Moorea Masa & The Mood
Moorea Masa & The Mood is an American soul and alternative R&B project led by singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer Moorea Masa. Raised in Portland, Oregon, Moorea has developed a distinctive musical identity that brings together soul, funk, jazz, indie, and contemporary R&B. Her music is characterised by warm, expressive vocals, thoughtful songwriting, rich harmonies, and infectious grooves, creating a sound that balances emotional depth with an uplifting musical energy. Drawing inspiration from her multicultural background and a wide range of musical traditions, Moorea Masa & The Mood create songs that feel intimate, soulful, and deeply human. Whether exploring personal experiences or celebrating joy and connection, Moorea brings a distinctive voice and perspective to contemporary soul music.
Moorea Masa's musical journey began at an early age. Growing up in Portland in a family with Italian and Black heritage, she was surrounded by different cultural and musical influences that helped shape her creative outlook. By the age of fifteen, she was already finding opportunities to perform in local clubs, becoming part of Portland's vibrant community of musicians. She later studied at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts in England and spent time in Granada, Spain, immersing herself in flamenco music. Returning to the Pacific Northwest, she began developing her career as a songwriter and performer, collaborating with artists and musicians across different genres. Her musical experience includes recording with El Vy and The Decemberists, singing alongside soul legend Ural Thomas, and touring with Allen Stone. She has also shared stages with internationally recognised artists including k.d. lang, Big Wild, Rachael Price of Lake Street Dive, Nick Waterhouse, and The Motet, while supporting performers such as Corinne Bailey Rae, Emily King, Lawrence, The Dip, Lady Wray, and Bernhoft.
The musical identity of Moorea Masa & The Mood is rooted in the expressive traditions of soul and R&B, while embracing elements of alternative pop, indie, folk, jazz, and funk. Moorea's songwriting is particularly notable for its emotional honesty and willingness to explore complex personal experiences. The album “Shine A Light”, released in 2018, introduced listeners to her ability to combine soulful melodies with deeply reflective lyrics, addressing themes of love, loss, childhood experiences, and identity. This introspective approach became even more pronounced with “Heart In The Wild: Side A and Heart In The Wild: Side B”, released in 2019 and 2021. The two-part project explores the emotional challenges of loving someone living with severe mental illness, transforming a deeply personal family experience into a moving musical statement. In 2024, Moorea Masa & The Mood introduced a more celebratory direction with “When The Summer Calls”, a seven-track project exploring healing, joy, pleasure, rest, and personal freedom. Combining soulful vocals, catchy melodies, and funky grooves, the release demonstrates another dimension of Moorea's artistic personality.
Moorea Masa & The Mood's relationship with Vokall Records centres on the single "When The Summer Calls", released through Vokall Records in November 2024. The track captures the uplifting spirit of Moorea's music, combining warm soul influences, relaxed grooves, and expressive songwriting. Its message of embracing joy, connection, and the positive possibilities of life makes it a natural fit within Vokall's musical landscape. The release followed the original “When The Summer Calls” album, which Moorea had independently introduced earlier in August 2024. This connection brought her music to Vokall's international audience and highlighted the shared appreciation for soulful, groove-driven music between the artist and the label. Through "When The Summer Calls", Vokall became part of the story behind a project that celebrates the importance of finding happiness, making space for rest, and appreciating the people and experiences that bring meaning to everyday life.
Live performance has always been an important part of Moorea Masa's career. Her expressive voice and natural musicianship allow her to move between intimate, emotionally charged performances and energetic, groove-oriented shows. Through extensive touring in Europe and the United States, Moorea Masa & The Mood have developed an international presence, performing alongside respected artists from the worlds of soul, indie, funk, and alternative music. Whether delivering reflective songs from “Heart In The Wild” or the more uplifting material from “When The Summer Calls”, Moorea creates a genuine connection with audiences through honest storytelling, soulful vocals, and infectious musicality.
Today, Moorea Masa & The Mood continue to develop their place within the international soul and alternative R&B scene, bringing together thoughtful songwriting, rich musical arrangements, and a positive creative outlook. From the emotional depth of “Heart In The Wild” to the celebratory spirit of “When The Summer Calls”, Moorea Masa has demonstrated an ability to turn personal experiences into music that resonates with listeners from different backgrounds. Her international collaborations and extensive live experience further reflect the versatility of an artist who moves comfortably between soul, jazz, funk, and indie music. Her connection with Vokall Records through "When The Summer Calls" introduces this distinctive musical perspective to an audience that appreciates warmth, groove, and meaningful songwriting. Through her continued creative development, Moorea Masa & The Mood represent an exciting contribution to contemporary independent soul music.