From the moment Mercedes Moore graces the stage, all eyes are drawn to her. With a warm welcome and genuine gratitude for her audience, she sets the stage for an unforgettable performance as her band launches into the opening chords. As the dance floor fills, Mercedes Moore’s radiant smile intensifies, enveloping the venue in her musical world where nothing else seems to matter. While her captivating presence might suggest a lifelong destiny on stage, Mercedes Moore’s journey is one of overcoming self-doubt and embracing a dream she once thought unattainable.
“I didn’t think that I could sing,” Mercedes Moore candidly admits. “I didn’t think it was possible.” This reflection from her past contrasts sharply with the reality of her present. Today, Mercedes Moore commands the stage as a frontwoman, pouring her energy into creating an immersive experience that transcends mere vocal performance. She strives to make her audience feel the music as deeply as she does. Observing the captivated faces in the crowd as Mercedes Moore effortlessly navigates an extensive repertoire of ballads, blues anthems, and soul-stirring tracks, it’s clear she has achieved her goal. What makes her story even more compelling is the fact that Mercedes Moore has been singing professionally for just over eight years, a testament to her rapid ascent and dedication. Without a doubt, Mercedes Moore is seizing every moment and making her mark on the music scene.
Image: A vibrant live performance shot of Mercedes Moore, highlighting her engaging stage presence and connection with the audience during a concert.
A three-time San Diego Music Award nominee, Mercedes Moore is a fixture in Southern California’s vibrant music landscape, regularly sharing the stage with some of its most accomplished musicians. Her collaborations read like a who’s who of the local scene, including names like Taryn Donath, John Simons, Mark Campbell, Marc Ramos, Tracy Wiebeck, Kurt Kalker, Matt Taylor, Steve Wilcox, Scot Smart, Missy Andersen, Sharifah Muhammad, and Laura Chavez, among many others. When asked about her extensive network of musical partners, Mercedes Moore offers a simple yet insightful explanation: “It just makes you a better singer.” She adds with a smile, “And different people have different strengths. Plus, I want to learn, so I can be better.”
This philosophy of continuous growth is clearly paying off. Mercedes Moore currently juggles multiple significant projects, showcasing her versatility across genres from blues, gospel, and R&B to a rich selection of classic rock and blue-eyed soul. This diverse range doesn’t even account for her frequent duo and trio performances, occasional forays into jazz, and spontaneous collaborations with both local and touring artists.
In a conversation that delves into her musical journey, Mercedes Moore begins with her roots. “I was born in Anaheim,” Mercedes Moore recounts, “And raised in Northern California in a tiny little town called Placerville. My mom moved up there when I was three or four. I ended up graduating from Folsom High School, you know, where the prison is? I came and went before finally leaving for good. I moved around, bounced all around until I ended up in Houston and stayed there for seven years. Then I came out to San Diego and I’ve been here for 13 years.”
Image: Mercedes Moore sharing the stage with Missy Andersen and Sharifah Muhammad, capturing a dynamic musical moment during a live performance at a Coronado park.
Delving into the origins of her musical passion, Mercedes Moore shares, “My mom had some records that I listened to…she liked the Beatles, but she had one Linda Ronstadt record that I really, really loved. Later on, I realized it was all Motown covers. When I look back over my life, I kind of see a common thread of blues and soul that I’ve always loved. I started working in bars when I was 17, cocktail waitressing, serving food. So I was always surrounded by music, a lot of different types of music. In one of the clubs I used to work in, when I was 20, there was a DJ who loved blues. So he would play blues all the time. He’d play Nina Simone and Stevie Ray Vaughan…when I’d hear it, I was, like, ‘who’s that…who’s that?’ And I just loved it. And when I moved to Texas, I worked at a blues restaurant/club called Billy Blues. They had live bands. It was so close to Austin, they brought a lot of people from there.” This early exposure to diverse musical environments, particularly blues and soul, laid the groundwork for her future artistic direction.
