Christine Moad aka Miss Christine had achieved the musician’s dream: Success as an internationally touring bassist and many side gigs as a hired gun back in Nashville. There was just one problem: She was unfulfilled.

Conversion is her bold step forward in striking out on her own terms. This time Christine is writing her music that tells her story. The 12 tracks that make up Conversion were recorded over ten days at The Sound Shelter in Nashville, Tennessee. Christine explains,

“I went into the studio with no idea what my album was going to sound like. No one in my band had heard these songs prior to the session. I handed out charts, we listened through the demo recording, and then we arranged and recorded the songs on the spot. She continues “My idea with this approach is that music is the most powerful and fun when it is first created. This album captures a moment in time and recording it changed my life.”

Conversion is the result of Christine’s return to her roots in her home state of Iowa. Having made the decision to leave Nashville and the hectic, overbearing, session musician scene, Christine settled on a farm and spent time exploring the inner workings of her mind. Meditation became part of her daily routine. In her new surroundings she found the space to reflect on her Nashville experience.

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Miss Christine about her music, challenges, technology and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Conversion is set for release on June 21st (2019).

Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)

I grew up in a small town in Northern Iowa but moved away when I was 17 to Boston and then to Nashville. I’m not sure where home is but I currently live on a farm near Iowa City. My music is influenced by all of the places I’ve lived. I create rock music with an alternative, bluesy, punky feel. 

What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?

I played my first live show when I was 12 and I was instantly hooked. Music has always been there for me and it’s the most authentic way for me to express myself. I am constantly striving to learn as much as I can about the bass. There is always something new to work on and get better at. That’s why I love to play bass and sing so much. I’m inspired by all of the wonderful, supportive music lovers who are thirsty for original art. I love connecting with an audience and feeding off of that energy. Music has brought me to so many cool places and cities that have inspired me to grow as a person. 

How does your new album Conversion, differ from 2014’s Dichotomy? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?

Dichotomy was written while I lived in Boston and was recorded with a much more careful approach. It’s much more guitar centric. Conversion was written while I lived in Nashville and was recorded completely on the spot. I had no idea what the songs were going to sound like. I am a perfectionist so recording it in the moment was good for me since I didn’t have time to second guess anything. My idea with this approach is that music is the most powerful and fun when it’s first created. Since we recorded it live, I think it has a raw feeling to it. It’s much more organ/keyboard centric. 

Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this over saturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (if it does help)?

The digital music age is challenging and over saturated but I think it has more flexibility and is much more hands on. It’s allowed my music to be played in other countries more easily and get my music to people that I can’t reach touring. 

What was the last song you listened to?

Fade Into You by Mazzy Star

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s? 

Vinyl especially if it’s purple 😉 

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

Spotify because I like the layout and how you can discover artists and follow them easily. It’s also really fun to make playlists with friends.

Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?

My website www.misschristinemusic.com or follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/misschristinemusic