Today we’d like to introduce you to Malik Mooney.
Hi Malik, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I began singing as most do, in church. I was incredibly shy. In fact, I remember avoiding all solos until about age 12. Mom had let the choir director at our church in on my big secret—which was that not only did I love singing, I had a solid voice for a kid. Unbeknownst to me, they had decided that our Christmas program that year I would have a solo. I remember closing my eyes for most of the song called “December Child”. I also remembered how amazed everyone was, and how most folks commented on me “hiding my voice” & that I could no longer keep hiding. That moment was affirming—but was not enough for me to decide that I wanted or needed those moments. I proceeded to avoid all singing in school and became a “band geek” and hid behind my saxophone from grades 6 to 11. I didn’t begin singing around people again much until about college. I joined the gospel choir at Coastal Carolina University. I would audition for lead parts & would them—that lead to participating in open mics, and talent shows of which I would place & win prizes. Granted my friends supporting me was helpful, I realized other people who were not necessarily personally tied to me saw something in me—and this helped me to quiet my still doubtful/fearful mind about using my gift(s). I really dug into singing after moving to Columbia in 2011 & getting invited to open mics. I sort of remembered my love for the stage during that phase—also with quite a bit of encouragement from friends, but there was this tug from my heart to the stage and to music. I didn’t release my first song until 2019 & and released another single later that year as well. Since then, I’ve sang at weddings, and local events, and a few re-occurring gigs here and there. My full-time role as a mental health therapist keeps me pretty busy, as well as being a caregiver to my mother. However, recently I took yet another chance on myself and was offered a part in the “The Color Purple Musical” at The Workshop Theatre of SC. That experience was life-changing as I got to tap into acting, make new friends, and experience the stage in a way that stretched me as an artist and performer. I was also recently confirmed to sing the National Anthem for the Columbia Fireflies at Segra Park on 6/17/21. I am securing dates and gigs for the upcoming summer, and hope to be in the studio very soon to work on new music. Because I wear so many hats, I’ve learned that it’s best to be impactful than just “busy” & I’ve also released the idea that my career in music needs to look like anyone or anything else that I’ve seen. My primary goal is to grow, expand, and surprise myself along the way, and use music & performing as a form of healing first and foremost for my own soul, especially with so much going on in the world. Regardless of if I am performing a cover song or an original piece—when done right people are touched in a way that nothing else can or has ever touched the human soul the way music does—that’s all I want to do, that’s ultimately what I want to be remembered by as an artist. Leaving people I meet, the stage, and the world better than I found it.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The industry can be fickle, trends come and go for sure. Finding time to be creative and write can be challenging as well as recording & finding/creating a team of people that you truly trust to have your back and help you launch your career as an indie artist. Because I have a full-time career, at times I’ve envied the “starving artists” that I’ve known, despite limited resources they get to wake up and create. So, time management has definitely been a challenge—ensuring that you are still using your voice, using your pen, tapping into that part of you that needs to be fed, despite all that comes along with “adulting”. The other main challenge is being indie—it’s absolutely a gift, but everything is on you. Every AD run, every photoshoot, every person you hire, every conference or event you attend. It’s also the gift, your wins are yours—and so are your losses/challenges. The gift is that you decide, no one in a suit decides how you use your voice or what your story is, and for that I’m grateful.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am most proud of the fact that I never completely stopped—despite any personal losses, deaths of loved ones, or any other painful moments. I typically take my pain & channel it as fuel to move forward. I think I am most known for my voice—my vocal style: expressive, soulful, & full of energy. What sets me apart is absolutely to my commitment to my craft—if you attended a show or event, I was a part of 1 year ago or 5 years ago, who you will see on stage today isn’t the same performer, person, or artist. I’d like to keep building that momentum, and always give myself the space to keep evolving as I have.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
They should go to my website at www.iammalikmusic.com and select contact to submit any inquires for interviews, appearances, performances, or collaborations. They can also contact me via email at iammalikmusic@gmail.com. I am also on Facebook & Instagram at that same handle: “iammalikmusic”.
Contact Info:
- Email: iammalikmusic@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.iammalikmusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iammalikmusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iAmMalikMusic
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/38YmtxMMxFAhmb5gseJRvj?si=y2JgHRejRiyOTrXtANFP4w
