Meet Kota Moon | Creative & Entrepeuner

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

Hi Kota, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
One of the biggest reasons I’ve been able to get to where I am is because of the belief my family and friends have always had in me—and still do. It started within my roots in North Dakota and now extends to not only my family here in California, but the new friends I’ve made since relocating. I really wouldn’t be doing the things I’m doing without such a strong support system.

Over the years, I’ve had so many people step in and sponsor me in different ways—my grandparents, my mom, my great aunt, my man, even my friends’ parents and my boss. They helped send me to different places so I could live by the motto I’ve always carried with me: *“You can not be seen if you’re not putting yourself out there.”* And that’s exactly what I did.

Coming from North Dakota, that was especially important because we just didn’t have the same kind of access to the industry that I have now living in Los Angeles. I took a leap of faith a year ago by moving 1,700 miles across the United States to pursue my dreams and I wouldn’t change a thing. I am walking in my purpose.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I would have to say that my journey to where I am now has been anything but easy. One of my biggest milestones wasn’t even on stage—it was in the courtroom. In December of 2024, I won a relocation case that allowed me to move here and truly pursue my dreams. I had no choice but to represent myself, and in doing so, I learned just how resilient and determined I really am. That experience taught me that when the world feels like it’s closing in, you always have a choice: you can either lay down or rise to the occasion and fight. I chose to fight.

That same drive is what carries into my artistry. My work is deeply rooted in authenticity—I don’t just create for the sake of creating. I create to connect, to inspire, and to prove that someone who was once overlooked can grow into someone impossible to ignore. From performing in choirs and school plays in North Dakota, to opening for major artists, to walking the runway at New York Fashion Week, stepping into the film industry, and now entering an album with the hopes of winning a Grammy for my first time ever with my group Time Wav Banditz! Every chapter of my story reflects my willingness to take risks and embrace growth.

What sets me apart is not just my versatility across music, fashion, and film, but the way I approach each opportunity with gratitude and intention. I am most proud of the fact that I’ve built everything from the ground up—with the support of my family, mentors, and community—and that I’ve never let obstacles stop me from moving forward.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way are simple but powerful: resilience is everything, belief in yourself is non-negotiable, and closed doors are often just redirections toward bigger opportunities.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that my story is one of perseverance and faith. I am proof that no matter where you come from, you can rise above challenges, break barriers, and step into spaces you once only dreamed of. And as I continue to grow, I hope my journey inspires others to keep pushing toward their own greatness.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I were to bring my best friend to Los Angeles, I would curate an experience that blends the city’s most well-known landmarks with the exclusive opportunities I’ve been fortunate to access through my work. We’d start by heading to the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach, where we could rent motorized bikes, ride along the coastline, explore the vendors, and take in the view from the Ferris wheel.

Next, we’d make our way to Rodeo Drive to enjoy the boutiques and the possibility of spotting familiar faces, followed by a stop at the Beverly Hills sign for photos. The Hollywood Walk of Fame would also be on the agenda—a place we grew up seeing on screen that holds a certain nostalgia. Since my friends from North Dakota love the outdoors, we’d also take the hike up to the Hollywood sign, combining their love of nature with one of LA’s most recognizable sights.

To give them a deeper look into the culture of the city, I’d time the trip around award season. Through my team at Trackhead Productions, I participate in pre-parties and after-parties surrounding the BET Awards, Grammys, Oscars, and Emmys. These events bring together nominees, winners, and major industry names, offering an experience that goes far beyond tourism. I would also make sure they were introduced to the fashion community—connecting them with stylists, designers, and events that showcase the artistry and creativity shaping the industry today.

We’d finish their visit with a standout meal with at Kaviar in Pasadena, my current favorite sushi restaurant. The mix of culture, entertainment, fashion, and food would give my best friend the complete Los Angeles experience.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First things first, I want to give a huge shoutout to my girl Brittany Burton for believing I was worthy of this feature. I’m truly blessed to have her in my corner. I also have to give glory to my son, Damian, and my significant other, Marcus, for sharing so much of my time—often at a sacrifice. Their love and patience keeps me grounded.

I’ve always been fortunate to have an amazing support system. From my immediate family to my extended relatives, everyone fostered my creativity early on and pushed me to chase my dreams. Like many creatives, I got my start in choir before moving on to school plays.

I’ll never forget my very first choir solo in 3rd grade. Mr. Seil, my teacher at the time, trusted me with the role in a program called It’s Saturday. Not only that, but he gave me a lead part in Bugsy Malone—a role originally written for a boy; changed to a girl role—because he believed I could bring it to life like no one else. Later, he gave me the chance to sing the National Anthem for our North Dakota basketball team, The Wizards. That night, I stood before a sold-out stadium of 10,000 people—the largest crowd they’d ever seen—and it became a defining moment that showed me just how powerful music can be.