When asked about instrumental talents, Mercedes Moore reveals, “I play shaker and tambourine.” She adds, “I wanted to play piano as a kid but we didn’t have any money. We got the piano [laughing] but couldn’t afford lessons. To be honest, when I was a kid, I was super frustrated. My stepdad was an alcoholic and my mom was preoccupied. I just roamed around in the woods, bored. I had desires, but nobody to express them to. I had kind of a rough life growing up.” Despite these early frustrations and lack of formal musical training, her innate passion for music remained.
Reflecting on her childhood singing aspirations, Mercedes Moore confesses, “I didn’t think that I could sing. I didn’t think it was possible. In high school I took choir one year and I tried out for the solo part. When I went in, I was super nervous. So I’m trying to sing for the piano teacher, she’s playing and just stopped and said, ‘What’s wrong?’ I said, ‘Well, I’m just really nervous.’ She says, ‘Well if you can’t sing in front of me, how are you going to sing in front of the whole school?’ I said, ‘Oh, I didn’t really think about that. I don’t know what I’m doing here.’ [laughing] So I left there thinking I could never sing because I’m never NOT going to be nervous. So, I never sang… for maybe 20 years.” This early discouraging experience solidified her belief that singing was not within her reach, leading to a significant hiatus from pursuing her vocal dreams.
Image: A candid shot of Mercedes Moore alongside Joao Lima and Larry Teves, also known as Chickenbone Slim, capturing a relaxed backstage moment at Proud Mary’s.
Yet, against all odds, Mercedes Moore stands before us today as a celebrated vocalist. “I just started singing about eight years ago. Something in my head said, ‘Now or never!’” This pivotal moment marked a turning point, fueled by an inner voice urging her to finally pursue her long-dormant passion.
Describing her initial steps into the world of performance, Mercedes Moore recalls, “I did one little open mic thing where I was petrified.” She shakes her head, adding, “And I was horrible and I sounded so bad… and then nothing bad happened. I couldn’t use the microphone and I had a sweater and a hoodie on. So nobody could hear me over the piano and I had my eyes closed the whole time. Nobody yelled at me, so I did another one and I noticed there was a tiny bit less terror, and I thought that’s interesting. The second time, I think I did use a microphone but I still had my hoodie on.” These tentative first steps, though fraught with fear, were crucial in dismantling her self-doubt and building confidence.
Stage fright is a common challenge for performers, and some rely on alcohol to cope. “I started the drinking without the singing,” Mercedes Moore quips with a laugh. “But now I don’t drink, I got sober when I was 21. So I’ve never had any buffer. It’s petrifying, I don’t drink, I don’t smoke weed. I don’t do anything and it’s harder.” Her sobriety underscores her raw courage in facing her fears head-on, without relying on substances to ease the anxiety.
When asked about how she conquered her stage fright, Mercedes Moore explains, “One day the thought occurred to me, just a flash of me at the end of my life and looking back and having regret. Somehow, some way the fear of that met up with the fear of actually doing it and I was able to overcome it by the tiniest little bit. I just did it.” This powerful realization, the fear of future regret outweighing the fear of performance, propelled her forward.
Mercedes Moore emphasizes her determination, “Then every time I would do something, other opportunities would present.” Her journey gained momentum as she immersed herself in the local blues scene. “I started hanging around blues jams. I started going to Chet Cannon’s Blues Jam and I would sort of hide. I wanted to just watch. And Chet… I never signed up once, but Chet, once he found out I was a singer… I would be hiding behind a pole thinking he’s never going to remember that I’m here. And he ALWAYS remembered that I was there. [laughing] But I would wait till the end when everyone was either drunk or gone and I would do the last song of the night. And I would just be terrified. But I kept doing his jams and then he started inviting me to sing with his band and then I met Scot [Smart] and we started playing together, going to different jams, and meeting different people and we started a band…” Chet Cannon’s encouragement and the supportive jam scene were instrumental in her early development.
