She is inspired by the great poets, like
Maya. She gets down to funky music,
like the MLC3. But don't call this
blue-eyed soul. Miz. Nina Moon is the
real deal. A poet with something to say
& words that flow & sway to music or
just the sound of her own heart.
Here at the 3rd Power Report, we invite
you to come watch the rising of a new
moon...
Maya. She gets down to funky music,
like the MLC3. But don't call this
blue-eyed soul. Miz. Nina Moon is the
real deal. A poet with something to say
& words that flow & sway to music or
just the sound of her own heart.
Here at the 3rd Power Report, we invite
you to come watch the rising of a new
moon...
| New Moon Rising an intimate look into he world of poet Miz. Nina Moon |
iNNERVIEWS
3PR: Good, morning, Miz. Moon. Welcome to the 3rd Power Report. It is great to have the opportunity to talk with
you, as you are highly spoken of around the MLC3 camp. So, tell us, what is your mood today?
Nina: I am feeling extremely introspective and somber this day. Thank you for asking. I wish I was a tad more
energetic. I do miss you guys loads though. I will be doing a small 12 minute spot on a London radio show
soon. They played my poem "Jazzy Boy" on the air once. And I plan to Plug the MLC3 *smile* For anyone who
doesn't know of the show, it is called "The Download Show" and it has a serious cult following. They are always
looking for new and original unknown artists to play on the show. The show is: Jeff Grainger representing the
Download Show on Oldham Community Radio 99.7 FM (listen online@ www.oldhamcommunityradio.com).
Every Sunday Night at 11pm till midnight.
3PR: We know that you are a talented poet, but what does it mean to you to be a poet?
Nina: Well, I am very blessed, that is a given, although I don't feel that I have found my plateau as far as my
poetry is concerned. I feel that being a Poet means so many things, mostly that I am constantly changing and
searching inside myself for the real me, for those perfect metaphors, "Word Symphonies" as I call them, that
would express what I know I possess down deep inside my soul that I am constantly trying to siphon with my
Mind and push them out through my fingers; but it seems it is a never ending battle because nothing that I write
ever succeeds the test of time in order to fully satisfy me . Time is the key here. Time tells all: a piece of art, a
poem, even a person could either be timeless or worse, lost in time...
3PR: All of the rage is to be on stage reciting your poetry for an audience. What do you do to get ready for a
hungry crowd?
Nina: I breathe ..I Pray, I breath and I breath and I Pray that I won't have an anxiety attack and lose my words.. I
find that I am a perfectionist and what I need to be more of is someone who can improvise but I suppose that
will take time. I love performing but I am sad to admit that I haven't mastered the art yet.
you, as you are highly spoken of around the MLC3 camp. So, tell us, what is your mood today?
Nina: I am feeling extremely introspective and somber this day. Thank you for asking. I wish I was a tad more
energetic. I do miss you guys loads though. I will be doing a small 12 minute spot on a London radio show
soon. They played my poem "Jazzy Boy" on the air once. And I plan to Plug the MLC3 *smile* For anyone who
doesn't know of the show, it is called "The Download Show" and it has a serious cult following. They are always
looking for new and original unknown artists to play on the show. The show is: Jeff Grainger representing the
Download Show on Oldham Community Radio 99.7 FM (listen online@ www.oldhamcommunityradio.com).
Every Sunday Night at 11pm till midnight.
3PR: We know that you are a talented poet, but what does it mean to you to be a poet?
Nina: Well, I am very blessed, that is a given, although I don't feel that I have found my plateau as far as my
poetry is concerned. I feel that being a Poet means so many things, mostly that I am constantly changing and
searching inside myself for the real me, for those perfect metaphors, "Word Symphonies" as I call them, that
would express what I know I possess down deep inside my soul that I am constantly trying to siphon with my
Mind and push them out through my fingers; but it seems it is a never ending battle because nothing that I write
ever succeeds the test of time in order to fully satisfy me . Time is the key here. Time tells all: a piece of art, a
poem, even a person could either be timeless or worse, lost in time...
3PR: All of the rage is to be on stage reciting your poetry for an audience. What do you do to get ready for a
hungry crowd?
Nina: I breathe ..I Pray, I breath and I breath and I Pray that I won't have an anxiety attack and lose my words.. I
find that I am a perfectionist and what I need to be more of is someone who can improvise but I suppose that
will take time. I love performing but I am sad to admit that I haven't mastered the art yet.
3PR: How long have you been writing poetry?
Nina: I have been writing since I could barely write. I would draw pictures of my dreams when I was a little girl and by the age of 5 I had
pretty much taught myself to read and write so that I could get all that was in my head onto paper. It just felt like my only outlet . If only I
knew then that I could have been an actress. Things may have very well been a whole lot different today. :) My mom wasn't exactly able to
support me in anything that I desired to be as a child. If I were to do anything it was up to me and I think I missed the train I was supposed
to have been traveling on a few too many times.
