MoZaic’s “Love Undeniable” Leads Stirring Social Commentary in New Undeniable EP, Redefining Boundaries with Liberating Soundscapes
MoZaic’s 3-track Undeniable EP packs stirring social commentary while holding the listener close. The EP is led by her “Love Undeniable” single, which playfully challenges social norms around sex and gender. The track includes upbeat instrumentals and polished backup vocals that offer an appealing listener experience. Audiences will be both startled and comforted.
Born in Tkaronto (aka Toronto) to interracial parents, MoZaic is a gifted wordsmith who has long studied intersections of sex, race, and gender.
“I wanted to write a song about empowered sexuality and gender expansiveness,” she writes. “The world invites queer, trans and nonbinary people to feel like there’s something wrong with who they are. And all people end up losing, because these are such narrow notions of who we’re all allowed to be. We can collectively move beyond these systems”.
MoZaic collaborated with quite a few talented individuals on this track, including Lisa Patterson on production and engineering, vocalist Joni Nehrita for gorgeous backup vocals, and Zainab Batool on the single cover.
She wrote this track some years ago and with a different hook. During the height of the pandemic, she came back to it, evolved it, and reached out to producer Lisa Patterson. MoZaic shares “Lisa is this generous, multi-talented wizard who fully met me in the vision for this track, and together we made it exceptional.”
Influenced by key power players in the industry such as spirited rapper Azealia Banks, pioneer Michael Franti, and the late Sinead O’Connor, MoZaic blends her colourful raps with sensual melodies for Love Undeniable. This liberating track boasts exciting sounds for the listener from retro synth bass, piano arrangements, drum programming, and keys. The song’s infectious energy highlights her motivation to bring people together.
“This is also a song for young queer and nonbinary folk who may be looking for upbeat music that affirms their experience,” MoZaic says. “Love Undeniable” invites us to consider a future where people everywhere can have the freedom to authentically express who they are.”
MoZaic extends appreciation to the Black musicians who represent the foundation and future of rap and hip hop.
Her music allows her to speak on various topics that many artists don’t address. It’s time for the world to listen.
Care to introduce yourself and why the name change?
Thanks for the opportunity! I first wrote and performed under the name Shameless. When I came back to these songs some years later, I had changed, and become a different person, and I wanted to mark that. I also wanted an artist name that stood out a bit more, though nowadays it seems that any artist name will be shared!
MoZaic reflects something about my identity, and really all of our identities. We are all a heterogenous mix of different lived experiences– experiences of joy, hurt, privilege, trauma. When I went by Shameless, I was more focused on putting out sex-positive messaging, and that’s still a central aspect of my vibe. But MoZaic more directly speaks to my experience of being biracial. When you look at mosaic artwork, it’s typically many separate pieces that are connected into a whole… but each piece also remains unintegrated, distinct at the same time. For me, the name MoZaic reflects my journey of integration. It also reflects the way our culture invites multiracial people to keep the ‘races’ separate inside… even though on another level, that is impossible to do. My song Luminous speaks to that, and it’s coming out in the next couple of months.
Tell us about the process of recording “Love Undeniable”?
When I recorded Love Undeniable years ago, I knew that it wasn’t quite finished and that I could improve upon it. I’d also been listening to pop music and hip hop more intentionally, seeking out the elements that drew me in. I decided to rework the song. I’d be out doing errands in the city on my bike, singing under my breath, or sometimes out loud (!), working out the new hook.
When I had the hook down, I looked for a producer that I could really jive with and eventually connected with Lisa Patterson. She is uniquely invested in her art… where a lot of producers just want to get the job done and bang it out as quickly as possible, Lisa took time to get to know me and to collaborate. We share a lot of values, and I think she was inspired by the messages in Love Undeniable, and the other two songs on the EP.
As music is moonlighting for me (most of my time is spent as a therapist and a parent), a lot of this process was new. Lisa took the time to coach me in different aspects of recording. Super-rewarding process.
What’s it like being an artist in Toronto?
Well, as I mentioned, music is a side hustle for me. I was born and raised in Tkaronto, and there are many things I love about this city and the many struggles that go with it. I know most artists have to squeeze their art into whatever free time they have left after trying to survive.
But really, the challenge for me lately has been to do self-promotion while the genocide is going on in Gaza. It feels incongruous to be focusing on my own project while this is happening. I keep going because I believe my music is aligned with hope and resistance. I know many people feel increasing amounts of despair at the way the world is, and I believe we can keep shining, loving each other, and showing up, in communities of resistance. I want my music to be part of that process, and to inspire people.
Who was the first and most recent Canadian artist to blow you away?
I’ve always loved the powerful sounds of A Tribe Called Red. I saw them in Toronto a few years ago and was blown away by the emotion that came through their beats. And most recently I’ve been loving what Haviah Mighty is doing, and how boldly and unapologetically she comes across.
You’ve been making music for a bit of time now, what’s one piece of advice you can offer to those starting out?
Can I share a few pieces? 
Here goes… it’s tempting to write and sing like you want to be on some billboard, talking about the same themes that everyone’s done a thousand times. And there’s nothing wrong with that. But what I think is more meaningful is to find out what you’re struggling with, what you see happening around you in the world, and what inspires you. This world needs music and art that critiques systems, that reflects genuine hope, and inspires people.
Also, stay with the process of making your hook, your chorus. Write it, massage it, leave it for a while, come back to it, f*ck it up, and then allow it to settle inside you until you love it.
