Spotlight on Ajae Moore

by | Sep 5, 2013 | Interviews and Features

full page by Ahmad BarberMemphis born singer/songwriter Anthony “Ajae” Moore exposes us to his interpretation of love through music and video. We take a moment to find out why the world needs “Moore” Ajae at a local coffee house in Midtown Atlanta. 

When and why did you decide to become a musician?

I became an artist two years ago; I became an artist because of how music made me feel. I wanted to make people feel how I felt. Music is magical – it can make you feel and remember a certain point and time in your life and it’s also inspiring.

Is your family musical?

My parents aren’t singers but my aunts, uncles and cousins are all musically inclined. I looked up to all of them while growing up when it pertained to music. My family’s musical abilities come from gospel; everyone sang in the church choir. Back in the day, they created their own gospel group called “Family Affair” and that inspired me to pursue a career in music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXoTQ8hcq2Q&list=TLFrq2oGzI-vM

Which musicians do you admire?

I admire Lauryn Hill; I love her voice, her lyrics and her approach to music. Whatever she was singing about, you felt exactly like she did singing it. She had something to say and it was something we all needed to hear. Musically, I am influenced by Ella Fitzgerald; her abilities were unbelievable and she always left me speechless. I wanted to sound just like her; she is truly a musical legend.

How do you handle mistakes during a performance?

When I encounter a mistake, I usually try not to acknowledge them during a performance; I rehearse to make them easier to recover from. I never feed into them; I feel that I have a job to do. I get very nervous before a performance. I have to take deep breaths and just sit and think positive. I remind myself to be confident and enjoy the moment.

  • HOMETOWN: Memphis, TN
  • GENRE: Urban Jazz
  • ARTISTIC APPROACH: To craft jazz-infused, truthful art.
  • URL: www.ajaemoore.com

photo by Ahmad Barber