Q&A with Michelle Moog-Koussa on Moogfest

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Michelle Moog-Koussa

Bob Moog Memorial Foundation founder Michelle Moog-Koussa talks on Moogfest and what it means for Asheville. 

Interview by Melissa C. Smith

The buzz surrounding Moogfest, coming up this weekend in Asheville, is like a ripple of sound waves emanating throughout the city and beyond. Electronic artists and masterminds like Brian Eno, Moby, The Flaming Lips, and dozens of others big names in the industry will tip their hats to Asheville’s own electronic pioneer, Bob Moog, by performing on stages around town. Here Michelle Moog-Koussa, founder of the Bob Moog Memorial Foundation, shares her thoughts and excitement for the festival.

What does it mean for Asheville to be hosting Moogfest?

Hosting Moogfest is a manifestation of the creative city that Asheville has become over the past few decades. It takes a special community to host such a festival, but Asheville has all of the elements—it is imbued with enthusiasm for art, music, and alternative forms of expression. As a city that represents the convergence of creativity, Asheville takes real pride in its connection to Bob Moog. There was certainly a sense of excitement and honor that accompanied last year’s festival.

On a personal note, what does it mean to you for this festival, which honors your father, to be taking place in yours and his hometown?

It’s fantastically inspiring to see the enthusiasm and passion that surrounds Moogfest in Asheville. The synergy here is undeniable and the excitement on Moogfest weekend is palpable. Although some people feel that there’s an odd juxtaposition between the beautiful mountain town and the boundary-pushing electronic music festival, it makes perfect sense. My father had a very deep appreciation for the natural world, and spent hours teaching his kids about the wonders that surround us. I’ve always felt that the sounds he coaxed out of the circuits were sonic reflections of the natural world that he so appreciated.

Anything you’re excited about for this year’s event?

I’m excited about all of it, but top of my list at the moment is Moby, Tangerine Dream, Stickmen, Umphrey’s McGee, Dan Deacon, Suicide, STS9, and Amos Tobin.

What do you hope for the future of Moogfest?

My greatest wish is that it continues to be a festival that inspires creativity across genres and generations, and that it serves as a force to unite a community of music enthusiasts. I’d love to see the history and educational component of the festival grow, but I know that Moogfest is working on that. A.C. Entertainment has done an amazing job with Moogfest. I hope they stick with it for a long time.

Visit www.moogfoundation.org to learn more, or www.moogfest.com for details on the festival.

Click here to read about WNC magazine’s coverage of Michelle Moog-Koussa and the Bob Moog Memorial Foundation.