They say timing is everything, and for mother of three Etan Moses, her timing is now. As the country was forced to take a step back due to a pandemic, many – like Etan – took a look at what was going on in their lives and saw opportunities that perhaps would not have been there if things were going about as normal. A sliver lining in an otherwise somber 2020. In September, Etan released her debut single “Country Mile Love” and its reception was beyond what she was expecting. Since then she has been on a whirlwind of interviews and studio sessions with more music on the way.
We caught up with Etan (pronounced EE-TIN) to talk about her non-musical journey to Music City, her family, and her music.
CN: For our readers who may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
EM: I’m originally from the Midwest; born and raised in truly small towns from 100-400 people. I moved to Tennessee in 2007 to go to college at Lee University. I met my husband, and we moved overseas for a year after getting married in 2010. We settled in Iowa until 2019 when we moved to Nashville to volunteer. We have three amazing children, one we just had right before pandemic shutdown at the end of February. I love getting to know people, game nights, music, chick flicks and food.
CN: With everything that’s going on in the world in regards to COVID-19, we hope everyone in your circle is safe and healthy. How are you holding up?
EM: We’re doing well. You know, we prayed for those who were affected physically and the loss. We processed through what the pandemic exposed within us. It was a time where we grew closer after we acknowledged some things in our lives. That left us holding up extremely well in the end, just took some honesty about what was going on in the interim and the resulting gift that was the bright spot to a dark time. The glass half full approach that keeps things moving during times of questioning. Thanks for asking. Grateful God brought us through.
CN: The pandemic threw a few curve balls your way, especially being a mom of three. However, that curve ball also gave you the push to pursue music. Can you explain how your decision to do this now came about?
EM: I was not expecting to pursue music in this way. I’m a person of faith, and I’ve learned to expect the unexpected in the best way possible. At the end of April the opportunity presented itself to write with a few producers. I pray a lot, and in May I saw a picture of a hallway of unending open doors. It was in the month of May that we realized I would become a writer and an artist. Like most things that are right, it came without striving or self promotion, the open door dream becoming true. Grateful for every opportunity I get. Literally grateful for whatever comes because it was an unexpected surprise to be doing music.
CN: How have your children inspired you as an artist and perhaps in your songwriting?
EM: My children inspire me constantly. As an artist, I want to sing things and do things that will be a good example for them. As a songwriter, I write from different place now that I’m a responsible for human beings and because they’re constantly teaching me life lessons.
I wrote a song last fall called “Chore,” which I sang with my daughters nearly every night for a season. I posted a raw video singing it with my daughter to Facebook once. I had parents reaching out asking where to buy it. Not because the melody or lyric were poetic or perfect, but because the sentiment was deeply rooted in heart and soul. Children can do that. Their childlike faith and the way they both challenge and cherish relationship with us leads to our souls being unlocked to love deeper and more unconditionally, if we’ll let them.
KBOE 104.9 FM Radio Interview – “Chore” performance around 15:45
CN: Which musicians, country or not, have influenced you both personally and as an artist?
EM: It’s hard for me to answer this question because I’ve been so influenced. Music has always affected me. In this season of artistry, I find myself looking to and feeling inspired by the women of country during my early development and elementary/junior high days. The days of Sara Evans, Jo Dee Messina, Terri Clark, Trisha Yearwood, Reba McEntire, Martina McBride and Shania Twain. The fun and bubbly real life lyric mixed with a ballad that spoke of heartbreak or love in a tangible, heart-wrenching way. The records that you listened to start to finish to feel the full range of emotions. The gems that never saw the light of radio that sang you through your circumstance. I’m nostalgic about those musical experiences and find myself drawn to those times when getting creative.
CN: You moved to Nashville prior to the pandemic not to follow music at that time – the main reason why most people move to Music City, but to volunteer.
