Interview by John Potter
Although pop music superstar Moby has sold more than 15 million records, had his 1999 smash Play listed as one of Rolling Stone magazine’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time,” and generally found worldwide success, he has never quite fit into the typical boxes of celebrity. For this former punk-rocker turned underground electronic music phenomenon, being up front about his ideals isn’t a problem – even when they’re diametrically opposed to those typically seen from the rich and famous.
+ Listen online to part one of the Moby interview
+ Download part one of the Moby interview (mp3)
Moby’s album liner notes (which cover everything from the Religious Right to veganism to global warming), and his outspokenness in venues ranging from the Grammys, MTV, and panel discussions on faith and politics, are a handful of examples of his willingness to “talk the challenging talk.” Given his success (Go: The Very Best of Moby is set to release later this month on Mute Records), Moby’s willingness to also walk the walk – evident in his ongoing commitment to simple living and so-called “Robin Hood-style philanthropy” – presents a unique representation of seeking, while in the spotlight, to follow Jesus – whom Moby sees as “essentially a homeless anarchist.”
On a windy September afternoon in New York City, Moby talked with Sojourners about the ways in which his faith and ideology affect his lifestyle, art, and activism. Sitting on the roof of his Little Italy apartment, he grappled with being a “clueless Christian,” how his thoughts and work have changed throughout his career, and seeking God’s will – even while being scared of it. What follows is the first in a series of exclusive podcasts featuring Moby on various topics, the first of which centers around his faith journey.
John Potter is executive scheduler at Sojourners/Call to Renewal.
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