Open jams remain a vital platform for musicians to connect and refine their skills. “I used to go and one of the first bands I played with was the Fremonts. I used to go see them all the time for swing dancing and they started learning a couple of songs for me. They learned Barbara Lynn, some James Brown, about six different songs so I could have something to do and they were really supportive and really encouraging.” These experiences further solidified her path as a performer.
Did Mercedes Moore ever experience a defining moment solidifying her musical purpose? “That’s another reason I never sang because I thought everybody was focused like I was focused and I come to find out people are hardly listening at all. [laughing] The very first time I sang on stage was with longtime friend Dave Patrone, a jazz crooner guy. They learned a song for me and I went up and totally blanked out on the whole song and I just sang the first line over and over. It was pretty much my worst nightmare and its happening. And I had some friends who came out to see me and in my mind, I’m thinking, ‘You’re totally bombing right now, you’re making an ass out of yourself in front of all of these people.’ I finished the song and apologized to the guys and went to sit down and my friends were all clapping and saying, ‘Good job, good job.’ And I go, ‘What the hell are you talking about?’ And they’re, like, ‘What?’ And I could see on their faces that they weren’t trying to be nice. I screwed up the whole song; I sang the first line over and over. They said, ‘Oh, we just thought it was just a repetitive song.’ And that was the best thing that ever happened to me. It was liberating because I realized at that moment that I could just make up words, I could do whatever I want. People are taking in the whole experience and I’m only about 10 percent of that. They’re talking amongst themselves, ordering food, drinking…” This unexpected audience reaction became a liberating realization, freeing her from the pressure of perfection and highlighting the overall experience of live music.
Image: Mercedes Moore and Taryn Donath pictured together, reflecting their strong musical collaboration and friendly relationship.
Mercedes Moore’s passion for swing dancing has also significantly influenced her musical style. “I’ve been swing dancing for so long,” Mercedes Moore explains, “Since ’98 or something. I saw some dancers in a club, in a bar. I thought, ‘Where can I learn that?’ And that’s how I was exposed to swing and Ella… All I ever listened to was Etta James and Nina Simone, Gladys Knight; Aretha Franklin is one of my all-time favorites. Billie Holiday… my thing is I’ll get one record and I’ll listen to it over and over and over until I know every word to every song.” This deep dive into iconic vocalists and swing rhythms has undoubtedly shaped her musical sensibilities and performance style.
When it comes to curating her set lists, Mercedes Moore emphasizes personal connection. “I have to pick songs I relate to… I have to relate to the feeling of the song. I’m a blues and soul woman. To me soul music is blues…on steroids. You know what I mean? They both have the same feeling underneath. Emotion, raw… pain. Blues to me is when you’re still in pain and soul is how you get out of it. Soul is a way to relieve your pain. The main thing I relate to is authenticity; it’s what I’m always drawn to, what I relate to, I have to have an authentic feeling in the music.” This commitment to authentic emotional expression is at the heart of her musical choices.
Mercedes Moore maintains a demanding performance schedule across numerous projects. “I have four, basically. My band is the Mercedes Moore Band with Taryn Donath, Steve Wilcox, and Matt Taylor or Marty Dotson on drums. Taryn Donath and I also do a duo. Then there’s Southland Soul and that’s either acoustic or a full band with Sharifa Muhammed and Missy and Heine Andersen. I do another duo with Joe Amato and will be doing more with him. I also play in a ‘yacht rock’ band called the High Tide Society.” Her involvement in diverse bands and collaborations demonstrates her wide-ranging musical interests and tireless work ethic.
Expanding on her “yacht rock” venture, Mercedes Moore clarifies, “The definition of ‘yacht rock’ is the music baby boomers used to do cocaine to on their yachts. It’s music like Michael McDonald, Fleetwood Mac, Hall and Oates. It’s really soulful shit, like blue-eyed soul from the ’70s, late ’70s. We do Happy Hour at Humphrey’s and have our little cult following. It’s a big band; it’s got two guitars, sax, piano, two other vocalists, sometimes trumpet, and a trombone. It’s fun, it’s me and nine dudes [laughing] and it’s fun! I get to do a lot of harmonies. Between that and working with Missy and Sharifah, it’s really helping me be a better singer.” This unexpected foray into yacht rock further showcases her versatility and willingness to explore different musical landscapes.
