Interview with Grae Hall of Moki
by Jessica Netishen

For an evening of moody, atmospheric rock with an edge, you can’t do better than Boston-based band moki. Their debut CD a dense forest of one tree is a collection of alternately ear-catching and ear-shattering guitar work fronted by Grae Hall’s powerfully emotive vocals. AvoidPeril talked to Grae about moki’s influences, his favorite tracks from the band’s debut CD, and his excitement over his new pair of shoes.


1. How would you describe your debut CD, a dense forest of one tree? What are your favorite tracks off the album?

The CD captures rock, indie and some pop elements, with a little punk aggression thrown in here and there for good measure. There are some intense and dark guitars complimented with some great vibes and melody.

It was important for us to make an album that was more than a collection of songs, so while we wanted each song to be unique and stand out on its own, we also wanted the album to be something to be listened to start to finish to be fully appreciated.

My favorite track is ‘Holding On’ – nice groove, cool vibe, great bass line, a slow but powerful song, really builds up to something massive at the end. ‘I Tried’ is a close second, there is a lot of light and shade in the song, and it has a cool arrangement.

2. Which bands have had the most impact on your musical style?

The three of us have our own favorite artists and our own styles, so the band’s overall sound comes from a lot of different sources.

For me, I’d have to say that a UK band called Six By Seven are a great influence, they have such a range and great vibe. Radiohead, Placebo and the Manic Street Preachers always make me want to sit down and write a song.

Matt (bass) is a huge Pixies fan (they got him playing bass in the first place), but he listens to anything and everything, so he can create a line that fits any style and mood. Dan (drums) comes from a punk background, Misfits and Fugazi, and can put a great groove to a heavy beat.


3. What were some of your favorite records in the past year?

I loved the Hope of the States Lost Riots record, really interesting music, great songs, unfortunately didn’t take off as much as I expected in the US. I’m hooked on the new Manic Street Preachers record, Life Blood, great vocals and great songwriting. Six By Sevens' 04 was another departure for the band, taking on a little more ‘80s influence while maintaining their edgy sound.


4. Where does the inspiration for your songs come from? Who is the key songwriter in the band?

I tend to write the basic music for most songs and I write all the lyrics. Matt will also write some music and those songs usually turn out as a nice contrast to mine. As we’re a three piece, the bass and drum parts that Matt and Dan write have a great influence on the end result, and they always have cool ideas for arrangements and additional parts.

Lyrically, I write about whatever is going on with me or around me. I try not to make the lyrics too obvious, so other people can listen to a song and place their own interpretation on them.


5. How does the UK music scene compare to what the scene is like in Boston?

I grew up in a small seaside town so it was very different to having a band in the city. You’d approach pubs and just ask if you could set up your gear and play, we were often the only band and we’d have someone spinning records between a couple of sets. You’d have to head out to the coastal cities like Portsmouth and Brighton to play proper venues and try to get opening slots with national acts.

I think the scene in the UK cities tends to be similar to over here. The styles of music can vary from city to city, and country to country, but in the end bands face the same challenges wherever they are. I do like that Boston has a kind of music community; I feel that is sometimes missing in the UK.

6. Moki have been playing the Boston circuit for over three years now. Who are some of your favorite local bands to play with?

We’ve played with some great bands. Baby Strange, who we played our CD release with, always put on a great show. The Gasolines are really interesting and I think our styles compliment each other a lot. Anti Love Project always blew me away, I was very upset when they broke up! The Bulletproof Plan have something very cool going on.

7. How did the band decide on the name “moki”?

The artist who designed our album cover had a painting with some random made-up words on, one was ‘moki’ and I thought that would sound good for a band name, it’s generic and doesn’t lead to any preconceptions about our particular style. If you do a Google on ‘moki’ you’ll find a whole bunch of different uses and meanings.

8. Give AvoidPeril readers three reasons to check out your next show.

Firstly, I think we have something unique going on and we will capture your imagination. Secondly, we put across many different moods so however you’re feeling you’ll connect with us. Thirdly, I have a wicked pair of new shoes you have to check out.

-- 04/23/05