Thank you for taking this interview with us Kelly! “Reindeer Know How to Groove” is a groovy song for sure! Did you come up with the lyrics or the title of the song first?
I never know how a song might come — sometimes I’ll have bits and pieces that float around in my head for months and other times, a song will come fully intact or flow quickly after the first line is written. That’s what happened with “Reindeer Know How to Groove”! I started with “I heard a hoof on the roof” and then BOOM! The rest of it came like a bolt of lightning.
Where is the perfect place to record for you?
It’s not about the place for me. It’s about whether or not I’m feeling inspired and if the energy is flowing. Sometimes I prefer writing and recording alone so I can play around with the gear and other times, I enjoy collaborating with others. I’ve been very fortunate to have recorded in some of the best studios, with the best engineers and mixers. I am in awe of their abilities. This was a community-building project so we worked with engineers and musicians in the US, UK and New Zealand. I’ve recorded several records with my friend, Frank Rosato at Woodcliff Studios in Los Angeles. He’s so good at making singers feel comfortable. He built his own room and it’s my home away from home. Frank mixed most of the JOY album and mastered it as well. We recorded several tracks here in New Zealand at guitarist Nick Granville’s studio, some at my house or Kehan Miller’s and some tracks with Mike Krompass in the UK. I’m so grateful to the co-producer Kehan Miller of Blue Aeris and I had such an incredible team to work with — the engineers, the talented musicians, the featured artists and Mercia Music Group.
What kind of mood do you have to be in to create a song? What was the mood for “Reindeer Know How to Groove”?
I like writing songs when I’m on a road trip or when it’s raining but honestly, songs come when they’re meant to come. My dad was a huge Stax Records and Motown fan and I wanted to pay homage to the artists I grew up listening to. I wanted to embrace that childhood magic along with a dose of silliness so we could spread a bit of holiday joy. I used to stay up all night waiting for Santa and listening for a hoof on the roof!
Can you tell us a moment that has made your heart full lately?
Everyday heroes touch my heart such as medical staff on the front lines battling COVID, waste management workers, delivery service workers, etc. Domestic violence has gone through the roof since COVID began. We reached out to Futures Without Violence because they’ve been providing groundbreaking programs, policies, and campaigns that empower individuals and organisations working to end violence against women and children. 5% of proceeds from the sale of the Blue Aeris JOY album will support futureswithoutviolence.org. It takes a village to build a future, especially now. The team at FUTURES deeply touches my heart.
Kelly, you are a joy! Where does everyone go to watch your joyful music video for “Reindeer Know How to Groove” and follow all your causes and music?!
Thank you so much for being so supportive! Kehan Miller is perfectly ridiculous as Ernest, the reindeer in the video. I hope he makes you laugh as much as I did! You can download, stream or view from BlueAeris.com! You can also find me at KellyMoneymaker.com or @KellyMoneymaker on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Wishing you Health, Peace and Happy Holidays!
