Creative Q&A with emerging Valley musician and MoonDog Media founder

WASILLA — Valley raised writer and poet turned musician Jamie Bailey recently debuted to the local creative scene, thanks to an ongoing collaboration with MoonDog Media.

Michael B. Dillon and Josh Firey founded MoonDog Media with one simple yet grand goal in mind, “to raise up the amazing community of Alaskan artists and help them realize their full potential.”

Bailey and Dillon recently partnered in a recent question and answer interview to discuss their latest podcast episode, and musical collaboration releasing Bailey’s second single, “Everything” with an accompanying music video posted on YouTube.

Dillon:

Q: So what exactly is the MoonDog Media Sessions podcast all about?“We’ve recorded three episodes so far, and the first one just premiered on the 30th. That was very impromptu… Everybody’s who’s seen little bits and portions has been like, ‘wow, that’s gonna be amazing,’ because we’re featuring live artists but on top of that we’re also allowing these fans to pay artists directly and MoonDog Media doesn’t touch any of it… That was the initial idea beyond the podcast. Now, it’s just everybody’s jumping onboard just wanting to be on it.”

Q: What’s the process look like?“We shoot ‘em usually in a three hour slot then right after that we do the editing and we look at putting it all out on a regular schedule… We did a singer songwriter showcase as well which was absolutely amazing… It’s been great. It’s taking off. People are liking what we’re doing which is kinda why we keep doing it.”

Q: So, do you feature a different artist every episode?“Yeah, that’s what we’re going for,” Dillon said with a laugh. “It’s not just music either. I’ve already scheduled for February right now. We’ve got a comedy night. We’ve got an improv group that’s gonna be coming on. If you’re doing anything with entertainment in Alaska, MoonDog Media is gonna be there for ya.”

Q: What’s the episode format look like?“It’s not just sitting down and doing interviews. I’m actually performing live performances from all of our guests, and I’m doing a full master. It’s gonna be them at their absolute best. It’s more like a talk show than a podcast, but I’m trying to keep that podcast feel.”

Q: How important are connecting people through the arts right during this time?“I think it’s incredibly important. We don’t realize how much we’re missing until we’re locked up… Something so small as going out to a bar and having a band playing in the background. You don’t realize how much you miss that. I think the artists have an opportunity right now to bring more focus to what they do and what they offer.”

Bailey:

Q: So how was this experience for you Jamie?“Man, it was absolutely surreal… We’re trying to get an album out by May; and it’s all Alaskan based… That’s I think why the first video’s so popular because I’ve got the dump truck circling around in the middle of the ice. It’s just as redneck Alaska as you can get. It’s just pure you know?

Q: So have you been making music in the community prior to this collaboration?“I’ve never done anything like this before in my life. I’ve been writing lyrics and poetry since I was a teenager… I never put it out for anyone to listen to or appreciate… You never know if somebody’s gonna make fun of ya… I never ever, ever thought in a million years that 60,000 people would like the video that I shot with my cell phone.”

Q: Did this make you want to keep making more music?“I’m addicted. I want to rock out on stage. I want 50,000 people to feel me… Man, with these guys, anything’s possible.”

Q: So, would you say that writing lyrics and poetry helps you navigate through life?“I think it saves me sometimes... I think it’s God sent.”

Q: So how long have you been living in the Valley?

“My whole life.”

Q: What do you think about what Mike and MoonDog are offering the community?“I think it’s giving people opportunities. I think any artist just wants to be seen… Look how many great ideas and inspirations that went dead in the water that we’ll never know about because we didn’t give them the attention… I think we’re sharing emotions more than art.”

Bailey’s singles, “Thinking” and “Everything” are available on Spotify, YouTube, and other streaming sites. Dillon said they plan to put out a full EP that will be available on all the major platforms.

For more information, visit the MoonDog Media Facebook page or call 907-795-2366.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com