Artist Interview - Jai Moi

1. How did you get your artist/group name?
jai Moi (pronounced j-Mwah) is French and it has a double meaning. In French it means, "I have myself." It took me many years to be able to get to this point in my life so my name is a celebration of love for myself as well as my growth and reinvention.

It also represents my first name. Moi in French means "me" so I'll let you guess what that means. Just kidding. haha! My first name is Jaime.

2. How long have you been in the music game?
I've been singing every since I can remember. I did talent shows in middle and high school and was always in chorus. I probably memorized every song on the radio that caught my ear. I then started singing in a R&B/hip-hop duo in 1998 and did local shows in NC as well as VA and MD. I began singing solo in 2003/2004 and transitioned into soul music, my true love. I did not really push it in full gear until 2009 and I'm still not in full throttle!

3. Who are your major influences in your music?
Kenneth "BabyFace" Edmonds, Jill Scott, Ella Fitzgerald, Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Anita Baker, Erykah Badu, Sade...the list can go on and on. But each one of these artists are special in their own right.


4. Where are you from?
I was born in Durham but grew up in Youngsville, North Carolina. I still reside in North Carolina but am willing to perform anywhere.

5. Who do you have featured on your album/mixtape?
On my upcoming EP, I have poet Elliot Axiom.

6. How did you get into music?
Music has always been in me so it was only natural that I become a singer/songwriter.


7. What is your next upcoming project/performance and when?
My next major performances will be Oct 5th at Yancey's, Raleigh, NC and in Manhattan, NY on Oct 9th at Roam Lounge. The project that I am working on is my self-entitled full album "jai Moi"

8. Who would you like to work with that you haven't already?
So many people to name a few but if i could work with someone legendary, it would be Babyface. He just has so many talents it's simply amazing and his songwriting...superb.

9. Who is your favorite artist/group?
Group - Mint Condition/ Artist - that I can't answer...it's just too many and they are all unique.

10. What is your favorite song on your album/mixtape?
Fly because it is very inspirational not only to others but to me. It holds a special place in my heart.

11. What motivates you?
My passion for music and my drive to succeed.

12. What sets you apart from other artists/groups in your genre?
I don't try to be anyone else. I always do me. That's the most beautiful thing about being an Indie underground artist. It is always acceptable to always keep it real.

13. What would you like to see from the music industry in the next three years?
Growth. More content and less glitter.

14. In three words; describe your personality?
Honest. Fun. Peaceful.

15. In three words; describe your music?
Unique. Soulful. Positive.

16. How does your family & friends feel about your music and your choice of career?
They love it and always give me well wishes. I know they always have my back 100%.

17. Do you have any affiliations (label/team) or shout outs you'd like to give?
Shout out to everyone that has had faith in me and stuck with me during this process and all of the fans I have acquired along the way. Your words may seem small to you but they are each like giant boulders on the highest mountain to me. They mean a lot and are appreciated. Thank you...

18. What does music mean to you?
Music to me has always been my peace. Any emotion can be expressed through music so it is truly medicinal. I personally love all music despite the genre. But there are some that only stick with a certain type of music and that's ok because that's their peace and there's nothing wrong with that.

19. What advice would you give another artist/group?
The same advice that was given to me by Common - find your voice and perfect it. That is so true. Don't let anyone change you as an artist because that is "your" expression...not theirs. A lot of people will like it and there will be a lot that don't. Don't let the negativity and naysayers persuade you to being something that you are not.

20. What can we expect from you in the future?
More good music and growth as an artist. I am really looking forward to seeing what type of artist I will be five years from now...ten even. This transformation has been truly amazing and I feel blessed to be able to do what I do and love every moment of it regardless of the bumps I've encounted in my lane.

21. Where can you fans reach you at?
My official website is www.jaimoi.com where you can get my EP "Vocally Yours" on October 5, 2010.

You can also add me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jaimoi. On Twitter I am jaiMoi_Songbird - www.twitter.com/jaiMoi_songbird

Fly is available on iTunes, Amazon and other music download sites. The entire EP will be available for purchase as a download soon but until then, you can get it on my website. Thanks for the support! Peace and blessings...