We had the good fortune of connecting with Phia Moore and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Phia, what matters most to you?
Since starting my journey of pursuing music professionally, my mom has always told me “there is room for everybody.” This principle is so important to me and guides so much of my career. The music industry is cut-throat, competitive, and fast-moving. This created a breeding ground for jealousy, hurt, and ingenuine interactions. Because of this, my mom’s words always ring out loud in my head. I make an effort to talk to people at my gigs, congratulating and enjoying other performers. When people I know have big accomplishments, I praise them and celebrate with them. I love meeting other female musicians who live in the same genre as I do and I make a point to connect with them. There is room for all of us. I think if everyone in creative industries reminded themselves of that a little more often, we would create a much kinder, inclusive, and authentic industry.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My music journey began in the choir room of my middle school, singing folk and Americana under the leadership my choir teacher and soon to be mentor, Tom Kell. This space opened up an entire new world for me that I didn’t know existed: music. As I continued my journey the 2020 Covid pandemic hit. My sophomore year of high school stripped away and loneliness setting in. As a way to combat the isolation and depression, my mom signed me up for a songwriting class at The Songwriting School of Los Angeles. Guided by the teachings of Rob Seals, I engulfed myself in writing, using it as a lifeline.

As the world began to revert to some sense of “normalcy”, my mentor, Tom Tell, was diagnosed with cancer and passed away in 2021. By 2022 I had gotten into USC’s popular music program and after two days art the school I dropped out. It wasn’t where I was meant to be.

I was drowning in grief. Depression and anxiety I had struggled with my entire life were at an all time high. There was no way out but music was a way through. I began writing and found I want to use the world’s I create through music to make people feel seen, heard, and to advocate for mental health awareness. I continued writing and the pieces fell together; Rob and I begun to record my first original single, “Inside Joke.” In my time away from school Rob and I recorded what is now my debut EP, “group therapy.” A collection about mental health and grief.

Today I am a full time student attending CSULB and studying child development while also pursuing my music career ferociously. I play music with my kids at the preschool I work at, teaching them Johnny Cash, children’s music, and giving them the space to feel through music. I have had two songs n TV shows, one being a cover of IZ’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, the other being a cover of “Say Something” by A Great Big World. I play gigs all around Long Beach, LA, and the downtown Fullerton area and nothing brings me more joy. Watching people experience my music and having the chance to bring people into my world is a privilege I will never take for granted. I am currently working on my second EP with Rob Seals.

I still struggle with my mental health everyday, it’s an ongoing journey. I think about Mr. Kell, always, and miss him with every heart beat. I am eternally thankful for Rob and I cannot wait to see all we create together, he is such a light in this world. And as I look back on it all, no matter how heavy things are, songwriting can always hold it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting there are so many places I would want to take them! Starting with some shopping I would bring them to Tattered and Goods on Orange. Both of these stores are second hand, vintage, curation shops. Tattered is racks on racks of second hand clothes, and Goods on Orange is a magical place full of everything you could ever imagine. Next I would take them to another great Long Beach spot, Active Culture at Second and PCH. Here we would get smoothies and nachos, yum! Lastly, I would take them over to The Rancho, another Long Beach gem, where we would walk around and see the beautiful house, rose garden, trees, and animals.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Rob Seals, founder and director of The Songwriting School of Los Angeles is the reason I am where I am today. He has produced and co-written on all of my released music, including my sophomore EP we are currently working on. He is the most caring, thoughtful, genius person who I am so lucky to have as a mentor and a friend.

Website: https://www.sophiamooremusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phiamooremusic?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@phiamoore?si=DcxY3yE9eUIVJVig

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@phiamooremusic?_t=8qF3Fl06p4t&_r=1

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2prj441lm5C7srZAuamxN0?si=x1vHTvLmSau5K4yp583K8Q

Image Credits
Spencer Moore, Autumn, Lucy Bruechert

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