Anika Moa is bringing stand-up to her live set but woe betide anyone she catches natttering.
Anika Moa is bringing stand-up to her live set but woe betide anyone she catches natttering.
Anika moa IS a stalwart of the New Zealand music scene, one of the survivors in an industry that has never paid big bucks and nowadays barely pays a pittance.
Moa knows a thing or two about diversification, which is why the cover of her latest album, Queen At TheTable, isn't the only place you'll see her face this year. There are her hilarious Face-to-Face web interviews for nzherald.co.nz; her brilliant and moving contribution to the Songs From The Inside series, which starts soon on Maori Television, and a top-secret project she can't yet reveal.
There's also her upcoming tour, supported by SJD, that will take her the length and breadth of the country, the way Moa has always done it. "I love touring. What's the point in being a musician if you can't do gigs? I didn't write my album for it to sell millions of copies because I know that doesn't happen. I wrote it so I could continue touring," she says.
In a country as small as this, there's always that risk of overdosing middle New Zealand. But thanks to the electronic touches on her new record, Moa reckons she has some new listeners. "George FM listeners," she laughs.
Plus, her live act has evolved. For one, she dances a bit now. "Yes, I do dance, but it's more like bad shuffling. Really, really bad shuffling."
Anyone who follows Moa's weekly Herald web series knows how funny she is and she's also turned up the comedy on-stage. It means those expecting a night of intense, acoustic guitar-driven music are in for a shock.
"I've always been funny. And why not spread your wings? Why not show people you have other talents? When I go to a gig, I don't want to see them looking down. I want them to entertain me. I've learned how to humour myself by humouring people."
Does she worry that her abilities as a serious artist are being overshadowed? "No. People know I'm a unique individual and it either works or it doesn't. I've had lots of things that haven't worked, but it's time for things to start working," she smiles. She is considering something involving audience participation, for her tour. "I'm Ellen DeGeneres," she cackles.
Some parts of the show never change - that gorgeous voice, some of the best Kiwi tunes around and her eagle-eyed ability to spot anyone in the crowd talking. "You don't think I can see you, but I can see every single face in that audience and if it's you doing the annoying banter ..." You have been warned.
Anika Moa's tour stars in Whangarei on September 4 and finishes in Oakura on October 4. Queen At The Table is out now.
