QUALITY R&B is hard to come by these days. The kind of music that moves you with flawless vocals, deep lyrics, and most importantly — a banging beat.

While the music industry has evolved into a weird amalgamation where pop, R&B and dance often blend into one, some artists are staying true to their roots, and continue to push the R&B culture forward in an ever-evolving climate where what is hot one week could not be next. Soul singer, Teedra Moses, happens to be one of them.

The Californian songstress who shot to fame with the critically-acclaimed album Complex Simplicity, has maintained a level of respect and a loyal fan base that allows her to continuously tour the world, playing intimate venues and providing the ultimate R&B experience – which is hard to come by.

After 12 years in the industry, a new album and upcoming shows in 2017, Moses reiterates the importance of stability, spirituality and maintaining your overall wellbeing in the cutthroat music industry.

“I have a strong base in my spirituality and I understand that I’m not completely in control,” says Moses.

“I think that can play a role in a lot of issues, from depression to anxiety because we try to control what is not in our will. I relinquish control when I find myself getting frustrated or anxious.”

Moses’ spirituality is rooted in her Christian upbringing and gospel-singing mother who was born and raised in Louisiana. In fact, it wasn’t until Moses’ mother passed away that she decided to follow her dreams and try her hand at the music industry.

“Her death made me realise that I should go after what I want, and that’s exactly what I did,” states Moses.

Over a decade after her debut album, and three independent mixtapes later, Moses is coming back to London for a gig, which she describes as her best yet.

“For this show, I want it to be a slower pace,” says Moses.

“I think that because I have a large body of work, I want to cover so many different songs for the fans and I end up rushing through the show in my opinion.

“This time, I want to make sure that people really get the soulfulness out of the music, and that takes a little more time on a song or a little bit more instrumentation.”

Moses’ energy on stage is like no other, and she believes that her magnetic aura is why people continuously see her shows.

“My energy is very strong when I perform and it shoots out at you and so things can move very quickly. But I want to take my time a little bit more, like slow cooked food.”

While the songstress has visited London many times, there’s one thing she’s looking forward to doing this time around.

“I never get a chance to see the street art, and I was told that there’s some great art in Brixton,” enthuses Moses.

“Street art is my favourite form of art because it’s so real and uncontrived and I would really love to check it out.”

While Moses is excited to explore the streets of London next year, she is currently in Los Angeles and preparing to record her highly anticipated new album.

“The album is called Courage, and I’ve wrapped my head around the theme of it, and the theme of the music,” confirms Moses.

“I also want to connect more with the fans, and do a Facebook Live to discuss topics with them, face to face.”

Moses’ ability to evolve with the times and embrace new techniques plays a role in relevancy today. Not to mention, her strong sense of self, and the importance she places on maintaining her mental wellbeing. In a world where celebrity breakdowns – à la Kanye West – are heavily documented, but mental health issues amongst black people are rarely talked about, Moses stands strong in her beliefs and the people who support her through the good times and the hardships.

“I have a great base of family and friends in my life, and I don’t think that’ll ever change because that’s what keeps you closest to the core of who you are.

“It’s a constant reminder that whatever fame or success you have, it means nothing because my surroundings are so normal and I’ve got people in my life who help keep me grounded and my sanity.”

Moses’ wellbeing doesn’t just stop with her mind — she maintains a strict fitness regime, which explains that amazing figure of hers.

“I try to pay attention to what I eat, Sometimes I’ll be free and I’ll allow myself to eat certain things, but I try to stay on top of what I put into my body,” she continues.

“For the most part, I’ve been exercising since I was in the 10th grade, so I’ve trained my body to be a certain kind of way. I cut out wheat a year and half an ago, and at times I’ll just cut out sugar, so for me it’s kind of a lifestyle.”

For Moses, maintaining a healthy lifestyle starts with discipline, which she plans to amp up for 2017.

“2016 was a very free year for me,” reveals Moses.

“I’m a single woman, my children are all grown up and living in different cities, so this year was all about me — it was like I was 19 again!

“So next year is about discipline and that applies to everything. If I want my body to look a certain way, if I want to record a certain kind of album, if I want to maintain a clear mind space, it all reacquires discipline. So this is very important to me in 2017.”