Like many soul artists before her, US based songstress Teedra Moses has managed to occupy honorary Brit status throughout the duration of her career. After gaining our attention a decade ago with her debut offering Complex Simplicity, the New Orleans native has managed to seal her status as one of the most credible and gifted singer/songwriters of her generation by continually delivering quality music. Due to popular demand Teedra will be back in the capital city on 27th February at KOKO in Camden. I caught up with her to find out her favourite things about LDN.
My favourite part of London is Camden – that’s where I spend most of my time. It has a really artsy and creative vibe which I love. Plus, I know where I can go and get my nails done quickly before a show, so I have to say Camden by default, it’s home away from home when I’m here.
The UK artist I most admire is no longer with us, but I would have to say Amy Winehouse. I love Amy; she was frank, she said exactly how she felt. And she wrote very well, you could tell she was a very tortured spirit. The best artists are the ones who are conflicted; who are in pain. Amy wrote in such a sincere manner, I mean I loved her voiced, but I LOVED her pen. I could’ve read the words and felt just as affected by it. Being a writer, that’s what turned me onto Amy Winehouse, she wrote from a very sincere place. If we’re talking about artists from the past I would have to say Loose Ends, in fact, I’d toss up between them and Soul II Soul. The UK has some amazing talent.
My favourite place to shop in London used to be Topshop because we didn’t have it back home in the States. When I first got wind of Topshop I remember thinking how cool it was. Now, of course, we have it back home so it’s not so much of a novelty. My favourite place to shop is now Heathrow Airport, it has one of the best shopping areas I’ve ever been to in the world. You can spend money there really quickly, I remember once almost missing my flight, my sister was so mad.
I love performing in London. I know when I come here the audience are expecting to hear certain songs so I definitely have to treat it like a job as much as I enjoy it. If I didn’t do Just Wanna Be Your Girl or You’ll Never Find I know you all won’t be happy. But I also incorporate songs from mixtapes as well was new material, and a couple of covers. I have a new single coming out called All I Ever Wanted which I will probably open the show with. I’m torn on whether I wanna cover Anita Baker’s Angel or Lauryn Hill’s the Ex Factor. Anita Baker is a vocalist that has influenced so many singers and she doesn’t get the credit for it. You have to have the vocal skills to sing Anita, I think people look at me and respect me as a writer, and they know I sing sweet songs, but I don’t know if they necessarily recognise that I have a full range.
Teedra is performing living in London at KOKO on February 27th. For further info visit here
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