Singer Songwriter Manda Mosher

Manda Mosher, the award-winning Los Angeles singer, songwriter and recording artist, made time for an interview with Californiality about music, life and California.

Manda Moshe, 36, is a career musician and popular performer featured at SXSW, on several XM music programs, and at global music fests.

Mosher is equally as popular as a songwriter with famous wins for 'Pop Single of the Year', 'Rock Single of the Year', and 'Female Singer/Songwriter of the Year' at the L.A. Music Awards.

After months on the road with her band, Manda Mosher had just arrived back at her Los Angeles home.

Exhausted and wanting to relax and unwind, the artist still honored our scheduled interview appointment most graciously.

Mosher's home is welcoming and cozy, decorated with tasteful items which reflect the depth of her intensely creative personality.

The intimate atmosphere was highlighted by the artist's own classic Southern California beauty, which was still fresh after multiple performances on her tour of many cities.

I commented on her now-classic TV performance on "The Late Late Show' with Craig Ferguson" on CBS, and I asked her if she was nervous back then.

"Yes, of course I was nervous!  Being at the stage of my career where I'm appearing on TV in front of millions of viewers is new and exciting but, yes, I was extremely nervous right before I went on stage.  The staff members at "The Late Late Show" patiently coached me while calming me down in the dressing room.  I am so thankful to them for their help."

Mosher shared her feelings on her newly-expanded fame and the public's perception of her as an artist and rock star.

"There are so many people now who see me as popping up 'out of the blue'.  I guess I look like an 'overnight success' to a lot of folks.  They don't know how much hard work has been required to get to this stage, though.  I've been performing for 20 years and, suddenly, I'm this 'new sensation'.  It's funny."

Mosher commented on independent labels vs. major corporate record labels.

"I love the more focused efforts of independent labels on behalf of the artists they sign.  The intimate, flexible working relationship is really enjoyable.  You asked if I would ever want to work with a 'major label'.  Well, some of the more niche-oriented subsidiaries of the corporate labels are cool."

I asked Mosher about her ongoing love affair with her native city of Los Angeles.

"L.A. is the city I know best.  As a native, I have a different perspective on what Los Angeles is all about.  The album title, City of Clowns, affectionately describes the creative, entertainment-driven nature of Los Angeles.  I love my city, faults and all."

Many listeners comment that Manda Mosher's music reminds them of Tom Petty and Bob Dylan at times.

The artist explained her influences and their collective impact on her songwriting.

"Years ago, I was present at a recording of a video by the Traveling Wilburys.  The experience was incredible and unforgettable.  At that time, I was a very young musician with a band, so to say I was impacted is an understatement."

The Traveling Wilburys were the highly successful supergroup comprised of music superstars Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and George Harrison.

"Tom Petty and Bob Dylan are my favorite songwriters, along with Leonard Cohen and Lucinda Williams.  Tom Petty encouraged me when I was a teenage songwriter, and he has continued to be an inspiration throughout my life."

Other musical influences in Manda Mosher's life include legendary Southern California songwriters and musicians.

"As a girl growing up, The Runaways, and their larger-than-life members Joan Jett, Lita Ford and Cherie Currie, were role models who showed that talented, determined young girls from L.A. could really make it big.  Also, The Beach Boys have always had a way of reminding me of the best of California."

On California's impact on Mosher's life:

"What I really love about California is the atmosphere of openness that welcomes and encourages creativity.  California's idealism and cultural diversity are what set it apart from all other places in the world."

Manda Mosher's favorite nonprofit charity is MusiCares, which provides a safety net of assistance for music people in times of need.

MusiCares' services cover financial, medical and personal emergencies.

The Grammy-affiliated organization also focuses the attention of the music industry on human issues that impact the welfare of the music community.

"MusiCares is an extremely valuable organization for the music community which I enthusiastically endorse."

Just for fun, I wanted to name some of California's most influential female icons for quick reactions from Manda Mosher:

• On songwriter Diane Warren:  "A champion of popular songwriting who really knows how to create material which everyone can relate to."
• On Marilyn Monroe:  "I have always been intrigued by her fragility, and I can clearly see how she was eaten up by the Hollywood machine."
• On Cass Elliott:  "Wow.  What a bold lady she was, but there was always a very distinct kindness about her.  Legendary."
• On Barbie:  "Barbie? (laughing) You threw me off with that one. Everyone loves Barbie, but she could represent other body types a little more."
• On Cher:  "Yeah, Cher!  I love Cher.  She's strong, sexy, confident, and very independent.  Cher will always be fantastic."
• On Joni Mitchell:  "A lot of people compare me to Joni, which is flattering.  Her artistry, vulnerability, strength and integrity never compromise."
• On Elvira:  "Did you say Elvira?  Wow, Elvira!  She is fantastic folklore.  She has an act that nobody can follow.  No one messes with Elvira!"

Initially impressed by Manda Mosher as a songwriter and musician, I was excited to meet the woman behind such great music. 

During such a fun L.A. interview, I found Manda Mosher to be a strong individual who represents the California Woman quite positively, both onstage and offstage.

Watch Manda's best video of 2012 below.

Manda Mosher "Mr. Madness"