Write up in Voyage LA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lorie V. Moore.

Lorie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My love affair with music began so early I can’t even remember the exact moment. I have been singing my whole life. I started out, like most, singing in church, I graduated to the talent show circuit and went professional singing Hooks for local rappers and doing general session work by age ten.

Signed to Rap a lot of Records by 2000, my career showed much promise. But the project was shelved. Since, I have worked in the industry in various facets from opening tour act (Rza – Wu-Tang Clan) background singing (Tisha Campbell Martin, Johnny Gill, Jamie Foxx) to talent Coordinating (Xen Loung Hollywood). In 2013 I met my mentor Tisha Campbell who helped shape so much of my development as an entertainer. Shortly after that relationship began, I met my writing partner and brother in Music (Grammy, NAACP, Image award nominee) B. Slade formerly known as Tonex. He gave me my shot to write for the likes of Shanice, Sheila E and Tisha Campbell.

In 2014, I made an appearance on Fox’s “The X Factor”, placing top 10 in my category. I was unable to go any further due to Demi and Paulina not being able to see how I “Fit” in the industry. Thus is the singing competition tv show life. So naturally, life after the show was difficult once the dust settled and relevance escaped my grasp but I continued to pursue my career. In 2016 I married my best friend (Sarde Stewart) and we brought the best baby to the world #BabyMikayla25. As Mommyhood took center stage of my life, many of my previous opportunities vanished. My priorities had shifted. Once Mikayla turned two, I felt ready to get back to my tenacious pursuit, But in 2018 I was diagnosed with early stage Cervical Cancer. One month before my surgery, one of my closest friends and someone who was helping me prepare for the fight, Janice Freeman (The Voice), passed away (Lupus/Cancer). I was crushed and scared. I can label this as one of the lowest points of my life. With my wife, family and Doctor helping to hold me together, I made it thru to see a successful surgery and a tough reality checking recovery.

It is now 2019 and I have been cancer-free since April. My perspective on what’s most important has sharpened in focus. I still pursue a life of creativity. I’m on a new podcast that I’m excited about “Never Sleep Again” and I’m having fun giving commentary on the state of music these days. Now I am compelled to make everything count. My music must carry a message because we are not promised tomorrow and if I leave here abruptly, I want to have Said something done something or sang something that has the power to touch someone at the right time to inspire a better tomorrow. I won’t lie to you. It is tough for me to look back and ponder my hopes of yesterday. Sometimes it dims my hope for tomorrow. And at those key times, I will randomly find a memory in my snap chat or an old IM / text msg from Janice encouraging me like she’s still here. So for Her, for my wife and my awesome Daughter, I will continue to find ways to impact, teach and inspire with the talents and gifts bestowed upon me.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
You show me someone with a totally smooth road and I’ll declare them a Unicorn! So I’ll say to you in the words of Langston Hughes “Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair”.

My hardest Struggle has been the battle between selling a product that is Industry “ready” and being Authentically and unapologetically Me which is a product no one else has… it’s tough because the industry when I was coming up, had no interest in my individuality and consistently tried fitting me into a box of normality that would be palatable to the masses. Coming Out was such a fear… and little did I know THAT fear was freedom

We’d love to hear more about your business.
The HardWerk show is best known for live music Entertainment. Booking live bands and artists for nightlife and special events. Aside from myself I have a network of singers who can deliver and guarantee a memorable event for any occasion! I am most proud of the ease of the booking process and the customer satisfaction my company gets time and time again. The thing that sets my shows apart is the element of laughter.. many have compared my show to that of Jamie Foxx (who I studied under) the element that this is not just a band. This is 2019 meets Rat Pack.

I’m very proud to announce that HardWerk now offers Graphic Designs for Flyers logos and such as well as the new tee shirt Printing services department. HardWerk strives to ultimately become a one stop shop for all your event needs.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was the energetic “tomboy” whopping on the boys in Basket Ball, track AND football. My personality was very much the popular girl that always tried to make the unpopular accepted and included. I was a bully to the bullies.. very much a little Olivia Pope as a kid. Always Handling ish lol!