Constantly caught dancing all over campus, Moses Sumney has certainly made a reputation for himself as the lead singer of The Internship. As a musician, songwriter, poet, ScatterTones member, and English major, Moses has his hands full balancing each of his creative outlets. Luckily Her Campus was able to score an interview with the UCLA celebrity, who humbly only asks for a donut this Christmas, and found out what propels his passion day after day.
HER CAMPUS:When did you join The Internship and how was the band formed?
MOSES SUMNEY:My friends and I started The Internship last school year, in the winter of 2011. My suitemate, who plays bass in the band now, would hear me singing in the shower and asked me if I wanted to start a band. I suppose the rest is history…
HC:Do you guys have any rituals or routines before going on stage?
MS:Personally, I always pray before I sing on stage. With the band though, we usually just do something corny like hug or lick each other’s faces…
HC:How would you describe your musical style? Are there any artists that continuously influence you?
MS:I describe my personal style as soul meets folk, with a little bit of jazz sprinkled on top. And then, as many random, sporadic elements as I feel like adding, get thrown into my music. But I am in an indie rock band as well so I love doing that stuff. Continuously, I’m most influenced by India.Arie (who I had the pleasure of developing a relationship with recently), Ray LaMontagne, Stevie Wonder, and Feist… I’m really obsessed with Feist right now.
HC:If you could only sing three songs for the rest of your career, what would they be?
MS:First, “Happy Birthday.” Because it would be really awkward if it came up at a party and I was the only person NOT able to sing it. Second, a song I wrote called “Patience is a Vandal,” which is my favorite right now. And for my third wish, I’d like to wish for more wishes.
HC:Where do you find inspiration for your music and poetry?
MS:Life. I try not to write about trivial things – “omg that gurl is hella cute” or “ugh my boyfriend of 2 months broke up with me” – because relevant as they may be to some people, they are not substantial or reflective of the greater trajectories of our lives. So, in general, I try to write about things that affect our society and try to get listeners (or readers of my writing) to think on a deeper level.
HC:Where would your dream performance be located?
MS:Well, the Oprah show is no more, so… as long as I’m performing, I’ll be content.
HC:Do you have any upcoming gigs during winter quarter?
MS:Yes! A big one I’m excited about is Pi Kappa Acoustic Coffee House, a philanthropy event that will be held on January 24th at UCLA to raise money for the disabled. It’s also a music performance competition; I’m performing solo with a guitar and doing some live looping. Feel free to come out because it’s for a good cause!
Check him out!
facebook.com/mosessumney
youtube.com/mosessumney