With her repertoire spanning blues, jazz, soul, and standards, Mercedes Moore covers a vast musical territory. Reiterating her growth mindset, she states, “It just makes you a better singer and different people have different strengths. If I play with Joe on guitar he has different strengths than Taryn on piano. Plus, I want to learn as much as I can so I can just be better. Then, when I play with somebody else I get to do different stuff.” This openness to diverse musical interactions fuels her artistic development.
Mercedes Moore marvels at the seamless collaboration among musicians, “When you do blues, you have this foundation and then everybody just puts their color and ideas on that foundation. That’s why blues is so awesome because I could go anywhere in the world and sit in with anybody, anytime, and sound like I’ve been playing together forever if there are good musicians.” The shared language of blues music fosters instant musical connection and improvisation.
The energy of live performance is where Mercedes Moore truly shines. “Yes, I do,” she affirms. When asked about recording a live album, she responds, “That would be great, but once you know you’re being recorded it kinda messes with your head. Whether you’re in a studio or recording live–as soon as you’re aware that someone pushes record it takes up brain space, and then you don’t want to make mistakes or you feel that didn’t sound good… and it’s being recorded. I’d rather record live because there’s obviously more energy when you’re live. So, yeah, I’d like to do a live recording.” Capturing the raw energy of her live shows is a future aspiration.
Mercedes Moore’s audience engagement is a hallmark of her performances. “When you sing, you feel like you’re telling a story,” Mercedes Moore smiles. “So if you don’t have anyone to tell the story to it’s like talking to yourself or talking to people that have heard it a million times. If you have a live audience you feel like you’re telling them something new.” This storytelling aspect of her performances creates a unique bond with her listeners.
Looking ahead, Mercedes Moore is embarking on an international tour. “Missy Andersen and I are going to Sweden,” Mercedes Moore excitedly shares. “We fly into Stockholm, get off the plane, and jump onto a boat. The boat is a blues cruise that goes from Sweden to Finland and back. It’s a 24-hour blues cruise. Then we do several shows in Stockholm, and our friends in the band Trick Bag have a day set aside for recording. Missy and I are each going to do a few soul and blues songs, so I’m excited. They set it all up; I think they have a vintage recording studio in Stockholm. One of the guys in Trick Bag also manages a bar and we’re playing at his club. Then we’re going back to Finland and we’ll do three nights in a club there.” This international venture marks an exciting new chapter in her career.
Reflecting on her collaborations, Mercedes Moore offers heartfelt praise for key figures in her musical journey:
Chet Cannon: “Thank God, for Chet. I just wouldn’t have done it if he wouldn’t have constantly been pushing me. I would still be hiding in the corner.”
Steve Wilcox: “Bad Ass… he’s a monster. I love that guy.”
Scot Smart: “Great guitar player… AND bass player!”
Heine Andersen: “Oh God, he’s unbelievable.”
Marty Dotson: “Marty Dotson is incredible and I get to play with him all the time.”
Sharifah and Missy: “Singing with Sharifah and Missy is like a dream come true for me. To be on stage with them is… surreal. I look around and think, ‘How the hell did I get here?’
Laura Chavez: “I get to play with Laura Chavez. When she comes to town I book her for whatever gigs I have. I’ve always had Scot, but when he left I mentioned to Laura, ‘If you ever want to play?’ and she’s like, ‘Hell, yeah!’ And she loves Taryn’s playing, too.”
