Rising singer-songwriter Momo Boyd, known for her work with the group Infinity Song, discusses her debut solo EP and the challenges of carving out space as a Black female artist.
Key facts
- •Momo Boyd is the seventh of nine children and a member of the sibling quintet Infinity Song, which debuted in 2015.
- •Her debut solo EP, 'Miss Michigan,' features seven tracks and was released in April.
- •The US leg of her 'Miss Michigan' tour concluded in August, with a London performance scheduled for November.
- •Boyd's family moved from the Midwest to the Bronx when she was seven years old.
- •Infinity Song gained viral attention in 2023 with their song 'Hater’s Anthem.'
Momo Boyd, a 27-year-old singer and member of the pop rock quintet Infinity Song, is currently balancing a burgeoning solo career with her ensemble commitments. Following the release of her debut EP, Miss Michigan, in April, Boyd is touring internationally, with a European leg scheduled for the fall. Her solo work, which she describes as folksy and personal, marks a departure from the guitar-driven, optimistic sound of her family band.
Artistic Identity and Industry Challenges
Boyd has faced scrutiny regarding her aesthetic and musical choices, particularly with her single 'American Love Song.' Some listeners have questioned her use of Americana and pastoral imagery, suggesting she was catering to a white audience or engaging in propaganda. Boyd maintains that these themes are rooted in her genuine upbringing in Shay Lake, a rural community where her family lived in a renovated motel lobby, and that her work reflects her personal history rather than an attempt to conform to industry expectations.
Musical Influences and Personal Growth
Drawing inspiration from artists like Lana Del Rey, Boyd channels her formative experiences—including childhood anxiety and encounters with colorism—into her music. She credits her father, John Boyd, with starting her musical journey through community choirs in Michigan. After high school, she spent a period in isolation practicing guitar and bass, a time she describes as difficult but essential for her development. Today, she views her music as a way to protect her inner child and represent freedom for Black women.
Timeline
- 2015Infinity Song debuted as a pop rock sibling quintet.
- 2023Infinity Song's 'Hater’s Anthem' went viral.
- AprilMomo Boyd released her debut solo EP, Miss Michigan.
- NovemberBoyd is scheduled to perform in London as part of her tour.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Guardian Culture.
