Exclusive Interview with Kelly Moneymaker

Hello Kelly!! We are HONORED to get to interview with you! We are LOVING “Reindeer Know How To Groove”!! It’s exactly the holiday spirit we need in 2020! What moved you to make the song? 

The COVID epidemic has made 2020 a very tough year for all. When we decided to make a Christmas album, our main focus was to lift people’s spirits.  We also wanted to make this a community-building project between artists in the UK, US, and New Zealand so we reached out to people we knew would contribute to the spirit of the JOY album. My parents were fans of Stax and Motown recording artists and we used to crank up the stereo and dance in the living room every Christmas Eve.  I used to fall asleep listening for Santa’s sleigh to touch down on my roof in Alaska, so I pulled inspiration from those memories while writing “Reindeer Know How to Groove”. I was also inspired by my daughter who embodies the love and generosity of the season.   

What is the best and most challenging part about recording a holiday song!? 

The best part of writing a holiday song is pulling inspiration from treasured memories made with family and friends. The most challenging part is not crying tears of joy or loss while recording.   

The music video for this is so much FUN!! What was the creative process behind the scenes like?! 

Since the song was inspired by Stax and Motown recording artists, we wanted the video to reflect that as well. I knew one of the owners of Blue Aeris, Kehan Miller, performed on national tours with Wicked, Cats, etc., so I jokingly asked him to dance in a reindeer costume. I could NOT believe he agreed to it! When he emerged in full costume and started dancing, the DP and I couldn’t hold back our laughter. I hope it brings a smile to people’s faces when they see it.

What is making you feel positive about 2021 as an artist?

COMMUNITY is making me feel hopeful about the future. We are deeply proud of all the performers who lent their time, talents and hearts to this passion project. JOY is the appropriate name for this album because it was an absolute pleasure to create it with an international community of musicians. Music is the universal language and I think this pandemic has shown that human connection and community are everything.  

Thank you for taking the time out of your day to chat with us Kelly! You’re phenomenal! Where can our audience listen to “Reindeer Know How To Groove” and continue to support and follow your musical journey!! 

Thank you for being so supportive! 5% of proceeds from the sale of the Blue Aeris JOY album will support Futures Without Violence.  FUTURES has been providing groundbreaking programs, policies and campaigns that empower individuals and organizations working to end violence against women and children around the world.  futureswithoutviolence.org.  They need our help because domestic violence has greatly increased since the COVID outbreak.  Please go to www.BlueAeris.com to download the JOY album, see the videos and for news about future projects.  You can find me on KellyMoneymaker.com and @KellyMoneymaker on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.  Love, Health, Gratitude, and Happy Holidays!

End of Interview