"I feel Blues provides an artist an outlet to freely express his/her ideas regarding real life experiences. In turn, these stories are appreciated by Blues lovers of many ethnic backgrounds. I would like people to feel the emotion within the songs and hopefully be able to relate to the messages."

Miss Lady Blues: Moe Betta Blues

Kesha Boyd who is professionally know as Miss Lady "Blues" is no stranger to the music industry. She has assisted many artists, writers, and producers with their careers. She is a songwriter and singer. She has worked with the Major Record labels to broker single deals as well as publishing and production deals for artists and producers. Although she goes by the name of "Miss Lady Blues", she does not categorize herself solely as a "Blues" artist. However, with the sultry, soulful sound that she brings, she fits well in the "Soul Blues" category.                         (Miss Lady Blues / Photo by Nathan Pearcy)

"I would describe my sound as sultry, yet soulful. My songs that I create are real stories from elements of my life, other people's lives, and things I've read and heard during conversations. I grew up in a musical household...where my mother and father often introduced a variety of styles of music. We heard anything from Blues, Jazz, Gospel, Country, Motown...and everything in between."

Miss Lady Blues, a native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, now resides in Atlanta, Georgia. She started her music career in 2013. Her love of music evolved into her pursuit of a career as a recording artist. The single that sparked it all is her first release "Like You Used To". Miss Lady Blues independently released her first album "Pieces of My Soul" in 2017. Since then, she has been on the road performing and promoting herself. She received recognition as 2021's Best Female Blues Artist of the year from Alabama Music Awards. Miss Lady Blues decided to put her twist on "Traditional Blues" with her sultry voice and infectious production, hence the name of her newly released album, "Moe Betta Blues" (2021).

Interview by Michael Limnios

How has the Blues music (and people of) influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?

Blues and those who create Blues stories (songs) haven't influenced my view of the world. However, they have allowed me to recognize a path for my music that I feel will allow me to freely express the real life stories of love, pain, strength, and resilience.

How do you describe your sound, music philosophy and songbook? Where does your creative drive come from?

I would describe my sound as sultry, yet soulful. My songs that I create are real stories from elements of my life, other people's lives, and things I've read and heard during conversations. I grew up in a musical household...where my mother and father often introduced a variety of styles of music. We heard anything from Blues, Jazz, Gospel, Country, Motown...and everything in between. I enjoyed the stories...For me, it was and has always been about the story in the song. A lot of my creative drive comes from my mother. She's an author, poet, and songwriter. I grew up watching her work tirelessly on the things that she loved to do. That inspired me to do the same.

"I do know there are instances when an artist may be treated differently simply because of their gender. However, I understand as long as I am willing to continue to work hard, I will achieve my goals regardless of my gender. Women in the music industry are relentlessly pursuing their dreams and creating their own space in this world of music."  (Photo: Miss Lady Blues aka Kesha Boyd)

Are there any memorable moments with people that you’ve performed with either live or in the studio?

I do recall sharing a stage with Bobby Rush a couple of years ago on a show in Atlanta. It was special because I was able sit and speak with him about how much the music industry has changed over the years. We talked about what it takes to "Make It" in the industry in today's society. That encounter was pure motivation.

What do you miss most nowadays from the blues of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I miss the live shows. As time passes it seems that many markets have gotten away from live band shows and replaced them with "Track" shows. This limits the artist and their ability to be free and creative during their live performances. I hope there is an always a market that yearns to hear Blues and support the artists who create the stories for their listening pleasure.

What would you say characterizes Atlanta music scene in comparison to other local US scenes and circuits?

In my opinion the Atlanta music scene is still heavily saturated by R&B and Rap music as opposed to Soul & Blues music.

What does to be a female artist in a Man’s World as James Brown says? What is the status of women in music?

I do know there are instances when an artist may be treated differently simply because of their gender. However, I understand as long as I am willing to continue to work hard, I will achieve my goals regardless of my gender. Women in the music industry are relentlessly pursuing their dreams and creating their own space in this world of music.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

I have learned to trust my "gut" feeling. If something "Feels" right...It most likely is! I have also learned to handle the music as a "Business".

"Blues and those who create Blues stories (songs) haven't influenced my view of the world. However, they have allowed me to recognize a path for my music that I feel will allow me to freely express the real life stories of love, pain, strength, and resilience." (Miss Lady Blues aka Kesha Boyd / Photo by Nathan Pearcy)

What is the impact of Blues on the racial and socio-cultural implications? How do you want to affect people?

I feel Blues provides an artist an outlet to freely express his/her ideas regarding real life experiences. In turn, these stories are appreciated by Blues lovers of many ethnic backgrounds. I would like people to feel the emotion within the songs and hopefully be able to relate to the messages.

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