As I always say in every article I have ever done regarding Tym Moss, he is one of the nicest people involved in entertainment in the New York Nightlife. Recently he has released the film “JUNK,”, a unique musical evoking laughter, passion and tears. I spoke with Tym about “JUNK” and some serious and intimate topics as well……
To begin with you’ve recently produced and or written the show “Junk” which gained rave reviews. Please briefly describe it and the reason for it?
(for clarification Michael Penny of North Carolina wrote, directed, produced, composed and edited the film. I starred in the film and I’m helping him with post-production)
OMG, Eileen. It is so great to talk to you. I am isolating completely alone. So, I’m excited to talk to anyone at this point!! “JUNK” is a film that I star in. It is a full-length feature film, a musical, LGBT with only 2 people in the cast, Me and my co-star Robbie Wayne. So, it’s a very unique and original film.
And by the way, we are going to have an American Movie Night in a few weeks so people from across the country can tune in and we’ll all watch “JUNK” together. There will be a Q&A afterward as well. It will be on UBC TV (Urban Broadcasting Company) and details are to follow.
The story of “JUNK” occurs over the course of one day. An older gay man and a younger gay man go to clean out the house of a recently deceased man and the place is covered in Porn and JUNK! Of course, we have to break into song regularly! We piece the man’s life together through his possessions and have many revelations about life in the process. There is a DEFINITE gay generational gap.
I have been wanting to break the usual storytelling cycle in films and TV and “JUNK” certainly does that!
It was written by the brilliant Michael Penny of North Carolina. He wrote the stage and screen plays, directed the movie, composed the music, edited the film and cooked all of our meals for the month that we were on set.
We cannot be happier and more proud of this film. And everyone that sees it seems to be blown away.
It makes you think, it entertains you, it makes you laugh and will bring a tear to your eye. All the things I love to see in a film. We have had some incredible reviews about the film. I would love for everyone to experience it!
What even made you become an entertainer?
Oh, wow. I think I’ve always been a ham. I’ve always wanted the spotlight. Growing up in the countryside of Indiana in the 60s & 70s did not afford many opportunities for entertainment, but I got pretty lucky in my life.
As a child, we would watch a lot of TV, the variety shows were my favorites. We would also go to the high school plays. And I always thought, “I could do that. It looks like fun!”
So, when I got in to High School and could choose what I wanted to participate in, I was in everything!! I was even the school Mascot (a position I created because I always wanted to be a cheerleader, but they had never allowed boys to be a cheerleader. I got my way.)
But my senior year we moved to a new school and I got to be one of the lead singers of their major group that traveled the country, played the music of the time with a full band, toured, recorded an album and gave me a taste of celebrity….. which I REALLY liked!
I love to entertain. I’ve always loved to make people happy. And then I learned I could make them feel all kinds of emotions and that thrilled me even more. I knew then, what I wanted to be. An entertainer. A singer, an actor, anything that can make people feel emotions.
What turns you on about having a live audience?
OMG, Eileen, I think performing live is my favorite. I love that immediate response from an audience. I definitely feed off of the crowds’ reactions. Whether it be a tear-jerking ballad or acting role, or a fun upbeat song or comedy that I’m performing. I love to take an audience on a journey that they were not expecting.
And whether I’m doing one song, or a 2 act play, if I don’t walk off that stage sweating and exhausted, then I didn’t do my job. I love to give it my all! Otherwise, what’s the point?
Can you recall a moment that changed the trajectory of your life?
In my cabaret show, I reveal that I developed an extreme 20 year-drug and alcohol addiction that by all accounts should have killed me. When I sought help in rehab, I was an amnesiac. I had lost all my memories. Yes, it was that bad. But one of the first memories to return was the most beautiful. I remembered “I AM AN ENTERTAINER! I’m a singer! An actor!” I had forgotten for 20 years of my life. So, at the moment I decided to commit to getting back into it, and the most miraculous things started falling in my path, lighting up my way. That helped me find my way back….. That, and the help of many Doctors, Therapists and Counselors who literally saved my life…. That was by far the biggest turning point in my life and I have not stopped walking down that beautiful well-lit path.
Looking back at what you know now what advice would you give to Baby Tym?
Wow. Probably, to trust myself more. I was led to believe at an early age that Who I was, was wrong. “Boys don’t play with dolls. Boys don’t sing, etc.” So, I buried my true feelings and desires deep down inside of me. And started to seek out the answers in other people. (No wonder I ended up a drug crazed alcoholic!)
I would probably tell my Baby Tym that you have your own answers in your heart. Trust them. Others only have their interests in mind. Not yours. Get out there and keep singing, learn your craft of music and acting. And learn how to make a shit ton of money at it too! (still working on that one) If anyone says you can’t do it….. run from them because they don’t know you!! Surround yourself with Loving Supportive people. They are out there. YOU DESERVE TO BE HAPPY! I never knew that. I never learned to Love myself either. (I’m still learning how to do that. But I like it!!)
My advice to everyone, no matter your age: Find what brings you Joy, what makes you Happy and THAT’S what you’re supposed to do. Figure out a way to do that. You’re life will be much Happier and more Rewarding.
If you could have me ask you any question what would it be and how would you answer?
Hmm. That alone is a good question! Lol.
I think “What is the meaning of your life?”
I believe my meaning, my purpose is to bring a Light into this world. I love to bring Happiness, Friendship, Loyalty, Dignity, Love, and Fun into people’s lives. I want to help change the world for the better.
Everyone is different, so what I can help them with varies. Some strangers on the street need a smile, to be recognized. (But that is rather difficult now with a mask on!) Others need to hear my story. Some need a shoulder to cry on. Yet others need me to make them laugh and forget their troubles. Or reminisce when I sing a song. Basically, I just need to be my Authentic Self. Love and appreciate my talents, my perfect health, my home, my city, trust my Inner Being and be grateful for my Spiritual maturity.
Are you working on any new projects to launch in the brave New World?
Eileen, that is exactly what its going to be. A Brave New World. We are mourning the death of life as we knew it. But it’s exciting. The rules have all been thrown out the window right now. It’s a time for change! Everyone has the opportunity now to look within themselves and find their True Passions. For people who always wanted to write, now you have the time! If you wanted to study Architecture, study it! Let’s start being True to Ourselves. Its makes for a much better world and existence!
1. Firstly, Eileen, thank you again for this interview. I really appreciate it and love and adore you.
2. As I mentioned before, AMERICAN MOVIE NIGHT will be showing “JUNK” for people across the country to watch it together. Follow me, TymMoss on all social media. I’ll be posting all the details as I get them.
3. I’m working on many other projects with UBC TV. Please sign up at https://ubctvnetworks.com/register/ There is so much happening there.
4. We are currently shopping the pilot season of THEALITY TV around. Its a reality show about the making of Theater…. Theality. Very funny and very entertaining. (So if you know anyone at Netflix, HULU, etc, let me know)
5. We will be shooting RED SKY for broadcast on UBC TV. It is an amazing musical of political theater. My role in it is incredible. Another role of a lifetime (“JUNK” was my first!) This incredible piece was written by Cheryl Paley (also directing) and Chuk Obasi.
6. I was scheduled to be performing my critically acclaimed Cabaret show in June. But we may just air it on UBC. Again, follow me on social media for details of all my projects or go to my website https://www.TymMoss.com
I am so grateful for all these wonderful projects I have the honor of working on.
And I’m so grateful for you, Eileen Shapiro! Thank you
Photos by Billy Hess & Jose Ramon Photography