Ahuja: Do these songs represent distinct chapters or specific states of mind for you? Were there defining moments, relationships, or internal shifts that influenced their direction? And when listeners press play, what do you hope they walk away feeling or understanding?
Betty Moon: Each song represents a different emotional state, from empowerment to introspection. It’s about embracing change and being honest with yourself through every phase. I want listeners to feel both energized and understood when they hear it.
Amit Ahuja: More broadly, when you’re in the process of creating music, does it feel like a form of catharsis? A way of confronting things, healing, or discovering parts of yourselves? Or is it a blend of all those experiences? How does that emotional space shape what ultimately makes it into your songs?
Betty Moon: Creating music is definitely a form of catharsis for me. It’s where I process emotions, work through ideas, and sometimes even discover things I didn’t realize I was feeling. It’s a mix of healing, expression, and exploration.
Amit Ahuja: When it comes to the listener’s experience, do you tend to write with a specific message or intention in mind? Or do you prefer to leave your work open-ended, allowing people to project their own stories, emotions, and interpretations onto your music?
Betty Moon: I usually write with a feeling in mind rather than a strict message. I prefer to leave the meaning open so listeners can project their own experiences onto the songs. That connection is what makes music powerful.
Amit Ahuja: In today’s music landscape, where the lines between mainstream and independent artistry continue to blur, what does it truly mean to be an independent artist? From your perspective, how has that experience evolved in recent years, especially in an era driven by streaming platforms, social media, and direct-to-fan connection?
Betty Moon: Being independent today means having full creative control and direct connection with your audience. The landscape has shifted so much with streaming and social media, making it more accessible but also more competitive. It’s about owning your voice and your path.
Amit Ahuja: I’d love to understand both sides of that reality—the freedom and the pressure. On one hand, independence offers creative control and ownership, but on the other, it often means taking on the responsibilities of an entire team. How do you navigate that balance day-to-day? What does independence look like for you not just as a career choice, but as a mindset?
Betty Moon: Independence gives me total freedom creatively, which is everything to me. At the same time, it means wearing a lot of hats and managing the business side constantly. It’s a balance, but one I’ve embraced fully.
Amit Ahuja: How has being an independent artist shaped your identity, your work ethic, and the way you connect with your audience? Do you feel it’s empowering in ways that traditional paths aren’t—or does it come with its own unique set of challenges that people don’t always see from the outside looking in?
Betty Moon: It’s made me more disciplined and self-reliant. I’ve learned how to build not just music, but a brand and a long-term career. It’s empowering, but it definitely comes with challenges people don’t always see.
Amit Ahuja: In today’s ever-evolving music landscape, independence seems to carry more weight than ever before. As we move through 2026, how important is it for you to operate as an independent artist and maintain control through your own label, Evolver Music? I’m curious about what that level of autonomy has meant for you—not just professionally, but creatively and personally as well.
Betty Moon: Running my own label, Evolver Music, has been a game changer for maintaining control over my work. It allows me to release music on my terms and experiment without limitations. That level of autonomy has been incredibly important both creatively and personally.
Amit Ahuja: Having your own label often comes with both freedom and responsibility. How has stepping away from the traditional structure of the music industry—where artists are often guided, or even constrained, by executives and outside expectations—allowed you to reconnect with your artistic vision? In what ways has it given you the space to take risks, experiment, and create on your own terms without having to answer to higher-ups?
Betty Moon: Stepping away from traditional structures gave me space to reconnect with my artistic vision. I’m able to take risks and evolve without outside pressure. It’s allowed me to stay authentic to who I am as an artist.
Amit Ahuja: At the same time, what challenges have come with that independence? Has building and running Evolver Music reshaped the way you view success, ownership, and longevity in your career? And ultimately, do you feel that this path has brought you closer to the kind of artist—and legacy—you’ve always wanted to build?
Betty Moon: The biggest challenge is managing everything yourself, from production to promotion. It reshapes how you define success, focusing more on longevity and ownership. But ultimately, it brings you closer to building a legacy that’s truly yours.
Amit Ahuja: Every creative path comes with its share of rejection, setbacks, and self-doubt. What advice would you give to younger artists who are navigating those challenges right now? How can they turn those difficult moments into fuel for growth rather than discouragement?
Betty Moon: Be unapologetically yourself and don’t be afraid to take risks. Study the business side just as much as the creative. And don’t let setbacks stop you, use them as fuel to keep going.
Amit Ahuja: Looking at your journey, who are three people who have had a profound impact on your life—whether creatively, personally, or professionally? What lessons did they leave you with, and how do those influences continue to show up in your life and work today?
Betty Moon: Collaborators and mentors throughout my career have played a huge role in shaping my journey. I would credit many of my friends, bandmates and my parents during my youth, and throughout my career the record executives, studio producer/mixers and session musicians I’ve worked with have all inspired me and created personal growth. The people I’ve worked with creatively have pushed me to grow and refine my sound and approach to the music industry. Their influence still shows up in how I approach music and business today.
Amit Ahuja: Outside of music, what other forms of art or storytelling inspire you? Are there particular films, books, visual artists, or even podcasts that resonate deeply with you? What is it about those mediums—their atmosphere, emotional depth, or narrative style—that fuels your creativity?
Betty Moon: I’m inspired by visual art, architecture, and film, especially anything with a strong atmosphere and emotion. Living in L.A., I’m constantly surrounded by creativity across different mediums. That cross-pollination definitely fuels my music.
Amit Ahuja: There’s also a growing conversation around the connection between creativity and mental health. How have you each navigated that balance over time? What practices, routines, or support systems have helped you stay grounded while pursuing your passion? And what would you say to younger artists who are still learning how to protect their well-being?
Betty Moon: Balance is key, making time for family, fitness, and life outside music helps keep me grounded. Creativity can be intense, so having that structure matters. I’d tell younger artists to protect their energy and not lose themselves in the process.
Amit Ahuja: Finally, as we wrap up, I’d love to leave readers with something lasting. What reflections or messages would you want to share with your fans—and with anyone out there chasing a dream right now? Is there a truth or piece of wisdom that feels especially important to pass on at this point in your journey?
Betty Moon: Stay true to who you are and trust your instincts, even when it’s not the easy path. Growth comes from taking risks and embracing change. If you believe in what you’re creating, keep going, it’s always worth it.
Amit Ahuja: Thank You, Betty Moon, for sharing your story with us!
We encourage you to show your support by checking out her music through the links below. You can also follow her on social media to stay connected and keep up with her latest projects, releases, and updates.
Betty Moon Website:
Betty Moon Spotify:
Betty Moon Instagram:
Betty Moon Youtube Channel:
Betty Moon Facebook page:
***All images and videos that were used by Hawk-IT Media are the property of Betty Moon***
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