EM: It was interesting to come with a mind to volunteer and serve. We got to encounter some amazing opportunities, and it allowed our hearts to be turned toward others and gratefulness before self promotion or career. God was really gracious in this mindset. He took the pressure off because we were more focused on forming deep relationships with people rather than needing anything from them. Such a great season of serving and growing close to people. I served in kid’s ministry through our church The Belonging Co, and my husband was able to spend some time with the amazing non profit People Loving Nashville (works with our beautiful friends who are unhoused), as well as work with Cul2vate in Ellington Agriculture Center (seeks to feed the hungry by growing food and growing people). Though the season for some of that fulltime has passed, we are looking for new ways to serve others daily.
CN: Coming from a town of 400 residents where everyone must know everyone, how have you adjusted to moving to Nashville?
EM: I’ll be honest, my husband wasn’t sure about a “big” city move. We had grown accustomed to people showing up in incredible ways like family and friends do in small towns. We enjoyed having land around and freedom. We prayed for deep relationships when we came, and we have been blown away by the depth and quality of friendships we have found here. If your eyes are looking and you’re in the right places to find excellent relationships, they are to be found in Nashville too. My husband actually expressed he feels like we have two homes now. It’s been a pleasant surprise to find a home here too.
CN: In September you released your debut single “Country Mile Love.” Can you share with us the background of the song?
EM: My friends and producers, Wes Strunk and Nate Johnson, sat down with me, and we just talked. Most great songs start with the heart of a real story behind them. We talked about love, our loves, love in general, and where I grew up. I saw the gravel road I grew up on in my mind, and we just wrote the song from the vantage point of love being a vehicle that we’re fortunate to ride in. Good love is comfortable, fun, unpredictable, and takes time. It’s not about how fast we get to a destination, if we even end up where we thought we would, it’s the journey that makes love rich and worth it. And good sweet tea and good music also help make that road trip memorable. Fun fact: I learned how to harmonize to “Bless the Broken Road”, so it personal to add them into the song in some way.
CN: If you could collaborate with any one artist, who would it be?
EM: There are so many people that I would be honored to collaborate with. Recently, I have this desire to sing with Reba (who doesn’t). Just the way that she elevates, loves, and teaches others. She’s multitalented, and I share faith with her. It would be a dream to collaborate with her (plus she’s my oldest daughter’s favorite right now).
CN: What was the first album you owned?
EM: I cannot remember what my first was, actually, but I remember wearing out Alan Jackson cassettes (his ’92 and ’94 releases), and I listened to a lot of the women mentioned above, but I think they were CDs. So, Alan was probably my first album.
CN: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
EM: Unique. It’s what others always called me, and it’s what I love about myself now. A little different, yet totally necessary in this world.
CN: When can fans expect the next release?
EM: We’re in the studio this week finishing cleaning up the writing of the second song. We were honestly shocked by the popularity of “Country Mile Love.” We knew it was special, but it went to radio in different places without the backing of a label or a big team. When we saw God take it and do something with it without a massive amount of money, team or label behind it, we realized we needed to steward and elevate what we delivered for our fans next. If they were going to spend their time and money during these times on us, we want to give them something that they can value, that will speak to them. So, we’re taking our time, yet knowing it’s time to release more music. Also, if you feel led to, request “Country Mile Love” on your local radio station. It’s been sent to most radio stations in the U.S. and playing music like ours breaks down barriers for artists all over the world. It’s an awesome thing to be part of the movement for those who have a message to be able to share that message even if they’re not traditionally backed by a label (though labels are great! It’s just not a reality for everyone). That anyone can succeed if the people say so.
CN: What’s next on the horizon for you?
EM: I’m writing different genres of music with others as well as writing country music. In the near future, I’d love to sing more music live, write more with others, and learn, learn, learn. Also excited to potentially start a few other projects in music that I’m about to share with my Patreons. My oldest daughter is about to turn five too, so growing kids and family life will always be a priority on the horizon. Seeing them grow up and showing them what following the destiny the Lord lays out is always in focus at our house.
“Country Mile Love” is available for download and streaming here.
For more information on Etan Moses, visit her website at www.etanmoses.com and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.