She isn’t only a talented young actress, but also goes by the name Kid Moxie as a musician. Elena Charbila started her journey from Greece to end up living for the past few years in L.A., making her dream come true. She talked to Greek Reporter about her work and the experience she had working with famous artists, about her hobbies, and lastly about the long distance relationship she maintains with Greece.
When did you decide to become an actress?
There was never a day that I woke up and consciously made that decision… But while I was studying drama and music at a university in San Francisco, I was part of a theatre troupe that put on a Yiddish Vaudeville show. I was acting in it and also was the pianist for the show. I felt so complete after each performance and i started feeling that i cant imagine doing something else that could make me happier. So I came to L.A to do a film for a month and things started rolling from there…
What were some of the challenges you had to face in your career so far?
Living and working in L.A is in itself a huge challenge. Your patience and devotion get tested pretty much on a daily basis and competition is undoubtedly fierce.It is a very surreal thing to have so many people around you that want exactly what you want (although everybody wants it for their own reasons). I think it is very important to maintain your sense of individuality and to not lose your edge in a town like this one. Blending in is the enemy.
What does singing means to you? Tell us things that inspire you when you write your own music.
I never wanted to be a singer. I was much happier playing bass guitar in a goth band that I was in a few years ago when i was living in San Francisco. I started singing 3 years ago, when I formed Kid Moxie, because I started writing my own lyrics and songs so I kind of…had to sing them. In the process, I discovered that there is actually a lot of satisfaction in singing words that mean something to you. When I write songs, my compass is usually a specific mood that I am trying to capture. The lyrics and music are simply tools that help me get there. I get inspired by my dreams, mythology and imaginary scenarios that play out in my head.
Where does the name “Kid Moxie” come from?
I had discovered a bottle of the vintage drink “Moxie Cola” in the garbage in front of my house. The term “moxie” stayed with me for some reason and found its way into becoming half the name of my band.
Tell us about other famous actors you had the chance meeting so far or working with them and the impression they gave you.
I have been lucky to either work or at least meet some of my heroes, like Quincy Jones, Al Pacino, Angelo Badalamenti and what struck me with all of them was how genuine and giving they were. The simplicity and generosity of spirit that I felt in their presence is something that I aspire to have myself.
How is your relationship with Greece?
Like any other long distance relationship, it is probably more idealized and romanticized than it would have been if was living there. I still get to see the great things about Greece especially in the summertime which I always spend in the islands. The reality of living in Greece has escaped me though, since I have been gone a for long time.
What are some of the hobbies and things you enjoy doing in your free time.
Any free time is usually spent in the studio with my producer, Dan Hoal, working on music. Sometimes I rent a bike and ride along Venice beach to clear my head, but I also like to read comic books, play with my turntables and meditate.
What are some of the things that you would never do?
I would never be on a reality show. I am always amazed at how much information people are willing to reveal on camera about their private lives. I have absolutely no respect for those who become famous because they show off their lavish mansions and dysfunctional marriages on TV.
What kind of music do you like?
I always felt that there is music to sink in and music to float on. I like both of those feelings so any type of music that gets me there, I listen to. Recently I have been listening to a lot of classical music, especially Brahms and Ravel but also Philip Glass from the more modern composers. I love jazz and I always listen to my favorite records by Cannonball Aderley, Bill Evans and Chet Baker. Other artists that I continue to love through the years are Bauhaus, Bat For Lashes, Roxy Music, Mum and The Jesus And Mary Chain.
Any future plans?
I am currently in the studio recording my new album which will be out at the end of this year. At the same time, I am involved in a very exciting project, the David Lynch Foundation Music, where some of my music will be featured. This is a new label featuring exclusive tracks by leading artists like Moby, Tom Waits, Iggy Pop and Maroon 5 among others. All proceeds from song sales go to raising funds for several non-profit projects initiated by the David Lynch Foundation. I also just finished shooting a national TV campaign for JEEP and I am attached to a very interesting movie project starring Olympia Dukakis due to shoot this year, directed by brothers Evangelos and George Giovanis.
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