Women's Voices: Tribute to Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan was a HIT. Thank you for making last Saturday an amazing night!
At Women's Voices, we introduced you to Ashley aka Saywut Moyer-- the real WILD CARD of the night! Ashley's Hip Hop beatboxing was exciting, provocative, and startling juxtaposed with jazz. Moyer mixed this "modern" vocal work with traditional jazz singing, creating a hybrid few people have ever heard before, and people can't stop talking about it! We're still getting great feedback from people intrigued by Moyer's style, so we thought we'd do a short interview with her!
NMJW: Tell us about beat box, and it's modern origins.
AM:
Beatboxing is music made only with the human body through breath control, and muscle control. It is something that can be found all over the world.
NMJW:
Like other forms of music, beatbox is male-dominated. Where are all the ladies? How did you
decide you wanted to beatbox?
AM:
I don't think most women beatbox because it isn't something that females do often enough to be considered normal. Most people in general don't even know what it is. Also, it's kinda out of character for women to make crazy sound effects and music with their mouths. However, there are a few women beatboxers all over the world. Mostly in the UK. A few here in the US as well. I decided to beatbox because I was drawn to it when I saw it, and started to imitate what I saw and heard. Once I learned that I was ok at it, I continued on and practiced.
I don't think most women beatbox because it isn't something that females do often enough to be considered normal. Most people in general don't even know what it is. Also, it's kinda out of character for women to make crazy sound effects and music with their mouths. However, there are a few women beatboxers all over the world. Mostly in the UK. A few here in the US as well. I decided to beatbox because I was drawn to it when I saw it, and started to imitate what I saw and heard. Once I learned that I was ok at it, I continued on and practiced.
NMJW:
Who are some of your influences? How did you get started?
AM:
Some of my influences are Zack Freeman, Roxorloops, Bizmarkee, Dougie Fresh, and any music or sounds that catch my ear...I want to imitate the sounds/music that I enjoy. I started when I was a sophomore in high school. A kid at my school was beatboxing, and I was instantly hooked. I have always been good at imitating noises, or voices, so when I heard him, It was natural for me to pick it up. I haven't stopped since. It's been 7 1/2 years already, and I am still to this day amazed at the amount of opportunities and blessings I have recieved through beatboxing. I guess it all depends on where your heart's at. I have learned that my beatboxing is a gift, it helps me connect with people and them with everyone else in the room in a way that almost feels like we are closer to god. I have accepted this as my responsibility, to be a circuit and open people to a feeling of love and humanity they may have forgotten they could feel. I have to share that love...I am truly blessed to do what I do.
NMJW:
We know you are politically active in the local and global community. How does your music support your politics?
AM:
I started out performing in my community because I had the gift of beatboxing. People noticed me, and wanted me to do shows for them. Since it was a gift, and I wanted to help people and effect change, I decided to use my beatboxing as a way to use my voice and express myself and the causes I believe in. I have always been very picky with what kind of shows I do, because I don't want to endorse something that may not have my or others best interest at heart...I enjoy working with grass roots organizations. I enjoy being able to share my gift, and not feel like a product that only focuses on me. I love working with youth in the city and state that I grew up in. I know what kind of role model these kids need, and I am proud to take that roll on. Especially as a female beatboxer.
NMJW:
What do you say to other young women interested in getting into beatboxing?
AM:
I say go for it! It is a rare art form, but like anything, practice and passion will get you where you want to be. I always enjoy beatboxing for young women who didn't know females could beatbox. It opens a whole new side of their minds where they start to consider other paths for themselves aside from what they see on TV or hear on the radio. I like to show them that they too can be respected, accepted and expressed in a way that is their own. My heart goes out to all the young women, they need someone to show them that females are supportive of each other, and that being proud of who you are is a very positive and freeing experience...to me it's what life is all about.
NMJW:
Thanks, Ashley!
AM:
Thank you!
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