MOE Z: Southern Roots

Moe Z

Having worked with everyone from the late, greats Tupac Shakur and Michael Jackson to The Time and John Mellencamp, just to name some, multi-platinum producer‑instrumentalist Moe Z (Starr) - whose vast skill-set includes drums, bass, guitar, sax, flute and trumpet - is finally stepping out on his own with his premiere solo body of work, Mississippi Son, courtesy of Morris Day Entertainment.

Let’s hop into this single, “Set It Out” — Tell me about this particular track; how did it even come to fruition?

“Set It Out” came about with me thinking about my uncle at the family reunion years ago taking video of the ladies dancing and saying, ''come on now, set it out, show me what you got,” and I never forgot that. Then I had made this track for a Southern Soul track, and my fiancé says, “set it out,” and it rung a bell for me and I had to do it, lol.

How then does “Set It Out“ either differ and / or compare to previous MOE Z entries?

It’s a Southern Soul vibe, and I've made Hip Hop, R’n’B, Rock, Country, Pop, Gospel songs before. I love different types, and have always displayed that.

As a songwriter when you sit down to pen your lyrics, where do you draw inspiration from? 

My inspirations come from whatever style I am approaching at that time, and the influences in those areas.

Tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for MOE Z?   

I was very young, like 5, living in Clarksdale, Mississippi, and Al Green was a big influence, as well as MJ at his young age, and my mom saw me acting it out and put me on talent shows at her school. I would sing and act out TV commercials.

That said, how do you describe and / or define the style of music that you create and / or perform?

The styles all differ; I’m more of a lover of music more so than a particular style.

What particular string of events actually led to your current signing to / with Morris Day Entertainment?

Snoop Dogg did a song collab with Morris, and after that he did a deal with him to do an album. I grew up with Snoop, and he knew I’ve loved The Time since high school and had a band singing their songs, so he and Lil 1/2 Dead called me to work with him on it. A few years go by with us creating songs and recording them, his deal turned and he just kept doing shows. Fast forward, Morris asked me to perform with The Time on shows, which was cut short by Covid. So his road manager said, “Moe, finish the album.” So I presented more songs, which turned into him starting his own label and we released it. The Last Call it’s titled. After which, his manager, Courtney Benson, who also managed Nelly from the beginning of his career, asked me to do a Southern Soul version of one of the songs I wrote, and it didn't really work, so they came up with the idea to have me sing it and sign me to a deal.

Moe Z

Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?       

There are many things I want people to get. But what comes to mind immediately is fun, great sound and production and songwriting, that connects with people on many levels.

If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?        

Well, I got to meet and be part of Micheal Jackson’s production company in ‘08, a year before his passing. I created a lot of music for him, but didn’t get to see it through because of his passing. I believe we would have made incredible music.

If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?        

Well, I don't have a particular one in mind. I toured with John Mellencamp for 6 years going all over, and have done many. Also, The Wallflowers for 2 years, and same thing and on TV with both, so I got to do a lot of traveling and performing great venues.

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of music?

The current state always changes, but there are many artists and producers I enjoy…but like always, too, there have been a lot I didn’t connect with, and I feel it’s not really any different but a lot of the focus on what is popular of connecting with that particular generation at its core.

What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?        

The key to longevity is doing the honest attempt to connect with what people feel, and the audience it’s meant for. Great music is always great music, especially if it connects. My career is nearly 40 years of switching genres and connecting with them.

Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

I have a strong interest in film. creating it, acting, producing, scoring and owning the businesses connected to them.

To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?        

It’s hard to give just one. I’ve worked with greats like Edwin Hawkins, Tisha Campbell, Tracie Spencer, Brandon Adams alongside of Angela Winbush and Ron Isley, Prince, Tevin Campbell, Tupac Shakur, Spice 1, Yo-Yo, John Mellencamp, New Edition, The Wallflowers, MJ, Snoop, Lil Half Dead, Morris Day and more, even so to me those were great moments all alike.

What’s an average day like for you?

Well, before it was am to pm doing every aspect of music; from developing artists, to creating, to mixing and growing. These days I do some of that, but now I balance with taking care of home, too.

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans... 

I love fans; I always am open to meet them, and talk about music and how we connect on the enjoyment of music. I don’t do much hanging out, so like parties and stuff I’m not usually there. Music for me is more enjoyable creating it and listening to it than anything else.

Moe Z

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why? 

My favorite thing is studying; the best ways I’ve heard it being presented, and how to make that energy myself. The worst part, honestly, has been the business part. And, the struggles of the financial stability.

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

I would say know what you are doing in every aspect of it to minimize the woes of it. Always work hard to create the best you can. Don’t compete, just be the best you and study how to do it all; from the creation to the business.

Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?     

I see myself advancing on every level to have more power of what I’m involved in. Also, developing artists and producers, but most of all continue developing my own 5 children towards their success. They are amazing, and have been on their journeys since they were young, too. The future for them surely will outshine my achievements I truly believe. Only difference is I encouraged them to do it different, so their financial status will be better. 

As for the immediate, what's next for MOE Z? 

Next is dropping many albums; starting with this one called MISSISSIPPI SON. But also mixing it up. Rap, Rock, Soul, and Gospel music will definitely be the final stage of where I’m going.

Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?   

With me, I’m sure we left out a lot, hahaha! It’s really been a very extensive and versatile journey. Off the top, I sang with Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael Bolton, remixes a lot in the ‘90’s, soundtracks I was involved with, and so on. But we can revisit them at a later date for sure.

Lastly, any “parting” words for our readers?

GET READY for a very full view of MOE Z in the future. This album will pave the way for many new great things. Hope to see you all there.

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