Lastly, find your community of other like-minded artists. Making music as a solo artist can be a lonely road… we need to connect with other people.
Connect with MoZaic:
Website
Facebook
Instagram
MoZaic shares new single, “Love Undeniable” (Interview)
MoZaic’s “Love Undeniable” Leads Stirring Social Commentary in New Undeniable EP, Redefining Boundaries with Liberating Soundscapes
MoZaic’s 3-track Undeniable EP packs stirring social commentary while holding the listener close. The EP is led by her “Love Undeniable” single, which playfully challenges social norms around sex and gender. The track includes upbeat instrumentals and polished backup vocals that offer an appealing listener experience. Audiences will be both startled and comforted.
Born in Tkaronto (aka Toronto) to interracial parents, MoZaic is a gifted wordsmith who has long studied intersections of sex, race, and gender.
MoZaic collaborated with quite a few talented individuals on this track, including Lisa Patterson on production and engineering, vocalist Joni Nehrita for gorgeous backup vocals, and Zainab Batool on the single cover.
She wrote this track some years ago and with a different hook. During the height of the pandemic, she came back to it, evolved it, and reached out to producer Lisa Patterson. MoZaic shares “Lisa is this generous, multi-talented wizard who fully met me in the vision for this track, and together we made it exceptional.”
Influenced by key power players in the industry such as spirited rapper Azealia Banks, pioneer Michael Franti, and the late Sinead O’Connor, MoZaic blends her colourful raps with sensual melodies for Love Undeniable. This liberating track boasts exciting sounds for the listener from retro synth bass, piano arrangements, drum programming, and keys. The song’s infectious energy highlights her motivation to bring people together.
MoZaic extends appreciation to the Black musicians who represent the foundation and future of rap and hip hop.
Her music allows her to speak on various topics that many artists don’t address. It’s time for the world to listen.
Care to introduce yourself and why the name change?
Thanks for the opportunity! I first wrote and performed under the name Shameless. When I came back to these songs some years later, I had changed, and become a different person, and I wanted to mark that. I also wanted an artist name that stood out a bit more, though nowadays it seems that any artist name will be shared!
MoZaic reflects something about my identity, and really all of our identities. We are all a heterogenous mix of different lived experiences– experiences of joy, hurt, privilege, trauma. When I went by Shameless, I was more focused on putting out sex-positive messaging, and that’s still a central aspect of my vibe. But MoZaic more directly speaks to my experience of being biracial. When you look at mosaic artwork, it’s typically many separate pieces that are connected into a whole… but each piece also remains unintegrated, distinct at the same time. For me, the name MoZaic reflects my journey of integration. It also reflects the way our culture invites multiracial people to keep the ‘races’ separate inside… even though on another level, that is impossible to do. My song Luminous speaks to that, and it’s coming out in the next couple of months.
Tell us about the process of recording “Love Undeniable”?
When I recorded Love Undeniable years ago, I knew that it wasn’t quite finished and that I could improve upon it. I’d also been listening to pop music and hip hop more intentionally, seeking out the elements that drew me in. I decided to rework the song. I’d be out doing errands in the city on my bike, singing under my breath, or sometimes out loud (!), working out the new hook.
When I had the hook down, I looked for a producer that I could really jive with and eventually connected with Lisa Patterson. She is uniquely invested in her art… where a lot of producers just want to get the job done and bang it out as quickly as possible, Lisa took time to get to know me and to collaborate. We share a lot of values, and I think she was inspired by the messages in Love Undeniable, and the other two songs on the EP.
As music is moonlighting for me (most of my time is spent as a therapist and a parent), a lot of this process was new. Lisa took the time to coach me in different aspects of recording. Super-rewarding process.
What’s it like being an artist in Toronto?
Well, as I mentioned, music is a side hustle for me. I was born and raised in Tkaronto, and there are many things I love about this city and the many struggles that go with it. I know most artists have to squeeze their art into whatever free time they have left after trying to survive.
But really, the challenge for me lately has been to do self-promotion while the genocide is going on in Gaza. It feels incongruous to be focusing on my own project while this is happening. I keep going because I believe my music is aligned with hope and resistance. I know many people feel increasing amounts of despair at the way the world is, and I believe we can keep shining, loving each other, and showing up, in communities of resistance. I want my music to be part of that process, and to inspire people.
Who was the first and most recent Canadian artist to blow you away?
I’ve always loved the powerful sounds of A Tribe Called Red. I saw them in Toronto a few years ago and was blown away by the emotion that came through their beats. And most recently I’ve been loving what Haviah Mighty is doing, and how boldly and unapologetically she comes across.
You’ve been making music for a bit of time now, what’s one piece of advice you can offer to those starting out?
Can I share a few pieces?
Here goes… it’s tempting to write and sing like you want to be on some billboard, talking about the same themes that everyone’s done a thousand times. And there’s nothing wrong with that. But what I think is more meaningful is to find out what you’re struggling with, what you see happening around you in the world, and what inspires you. This world needs music and art that critiques systems, that reflects genuine hope, and inspires people.
Also, stay with the process of making your hook, your chorus. Write it, massage it, leave it for a while, come back to it, f*ck it up, and then allow it to settle inside you until you love it.
Lastly, find your community of other like-minded artists. Making music as a solo artist can be a lonely road… we need to connect with other people.
Connect with MoZaic:
Website
Facebook
Instagram