3PR: Well, we're glad to have you in this realm rather than on the silver screen. Never too late for that, though! Who or what inspires you
to create prose & verse?
Nina: Well, I write what comes to me. I don't force it. Often when I force material it just comes out so blah, so I wait for the moments when
my heart is beating fast with inspiration and my mind is racing to find a pen.
3PR: Do you find that the poetry scene is under-appreciated?
Nina: No, not at all.. I think that there are a lot of us, and yes there aren't many that have "Made It" but I do feel that we are respected. I
enjoy what I do when others seem to enjoy it too. But it is up to us as artists to get the audiences attention and to keep it. I am not sure if
the little poetry spots are the key to securing a serious following or not. Though those spots are my favorite places to be, I think we can do
something that would attract more listeners. We need to come up with something more creative to bring in the crowds and keep them
there. To nurture the awareness of those who would love to be a part of our struggle that otherwise get up everyday, go to work and if they
do anything to enjoy their day to day they might hit a club or two during the week which is often times draining for them, instead of feeding
their minds with art. I know that experiencing our truth, our creativity would be so much more stimulating for people in an over-all
perspective. They just aren't aware of the quality of the entertainment we have to offer them or where to go and that a poetry night coupled
with a smooth funky jazz session is so very invigorating to the soul /relaxing and would give them a skip in their step in the middle of the
week when things are seemingly stressful or hum drum. Back in the day when the norm was to hit up a blues bar or a piano bar during
the week has somehow faded into oblivion. We need to educate people. Artists a lot of times don't have faith in themselves and tend to
passively watch as the world passes them by. We need good PR people and managers to represent us and to incorporate the poetry
scene in ways no one has seen before. Poetry is considered a market now just like anything else and we have to be hungry for the
notoriety. If we aren't then our true worth won't be recognized.
3PR: We feel you. We have to create what we want to be a part of. You are a mom, right? We hear that your calendar is set to get mad full
with performance dates. As a mother, how do you balance your art & your children?
Nina: I am a Mom first, of course, but my boys are very independent and they know what I am trying to do. I will handle it as it comes. This
is the best I can do and they are strong boys. I raised them well. My little one is a bit of a handful, that is for sure but it is just because
he loves his Mommy. I have made many sacrifices in my life to be able to be there for them. I want to always be there for them and I will.
My art is something they are supportive of because they have grown to appreciate the art themselves. My 7 year old corrects me when I
miss a line or a word. I think that is so cute!
3PR: There is an ongoing debate in music between rap & hip-hop. Is there a similar divide between written poets & spoken word artists?
Nina: I really do believe so. I have so many styles of writing and I do know that there is a certain expectation for a spoken word artist
especially here in the Carolinas. I still write very flowery and often I sound like a "POET" whatever that means, but I do comprehend the
separation of Written verse Performance Pieces vs Book pieces more than I am letting on. Only that I am stubborn; I do both types of
poetry on-stage as I feel they are both heart felt and that different likes and dislikes exist. I tend to enjoy doing my more dramatic works
more so than when I seem as though I am trying to have a conversation with the audience. But I get feedback from both sides of the
spectrum really. First off, I am not a comedian so I don't expect myself to have the skills that some Poets have in that sense. I just do what
feels most comfortable and hope and pray that I don't choke while doing it.. *wink
3PR: Getting off poetry for a bit, we heard that you designed a house?
Nina: Yeah, it is still sitting there not getting built. The builder decided that it would be more to his benefit to embezzle money instead of
actually building the house.. Hmmmm Go Figure! It is odd how people with money always seem to just know who doesn't have the
money to come after them if they should take advantage of you.. and it also seems that those of us who have had to struggle all their lives
to get to where we are,, we are constantly being challenged by reality... yes, I tend to live in my own little fantasy World and often it takes
me a minute to figure out that not all people are good! Well, I have never lived in a Big Home. Mainly apt's have been the place where I lay
my head and this house even though after 3 years has not been finished, I am very proud of the no nonsense design that I came up with ..
It is a fairly large home and I am looking forward to one day enjoying a nice cup of hot tea in the Breakfast room! Heck, I suppose I could
do that now if I wanted to.. LOL it might give me some inspiration to write.
3PR: You introduced the MLC3 at a show in October 2007 & it was hot. How did you hook up with them?