As stated prior, my journey has been filled with people who believed in me. It started with My mom, Gwen, and my Great Aunt Judy who worked together to send me on a modeling opportunity when I was younger. While that experience wasn’t what I’d hoped, it never discouraged me. I knew I was put on this earth for greatness. Years later, Jay and Tamme, parents of one of my best friends, sponsored not one but two trips for me to audition for American Idol in Nashville. I’ll never forget walking into that arena with 10,000 other hopefuls, all of us come together to sing“Billionaire”—it was pure magic.

At 19, my producer Sonny (aka NoFace HalfBreed Beats) gave me the chance to open for the Ying Yang Twins. From there, I joined a classic rock band, Highway 6, performing 80s, 90s, and original covers across North Dakota for three years. I loved the energy of live shows—head banging, jumping across the stage, playing keys and tambourine. In 2019, I found myself back on stage with the Ying Yang Twins, this time alongside Chingy, Bubba Sparxxx, and Big Reeno, as part of T.U.E. (Thee United Empire).

Clean Face MGMT was instrumental in the early stages of my career outside of North Dakota. In 2022, he provided me with my first true introduction to the entertainment industry by recognizing potential in me when others only saw a “nobody.” That belief was a pivotal moment in my journey and affirmed that I was meant to pursue something greater.

Ace from Ace Magazine also deserves tremendous recognition. His Atlanta showcase marked the very first live entertainment stage I ever performed on, and it was an experience that reshaped the way I saw myself as an artist. Ace’s support not only gave me the confidence to step fully into my artistry but also opened doors to top-tier spaces with industry leaders, helping establish my name in the South. I am equally grateful to DJ Butterrock of Atlanta for offering me opportunities to showcase my talent on larger platforms. With that said, I would also like to acknowledge my longtime employer, Jason at HuHot in Bismarck. His unwavering support—whether through granting me time off to pursue these opportunities or sponsoring multiple trips—was invaluable in helping me take important steps in my career.

By August 2024, I knew it was time to push further and moved to California to grow creatively. A photo shoot with 3ArtNinjas caught the attention of industry guru Raheem “Trackhead” Norris—a man who has worked with legends from Stevie Wonder to Rihanna. Trackhead believed in me and opened doors I could’ve only dreamed of. I found myself at Grammy-winner Malik Yusef’s listening party at Creator Space LA. From there, I quickly transitioned into executive assistant work, helping host elite events like BET/Grammy after-parties. Trackhead has been a true blessing—he lifts people up without ego or expectation and his belief in me has been life-changing.

Beyond music, I was honored to walk my first runway at New York Fashion Week with TME and was recently cast as a lead in Irwin Miller’s upcoming film Bad at Being Bad, starring Trae Ireland and Cisco Reyes as well as many other top tier names. I’m also working on a production titled Rediscovering Your Worth, based on the book by Sabrina Crumpton. These projects are just the beginning of my film journey, and I’m excited for what’s to come.

Lastly, but never least, I want to thank my Grandparents, Duane and Delila Bauer. They went above and beyond for me in every aspect of my life. May they rest in peace—I love you always.

P.S. Sending love to my A One Day Ones, Callee Jae and Brandy!

Honorable Mentions of those who have guided me to success, who have taught me valuable lessons or gave me a chance:
Rehan Jalali, Sylvia Hernandez, Smoove, TJ Chapman, Donna Glytch, Keith Reid, Maestro, Jamal Woodley, Peter Parker, Revolution, Barry Berlinsky, Allen Shay, Robert Zaragoza, Joseph Harrison, Joe Exclusive, Queen of Melrose, Adam Farfán, Harry Kiernan and so many more! (Check my Instagram to see the rest of the amazing people within my community)

Time Wav Banditz (Musical Group):
Scooby Trillion
Catmandoo
Country J
Jaziah
Marc Marcel
Dr. Mortimer

Agencies/Magazines:
Trackhead Productions, Something Dope for the People, RLC Talent Agency, Model Mafia, MeModel Catalogo, InnerCircle.USA, Global Billboards, and CIE Fashion Magazine

Brands:
Perduet, DTR Movement, Bontika, Hollywood Diva Store, Sagii, WhatsTheMove, Xavii, and Beautiisoles

Instagram: kotamoon1111

Image Credits
Irvin Rivera (1st photo)
A Photo That Fitz (2nd photo)