Interview with Natalie Jean and Levi Moore:
Natalie Jean is a very rare kind of vocalist. Winning recognition across the most diverse of musical genres and quite comfortable performing in English, French and Creole. Levi Moore is an upcoming talented Country artist. In exciting news, Natalie Jean and Levi Moore have recently dropped their new single “The Letting Go,” and fans old and new couldn’t be happier.
This song is about letting go of the past and move forwards in the present and future.
Where are you from?
Natalie Jean:
I am from Kensington, MD. However, my family was born in Haiti.
Levi Moore:
Originally, Savannah, GA. Spend time in GA, FL, & SC before going to high school and college in Missouri, followed by oilfield work in Arkansas
How long have you been making music?
Natalie Jean:
I have been writing and performing since 2011. I started out by writing poetry. I released a poetry book. I decided to use some of them as my songs.
Levi Moore:
I started teaching myself to play guitar and to sing while in college, followed quickly by writing my first song, so 9 years now
How many songs /albums have you released to date?
Natalie Jean:
I have released 5 albums to date. I have released over 60 songs to date.
Levi Moore:
Only one officially, the duet with Natalie, which was more her release than mine. I have several original songs floating around FB, Youtube, and SoundCloud
Can you tell us about your latest release and the background and inspirations behind it?
Natalie Jean:
The song is a co-write between myself and Michael Peloso. It is based on our personal relationships. Sometimes, you have to let go to move on.
How have you ended up in the music industry?
Natalie Jean:
My father, Guy R. Jean is a famous Haitian singer. He used to sing around the house a lot. Also, he had several performances at a local restaurant. I knew I wanted to do something with music when I was very young, but I didn’t know what. My aunt Sandra Jean is also a performer. She started the first all female band in Haiti in, called “Riske.” Also, my cousin Moses Jean is a fantastic music producer. So, I guess it runs in the family.
Levi Moore:
What started as a way to alleviate some stress in college, soon became a point of study, and with my first open mic, became a full blown passion. I have sought out opportunities to perform ever since, most comprised of open mics and an occasional bar gig. It was until 2016, when I left the oilfield to move to Savannah that I began performing music full time.
What do you think of the music industry in 2018?
Natalie Jean:
I think that the music industry is in a bad place. Singer/Songwriters are not really making any money. The streaming industry has taken over. People are not really purchasing music. It is really hard to get one person to buy a single for 99 cents. On the radio, it is usually the same artists you hear over and over. Basically the same types of songs over and over. I feel as though the music industry does not really want real music. There are so many great indie artists out there, that should be on radio. People are missing out.
Levi Moore:
Honestly, I think it is a mess. The airwaves have been taken over by songs that revolve around sound rather than substance. There should be meeting of the two. There are many tremendous musicians and songwriters who get buried under the wave of what is most popular and are only found and extricated by those who care enough to dig.
Who do you think the most influential artist?
Natalie Jean:
I would say that Taylor Swift and Beyonce is currently one of the most influential artists as perceived by the media.
Levi Moore:
In my genre, country, Chris Stapleton
Who have you collaborated with so far in your career?
Natalie Jean:
I have collaborated with Michael Peloso, Levi Moore, Bruce Lev, Danilo Gossain, Darick Spears, Dennis Sy, and Amy Jackson.
Levi Moore:
Most recently, and notably, Miss Natalie Jean. Although I have co-written several songs with people in and around Nashville.
How do you think you differ from other artists?
Natalie Jean:
Well, I am extremely versatile. I can sing in French, English, Haitian Creole, and Spanish. I also do many genres, Pop, Country, Adult Contemporary, R&B, Jazz, Blues, Dance, etc.. I don’t like my music to be overly produced. I like for my songs to be natural, as if I were speaking to someone in a room. I want people to get something from my music. I want people to feel.
Levi Moore:
I feel like I am able to write and relate to a wide demographic. I’ve had many experiences that have allowed me to see the world, and the people in it from multiple angles, which has helped me be able to write songs that speak to the human condition at large.
Dead or alive, who would be your dream collaboration?
Natalie Jean:
I would have definitely have loved to collaborate with Nina Simone. She was fierce. She didn’t play around. She commanded that people listen to her, while she was performing. This is why, I will not perform in places that have distractions, like televisions. We artists work very hard for little money and I think people should listen to our creations.
Levi Moore:
One from each. I would love the opportunity to talk and write with Jim Croce. Also, Alan Jackson
What was the first album you bought?
Natalie Jean:
I believe that it was the soundtrack for Grease!!
Levi Moore:
An Alan Jackson Greatest Hits collection, or Garth Brooks, I don’t quite recall which
What’s your favourite song at the moment?
Natalie Jean:
I love my song “The Letting Go!!”
Levi Moore:
I’m afraid I have far too many to say. I’m a fan of most all music, and so each day, each mood, there is a different song that speaks to them all. Although, Kenny Chesney’s Anything But Mine is an all-time favorite song that makes me feel happy, reminiscent, and hopeful whenever I hear it.
If you had to sell your music collection tomorrow, what album would you leave in your draw?
Natalie Jean:
Anything by Nina Simone
Levi Moore:
Probably, I would like to keep anything by Gordon Lightfoot.
What is your favourite saying?
Natalie Jean:
“I want to feel your soul through your music”
Levi Moore:
“Be Great In Act, As You Have Been In Thought”-William Shakespeare
What other hobbies or interests do you have?
Natalie Jean:
I am a water aerobics instructor and an interfaith minister. I love going the movies, diners, the theater, going to live shows, reading, etc…
Levi Moore:
Horses and the ranching lifestyle. I write short stories on occasion. Being outdoors when I’m able.
Do you have any tattoos or piercings?
Natalie Jean:
I have twelve small ones
Levi Moore:
Not yet, at least
Tell us more about your upcoming project or this new project?
Natalie Jean:
We are working to promo the new single. Trying to get it aired on radio.
Levi Moore:
My most immediate project is following through with the release the duet with Natalie, “The Letting Go.” Beyond that, personally, I’m putting together a collection of songs I’ve written over the last couple of years for a solo EP
What’s in the pipeline after this project?
Natalie Jean:
My most immediate project is following through with the release the duet with Natalie, “The Letting Go.” Beyond that, personally, I’m putting together a collection of songs I’ve written over the last couple of years for a solo EP.
Levi Moore:
In the immediate future, I have a full summer of gigs to play around Savannah, GA and up and down the coast. After the finishing of my EP, I will be contemplating a move to Nashville next winter.
Thank you for your time and may you carry on making great, fresh music.
Natalie Jean:
Thank you for the interview. I appreciate the promo!!
Levi Moore:
Thank you for taking time to interview us!!
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