Nina: I met the very talented ML Caldwell at an online music page. I was going to Greenville, SC for Poetry Nights on Sundays, a long
drive I know. But I just loved the atmosphere and the warmth of the Poets out there. It turns out that ML Caldwell grew up with a few of the
Poets out that way, such as Moody Black who has the words and the voice of an angel and Johnny C Weaver with his freestyle and
unwritten words that seem to just spill from his consciousness. So, of course, when ML contacted me, we just clicked right away and
began talking and getting to know each other. I felt a connection that wasn't just any old connection. ML Caldwell is a people person and I
felt welcomed from jump. I am a doer and I think he recognized that about me. If I say I am going to do something I do it. And I feel that he
is the same. And Well, the MLC3 is a FANTABULOUS group to say the least. I was flattered and very proud to have been asked to
introduce them..
3PR: As individuals & as a band, what is your honest opinion of the members of the MLC3? Tell us, we won't tell!
Nina: Keep your eyes and ears open for this group. The MLC3 is about to be a household name! They are all so real. They hold tight to
what they believe in and continue to keep the music fly. They have a very original approach and their sound is out of this world!
3PR: Would you like to work with them again? In what capacity?
Nina: Anything, anytime, anyplace! Especially when they go to London! I'll be hiding in the suit case!
3PR: Any truth to the rumor that you are going to be singing on a song with ML?
Nina: I have heard the whisper and I can only hope that it is going to happen. I am extremely excited and I pray that I will be ready when it
does.
3PR: So, what is "Back Pocket"?
Nina: This is a song that the amazing ML. Caldwell wrote and I was like, "Wow! That reminds me of something I wrote once." So I sent
him the small piece that I had written on a whim. I call it the SOC style that was introduced to me by Malcolm Jamal Warner. Streams of
Consciousness writing. ML seemed to have really liked it and he added it to his piece and so from there it appears that we made a
collaboration effort. Hmm, is that how it is done??? If so, that was painless!
3PR: Too cool, too cool. Can't wait to hear it. Let's play the word game. We will say a word & you must respond with the first thing that
comes to your mind. Ready?
(Nina's words in bold print):
1. Poetry *Soul
2. Music *Sanctity
3. Life *Unpredictable
4. Earth *BEAUTIFUL
5. Pollution *Sewers
6. Ego *fame
7. Family *Cosby's
8. Truth *God
9. Honesty *necessary
10. Love *patience
3PR: Nina, it has been a blast talking with you. We have to do this again sometime. Thank you.
Nina: Thank you! You know you have all my love and support. Hugs 2 U!
Nina: I have been writing since I could barely write. I would draw pictures of my dreams when I was a little girl and by the age of 5 I had
pretty much taught myself to read and write so that I could get all that was in my head onto paper. It just felt like my only outlet . If only I
knew then that I could have been an actress. Things may have very well been a whole lot different today. :) My mom wasn't exactly able to
support me in anything that I desired to be as a child. If I were to do anything it was up to me and I think I missed the train I was supposed
to have been traveling on a few too many times.
3PR: Well, we're glad to have you in this realm rather than on the silver screen. Never too late for that, though! Who or what inspires you
to create prose & verse?
Nina: Well, I write what comes to me. I don't force it. Often when I force material it just comes out so blah, so I wait for the moments when
my heart is beating fast with inspiration and my mind is racing to find a pen.
3PR: Do you find that the poetry scene is under-appreciated?
Nina: No, not at all.. I think that there are a lot of us, and yes there aren't many that have "Made It" but I do feel that we are respected. I
enjoy what I do when others seem to enjoy it too. But it is up to us as artists to get the audiences attention and to keep it. I am not sure if
the little poetry spots are the key to securing a serious following or not. Though those spots are my favorite places to be, I think we can do
something that would attract more listeners. We need to come up with something more creative to bring in the crowds and keep them
there. To nurture the awareness of those who would love to be a part of our struggle that otherwise get up everyday, go to work and if they
do anything to enjoy their day to day they might hit a club or two during the week which is often times draining for them, instead of feeding
their minds with art. I know that experiencing our truth, our creativity would be so much more stimulating for people in an over-all
perspective. They just aren't aware of the quality of the entertainment we have to offer them or where to go and that a poetry night coupled
with a smooth funky jazz session is so very invigorating to the soul /relaxing and would give them a skip in their step in the middle of the
week when things are seemingly stressful or hum drum. Back in the day when the norm was to hit up a blues bar or a piano bar during
the week has somehow faded into oblivion. We need to educate people. Artists a lot of times don't have faith in themselves and tend to
passively watch as the world passes them by. We need good PR people and managers to represent us and to incorporate the poetry
scene in ways no one has seen before. Poetry is considered a market now just like anything else and we have to be hungry for the
notoriety. If we aren't then our true worth won't be recognized.
3PR: We feel you. We have to create what we want to be a part of. You are a mom, right? We hear that your calendar is set to get mad full
with performance dates. As a mother, how do you balance your art & your children?
