Meet Moon Kissed

The definition of a “moon kiss” on Urban Dictionary is “a slight but soft kiss that someone gives you on the corner of your lips.” (The other definitions were a bit unsavory). CUTE! But also a little weird. A term that makes sense for the up and coming pop set Moon Kissed. 

This young trio is lighting up the downtown NYC and Brooklyn scene with their glossy and self-aware tunes. Indie and pop and riot grrrl influences get all chewed up and spit out into a short but sweet debut EP that is chock-a-block full of fun, dance-y tunes. 

These ladies are bringing a fresh and glossy edge to the pop scene, and we wanted to ask them some hard hitting questions — i.e., would you fight a swan? A scorpion? What’s the plan of attack?! 

Would You Rather…

be trapped in a dark closet with a swan or a scorpion? Please explain why.

Khaya: My first instinct was to say swan but i feel like theyre fucking huge nad probably pretty dangerous even though they seem all majestic, but also scorpions are poisonous, right? Maybe swan though so i at least can like tell where it is in the closet...the anticipation of not knowing where the scorpion is in relation to me would freak me out....

Emily: I think swan because i really really really hate insects. I just looked up if a scorpion is an insect and it is not, it is a distant cousin of a spider! I hate spiders too really just not into crawly things. 

Leah: omg agree with both of these things d e f i n i t e l y the swan are you kidding we’d be pals in minutes insects on the other hand make my soul shiver

Some Questions With Moon Kissed

What is the all-time best ever cure for a hangover?

Emily: Photosynthesis and water. Basically you become a plant. Also eating a burger for breakfast. 

Leah: waking up in someone else’s bed and having them make you breakfast ;)

Where is your favorite venue in NYC to see a show?

Emily:Baby’s All Right! 

Did you all really meet at summer camp?

Khaya: No. emily and i met at a music camp, and then we stayed friends / played in a few bands together before starting moon kissed. Then we played with a few drummers before we met our shining star LEAH at a new years party. The three of us clicked instantly and Leah learned all of our music super fast and the rest is h i s t o r y

Where is your favorite venue in NYC to play a show?

Khaya: I think my favorite place we’ve played so far is trans pecos...the vibe is really cool and the outdoor area is great

Leah: ooooh yeah trans pecos is dope and also bowery electric! they have the same carpet that i have in my apartment so it feels like home

If you were offered a free tattoo what would you get?

Emily: I have a monster/ alien theme with my tattoos so something like that. I saw a tattoo of a skeleton playing the video game Galaga so i kind of want that.

Leah: i would get emily and khaya’s faces tattooed photorealistically on each of my arms 

What are your top three essential items for surviving NYC in the summer?

Khaya: Just being ok with fucking sweating all the time

Emily: Khaya speaks the truth. 

Leah: yeah that’s literally the only thing 

How did you get started in music?

Khaya: I have always sang, and my voice is kinda the thing that got me into music. But as much as i love singing, it wasn’t until i got into music production that i really started to take ownership and feel really passionate about my art

Emily: My dad is a percussionist so I always played with him growing up and my parents put me in piano lessons when i was 5 or 6. 

Leah: my mom said i used to chant along with the rhythm to the children’s book “Brown Bear” in my crib and i feel that’s kind of where it all began

Where is the best place to get pizza in NYC?

Emily: 99 cent fresh on 6th ave

Leah: HELL yeah 99 cent freshhhhh 

What messages do you want to spread through your music?

Khaya: Punk mentality...fuck everything and do what you waaaant. But also love and excitement and heartbreak and any deep emotion that it makes you feel - bc to quote leah life is all about just feeling everything to the FULLEST.

Emily: WAWOWEWUWAWEY. 

Leah: YES AGREE WITH BOTH OF THESE ANSWERS this music honestly saves me from everything i need it to so i hope that people get the message that no matter where they’re ever at there’s always a song that’s exactly in that moment with them

What keeps you inspired to create more music?

Khaya: It’s just something that we feel like we have to do i think...for me personally music is less about the product and more about the things that the process of music making gives me - without it i wouldn’t have close friends or certain significant experiences. It’s a great way to process emotions and put a time stamp on life, and a great way to share your identity and create real human connections.

Leah: yessss exactly it really is the process, i think as long as things continue to exist and as long as i feel them in my chest i’m going to have to let it out in music, and i’ve never been able to do that better than with this band

Any final comments? (This is your electronic soapbox for one last answer.)

Khaya: Come to our shooooows! We really want to establish connections and make friends and have beautiful exciting experiences, and shows provide the space/potential for all of that :)

Leah: come to our shows! come sing and dance and fall in love and fall in lust and do whatever the fuck you want to do!!