Inspiration and Moxey: New Mexico Music Awards to fête the best in the state

May 19—Music flows through Michael Moxey's veins.

It's been a constant in his life — first as a disc jockey for years in Albuquerque and Austin, Texas, and as an actual musician.

Moxey has witnessed New Mexico music history within his career.

His latest project is called Secret Eagles, and it has given him the opportunity to get back to his alternative rock roots.

"I grew up with this genre of music," Moxey says. "I love it and I'm excited that I get a chance to play."

Moxey began Secret Eagles in 2023.

He's been working to build up the outfit's profile.

"The hard part about the project is that you have to rebuild the base of people that don't know you," he says. "People know my name from being a disc jockey and the other music I've done. It's like starting from scratch."

Secret Eagles released its debut album and was nominated in three categories at the New Mexico Music Awards, which are being held on Sunday, May 19, at Sandia Resort & Casino.

According to organizers, this year's awards program received over 750 entries in over 40 categories from across New Mexico. It is also marking its 37th year.

Secret Eagles is nominated for Best Rock Album, Best Indie Song for "Arroyo Summer," and Best Comedy/Novelty Song for "Sexy Indifference."

Prior to the pandemic, Moxey was swimming in the alternative country world.

Though he performs in different genres of music, the root of his music is based in the lyrics and telling a story.

"There's a lot of different ways songs come together," Moxey says. "I'll take something old that I had written some lyrics on and kind of repurpose it. Then inspiration will also hit when I least expect it. Like when I am reading a book or talking to a friend. It will trigger something and I immediately put it in my phone."

Creating music is just one facet of Moxey's vision.

During the entire process, he likes to create how the visual would look as it would accompany the song.

"I'm always thinking of ideas for a song, a video or a poster," he says. "That's usually a springboard into the rest of the process. The visual helps in bringing everything to life."

The self-titled album is 10 songs.

"There was a quirkiness to the songs and it took awhile to get to that," he says.

Recording started in December with Matt Tobias and Jeff Wilson. Production was done at Empty House Studios.

"They are both so supportive and so talented," he says. "When I say it's my music, I mean that each one of them had input on how to get it to where it's at on the album. They both will be joining me for live performances."

Since 2011, Moxey has been the director of communications and government advocacy for the New Mexico Dental Association.

His daily job consists of coordinating with the American Dental Association on policy decisions and legislative directives that represent the interests of its 600 member dentists, as well as managing media relations to strengthen the identity of the NMDA as the trusted voice of oral health.

Moxey enjoys his job and feels blessed to be able to balance it with his music life.

"I bought my first guitar in 1987, and it's the guitar I still play the most," he says. "I've always been about getting the word out to people. Whether it's through music, the radio or media relations, I've always put myself out there. Secret Eagles represents my roots and where I'm at in my life."