Nina: I am a Mom first, of course, but my boys are very independent and they know what I am trying to do. I will handle it as it comes. This
is the best I can do and they are strong boys. I raised them well. My little one is a bit of a handful, that is for sure but it is just because
he loves his Mommy. I have made many sacrifices in my life to be able to be there for them. I want to always be there for them and I will.
My art is something they are supportive of because they have grown to appreciate the art themselves. My 7 year old corrects me when I
miss a line or a word. I think that is so cute!
3PR: There is an ongoing debate in music between rap & hip-hop. Is there a similar divide between written poets & spoken word artists?
Nina: I really do believe so. I have so many styles of writing and I do know that there is a certain expectation for a spoken word artist
especially here in the Carolinas. I still write very flowery and often I sound like a "POET" whatever that means, but I do comprehend the
separation of Written verse Performance Pieces vs Book pieces more than I am letting on. Only that I am stubborn; I do both types of
poetry on-stage as I feel they are both heart felt and that different likes and dislikes exist. I tend to enjoy doing my more dramatic works
more so than when I seem as though I am trying to have a conversation with the audience. But I get feedback from both sides of the
spectrum really. First off, I am not a comedian so I don't expect myself to have the skills that some Poets have in that sense. I just do what
feels most comfortable and hope and pray that I don't choke while doing it.. *wink
3PR: Getting off poetry for a bit, we heard that you designed a house?
Nina: Yeah, it is still sitting there not getting built. The builder decided that it would be more to his benefit to embezzle money instead of
actually building the house.. Hmmmm Go Figure! It is odd how people with money always seem to just know who doesn't have the
money to come after them if they should take advantage of you.. and it also seems that those of us who have had to struggle all their lives
to get to where we are,, we are constantly being challenged by reality... yes, I tend to live in my own little fantasy World and often it takes
me a minute to figure out that not all people are good! Well, I have never lived in a Big Home. Mainly apt's have been the place where I lay
my head and this house even though after 3 years has not been finished, I am very proud of the no nonsense design that I came up with ..
It is a fairly large home and I am looking forward to one day enjoying a nice cup of hot tea in the Breakfast room! Heck, I suppose I could
do that now if I wanted to.. LOL it might give me some inspiration to write.
3PR: You introduced the MLC3 at a show in October 2007 & it was hot. How did you hook up with them?
Nina: I met the very talented ML Caldwell at an online music page. I was going to Greenville, SC for Poetry Nights on Sundays, a long
drive I know. But I just loved the atmosphere and the warmth of the Poets out there. It turns out that ML Caldwell grew up with a few of the
Poets out that way, such as Moody Black who has the words and the voice of an angel and Johnny C Weaver with his freestyle and
unwritten words that seem to just spill from his consciousness. So, of course, when ML contacted me, we just clicked right away and
began talking and getting to know each other. I felt a connection that wasn't just any old connection. ML Caldwell is a people person and I
felt welcomed from jump. I am a doer and I think he recognized that about me. If I say I am going to do something I do it. And I feel that he
is the same. And Well, the MLC3 is a FANTABULOUS group to say the least. I was flattered and very proud to have been asked to
introduce them..
3PR: As individuals & as a band, what is your honest opinion of the members of the MLC3? Tell us, we won't tell!
Nina: Keep your eyes and ears open for this group. The MLC3 is about to be a household name! They are all so real. They hold tight to
what they believe in and continue to keep the music fly. They have a very original approach and their sound is out of this world!
3PR: Would you like to work with them again? In what capacity?
Nina: Anything, anytime, anyplace! Especially when they go to London! I'll be hiding in the suit case!
3PR: Any truth to the rumor that you are going to be singing on a song with ML?
Nina: I have heard the whisper and I can only hope that it is going to happen. I am extremely excited and I pray that I will be ready when it
does.
3PR: So, what is "Back Pocket"?
Nina: This is a song that the amazing ML. Caldwell wrote and I was like, "Wow! That reminds me of something I wrote once." So I sent
him the small piece that I had written on a whim. I call it the SOC style that was introduced to me by Malcolm Jamal Warner. Streams of
Consciousness writing. ML seemed to have really liked it and he added it to his piece and so from there it appears that we made a
collaboration effort. Hmm, is that how it is done??? If so, that was painless!
3PR: Too cool, too cool. Can't wait to hear it. Let's play the word game. We will say a word & you must respond with the first thing that
comes to your mind. Ready?
(Nina's words in bold print):
1. Poetry *Soul
2. Music *Sanctity
3. Life *Unpredictable
4. Earth *BEAUTIFUL
5. Pollution *Sewers
6. Ego *fame
7. Family *Cosby's
8. Truth *God
9. Honesty *necessary
10. Love *patience
3PR: Nina, it has been a blast talking with you. We have to do this again sometime. Thank you.
Nina: Thank you! You know you have all my love and support. Hugs 2 U!