The Bad Penny (beta)

So far in The Bad Penny’s globe-trotting series touching base with Treefort Music Fest participants from across the world, we’ve met musicians from Chile (Sistemas Inestables), Italy (Dumbo Gets Mad), Swaziland (Dusty & Stones) and beyond. But today, we check in with a band that could only come from Germany, really: cosmic Krautfunk buddies Sea Moya.

Sea Moya are already in the U.S., currently warming up their extremities in Austin to ensure their show goes extremely well in slightly more frigid Boise. Even more exciting for the group, they’ll see more of (moya of?) the U.S. with a string of shows post-Treefort.

The Boise gig should be in for one of the more memorable shows of their trek, when Sea Moya play a prime gig at Neurolux on Friday night (March 24).

Sea Moya bristled with full-blown, full-bore excitement for Treefort in their recent interview with the Bad Penny. In fact, they infected us with even more enthusiasm than we already had for the fest. Our conversation went a little something like this.

[Go here for a primer on this series of Treefort Music Fest previews. Check back for new profiles of international artists playing the festival every day leading up to the fest’s kickoff on Wednesday, March 22.]

Artist: Sea Moya
From: Germany
Genre: cosmic Krautfunk
Treefort info: Playing Friday, March 24, at Neurolux at 10:30 p.m.
Website: Instagram.com/SeaMoyaa

Why did you decide to play Treefort Fest this year?

SEA MOYA: We were meant to play in 2020, but for known reasons, it didn’t happen! We are so stoked to be finally able to play!

What excites you the most about participating in it?

SEA MOYA: To make it a fun experience for everybody involved. There are are bunch of other bands we already know and will be happy to hang out with again! It’s always good energy and vibes, and there is some excitement in the air. Love that! 

Is this your first time playing Treefort? If so, how did your booking come about? If not, why did you choose to return?

SEA MOYA: Yes, [we’re] first-timers! We are very happy to work with Space Agency as our booking agent for North America. They made it happen. 

Have you visited Boise/Idaho before? If yes, do you have any fun stories to share? If not, what have you heard about Boise/Idaho?

SEA MOYA: We actually hung out one time at Treefort but didn’t play a show back then. That time we heard the rumor that one of our faves, Toro y Moi, would be playing a secret show. We rushed to the main stage totally overwhelmed that we might actually get to see them play. Well … turned out it was just a rumor. No Chaz [Bear, a.k.a. Toro y Moi]! 

Did you face any challenges or headaches in securing a visa to come here?

SEA MOYA: The visa issue is always a challenge for foreign bands. A lot of time, energy and money needed! This time it went pretty smoothly.

What expectations do you have for your experience here and at Treefort?

SEA MOYA: Playing a fun show, meeting old and new faces, seeing [Unknown Mortal Orchestra] play! 

How would you describe your state of mind going into Treefort?

SEA MOYA: Happy to be part of it and to get the chance to meet new peeps! If something evolves out of that, cool! 

What other artists on the Treefort lineup are you excited to see? Are you friends with any of them?

SEA MOYA: We will be coming with our Italian friends Dumbo Gets Mad, as Treefort is part of our North America tour. Can’t wait to hang out with Thanya Iyer, Sego (and probs some more) and see Discovery Zone play! 

What do you enjoy most about performing at music festivals in general?

SEA MOYA: Honestly, it can be stressful sometimes, because there [are] so many things happening. Bumping into friends or people you met four years ago unexpectedly, as well as playing for a new crowd, are two of the parts which make up for it! 

What can Treefort attendees expect from your performance?

SEA MOYA: If you feel like being confused by synths, tripping to cosmic sound scapes, tapping your feet to electronica and being entertained by two sweet Germans — you should check it out!

For more coverage of international artists playing Treefort, check out our recent conversations with:

• Swaziland’s Dusty & Stones
• New Brunswick’s Motherhood
• Toronto’s Debby Friday
• Mexico City’s Son Rompe Pera
• Ireland’s Modernlove
• Montréal’s Thanya Iyer
• Mexico City’s Petite Amie
• Vancouver’s Mauvey
• Italy’s Dumbo Gets Mad
• Brazil’s BIKE
• Chile’s Sistemas Inestables
• British Columbia’s Mother Sun
• Norway’s Orions Belte
• Treefort Co-Founder and Festival Director Eric Gilbert

This entry was posted on 03/14/2023 at 1:00 pm and is filed under Interviews with tags Sea Moya, Treefort. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.