Taryn Donath: “I love Taryn! She’s a great musician and an even better friend. She’s super supportive and very intuitive. She really listens to everyone. She always notices when I sing something a little different or put a little extra feeling into something. She’ll give me a little ‘Yeah, Skittlez’. She calls me Skittlez. We have a blast together at gigs. We’re both slightly demented, so it works out. On slow nights I make up funny lyrics and we entertain each other. Sometimes she’s laughing so hard I can’t believe she’s still playing, but she does!! She never plays a song the same way twice! She creates music in the moment on the spot. She gives each song a life of its own and makes it a story, a journey. Not just notes.” Mercedes Moore fondly recalls an encounter with Beach Boy Bruce Johnston, who complimented Taryn Donath’s “chord voicing.” She concludes, “I love that I get to play with her. We have great chemistry and she makes me a better singer.”
Taryn Donath reciprocates the admiration, “I met Mercedes through [former Mercedes guitarist] Scot Smart. I was friends with Scot and we played on a short little four-day cruise. Scot and I got to hang out and that’s how I got to know Mercedes.” Describing their musical bond, Donath adds, “Oh, she’s funny. We both love kidding around and that’s the thing about Mercedes, she’s good at interacting. She goes out and talks with people and she makes a point on the break to communicate, meet, and greet. She’s very good at that, whereas I hide out in the parking lot. Her song material is good and we play together six or seven times a month, sometimes more. I love Mercedes to death, she’s great.”
Mercedes Moore’s three San Diego Music Award nominations are a significant achievement, especially considering her relatively recent entry into the local music scene. “Yeah, the first one I’d just started and didn’t understand how anyone knew that we even had a band. [laughing] But, yeah, it’s very nice to be recognized.” These nominations validate her rapid growth and impact.
Reflecting on her journey, Mercedes Moore describes her current mindset: “Never happier; I think my whole life has gone by without ever expressing myself, but now I have this vehicle of expression: singing. When I was a kid, I used to record myself; I would sing in my room and write out the lyrics, memorize lyrics, just me alone in my room. But, I never had any adult supervision, direction, or support, nothing. I was just miserable and started drinking and doing drugs instead. I was just drunk for many, many years… then I got sober.” Music has become her powerful outlet for self-expression, a stark contrast to her earlier struggles.
Mercedes Moore’s path to sobriety was a turning point. “I just got tired of pissing on myself every night,” Mercedes Moore states bluntly. “Blacking out all the time, I just felt like I was living the same day over and over again. Get up, get drunk, pass out, get up, get drunk, pass out… the same day over and over and over. When I got sober, I started doing yoga then I started teaching yoga and it became one of my jobs.” Sobriety opened doors to personal growth and new opportunities.
Beyond music, Mercedes Moore has held diverse roles. “I used to work at the Old Globe Theater making costumes. After I got sober I went to school to study fashion design and when I moved out here I worked at the Old Globe a couple of years.” Her creative talents extend beyond music into the world of fashion and theater.
Sharing a humorous anecdote from her bar experiences, Mercedes Moore recounts, “We were playing the Rivera in Palm Springs, a real nice resort where we were in the bar. There were a bunch of knuckleheads who spent the whole night irritating each other and then all hell broke loose and the women were worse than the men. The women were instigating it and they were taking off their heels… as soon as something started they’d take off their shoes. One girl punched a waitress in the face on the way out. She was being escorted out by the police and she saw the waitress that had ratted her out and punched her in the face. We were in the corner and we’re, like, do we stop playing, do we keep playing? They’re fighting all around us…geez!” [laughing] This colorful story adds a touch of levity to her narrative.
Reflecting on her remarkable journey, Mercedes Moore expresses a sense of wonder. “I haven’t been singing that long; I thought it was impossible so I just lived my pathetic life wondering, ‘What do I want?’ I’ve always known that I wanted this, I just shoved it so far down that I definitely wouldn’t be singing if I hadn’t gotten sober.” Overcoming self-doubt and addiction has paved the way for her current success.
Today, Mercedes Moore radiates joy and freedom on stage. “It’s not a façade now, but it took me a long time to get there.” This genuine happiness and captivating stage presence are the culmination of her transformative journey, making Mercedes Moore a true San Diego musical gem.
