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Photo credit: Isaiah Mays
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In the world of music, the guitar has often been viewed as a symbol of rebellion, freedom, and raw expression. Yet historically, the instrument has been dominated by male figures, with female guitarists frequently pushed to the margins. Malina Moye stands as a bold counterpoint to that narrative, proving that empowerment is not only about mastering the instrument—it’s about reshaping the culture around it.
Breaking Barriers with Sound and Style
Moye is a left-handed guitarist who defies convention by playing her guitar upside down, a technique that naturally invites comparisons to Jimi Hendrix. But she is far from an imitator. By blending rock, funk, blues, and soul into a cohesive and distinct sound, she asserts her own space in a male-heavy genre. Each riff, groove, and solo carries a message: women belong at the forefront of the guitar conversation, not just as supporting acts but as leaders of the movement.
Her stage presence further amplifies her message of empowerment. Moye embraces her individuality unapologetically, pairing fiery performances with a bold, fashion-forward aesthetic. By doing so, she challenges outdated stereotypes of what a “serious” guitarist should look like, embodying the idea that self-expression and technical mastery are not mutually exclusive but deeply intertwined.
Using Her Platform Beyond the Stage
What makes Malina Moye’s journey especially powerful is her commitment to using her visibility as a platform for others. As the founder of DriveHope.org, she focuses on positive storytelling as a means to inspire and uplift people from diverse backgrounds. Through this initiative, she encourages individuals to see challenges not as barriers but as opportunities to rise above and succeed.
Moye’s advocacy extends into her artistry as well. Songs like those featured on her Billboard-charted albums weave narratives of resilience, independence, and authenticity—core themes in the empowerment journey. In her hands, the guitar becomes more than an instrument; it becomes a megaphone for change, encouraging women to embrace their power, individuality, and creative voices.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Representation matters. When young women see Malina Moye commanding global stages, headlining festivals, and standing shoulder to shoulder with industry legends like Bootsy Collins and ZZ Top, they see possibility. Her presence sends a powerful message: the guitar is not gendered, nor is success in music. What matters is vision, discipline, and the courage to stand tall in your truth. Moye consistently urges women and girls to break free from limiting narratives. By living out her philosophy—bold, unapologetic, and empowered—she opens doors for others to walk
through. Her career is not only about personal success but about sparking a ripple effect, ensuring that the next generation of female musicians and creatives see themselves not as exceptions, but as part of a thriving legacy.
ABOUT MALINA MOYE
Her critically acclaimed albums, including Diamonds & Guitars and Bad As I Wanna Be, showcase her ability to fuse searing guitar riffs with soulful vocals and funk-driven grooves, earning her a place on the Billboard charts. Moye has performed at major festivals and venues around the world, sharing stages with artists such as Bootsy Collins, ZZ Top, and Robin Thicke. Beyond her music, she is the founder of DriveHope.org, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people through positive storytelling. With her bold artistry, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to inspiring others, Malina Moye continues to redefine what it means to be a modern guitarist and cultural force.
Second take
At Guitar Thrills Magazine, we believe that Malina Moye represents more than just artistic talent—she embodies resilience, innovation, and empowerment. Her ability to command the stage with unapologetic individuality sends a powerful message to women everywhere: the guitar belongs to anyone bold enough to pick it up and play it with conviction.
Malina is not simply breaking barriers—she is redefining them. Her fusion of rock, funk, and soul proves that creativity thrives when artists refuse to be confined by expectation. More importantly, her commitment to advocacy through initiatives like DriveHope.org highlights a truth we hold dear: music is not only about entertainment, but also about influence, mentorship, and change.
In our view, Malina Moye stands as one of the most important voices of modern guitar culture. She inspires us, and she inspires our readers, to see the guitar not as an instrument of limitation, but as a vehicle for empowerment and possibility.
INTERVIEW WITH MALINA MOYE AND GUITAR THRILLS MAGAZINE
Guitar Thrills: You’re known for blending rock, funk, soul, and blues into a sound that is uniquely yours. How did you develop this fusion, and what influences shaped your style?
Malina: I grew up with a healthy pallet of music. My parents are musicians and they always played all styles of music from Santana, Graham Central Station, Prince, Sly and the Family Stone, The Jacksons, Clapton, Aretha, Tina. Everything. Queen…you name it. I think it’s in my DNA and growing up in Ohio and Minneapolis. We love a good gumbo of stuff.
Guitar Thrills: As one of the few left-handed guitarists who plays upside down, how has that technique influenced your musical voice and stage presence?
Malina: I think lefties can do pretty much what righties do. We just have to reconfigure a few things (lol). The chord structure will definitely be backwards. I like to think the rhythm is going to be solid because we have the strings backwards and there’s a bite. Certain strokes are going to just hit different. I think solos are going to have a whole other feel automatically. Afterall, I’m bending down to raise a note. It’s also what makes the guitar fun. You got to keep trying new things. I what Eddie Van Halen once said, “if its sounds right its right.” I think innovation is key especially when you have to figure out different voicings.
Guitar Thrills: Your albums have made their way onto the Billboard charts, yet your mission often seems to go beyond commercial success. What does personal fulfillment look like to you as an artist?
Malina: I love music and I love to create. I’m very fortunate to have Billboard charting success and am grateful to my team as I always look for ways to challenge myself, the music, the listeners, and the industry. Personally, when I finish a project and turn it in, I think that’s success. I can’t control how it’s going to be received. I always hope people like it, but if I’ve grown and tried different things, I think that’s success anything above that is amazing.
Guitar Thrills: Female empowerment is a central theme in your career. How do you use your platform to inspire women and girls to pursue music and embrace their individuality?
Malina: I think sometimes just showing up conveys to everyone a certain empowerment. I’m glad my efforts are landing somewhere and perhaps others, especially women, feel compelled to be all they can be. That’s the goal for anyone. I like to think if you are a good friend you will hope to inspire and encourage your friend to get out there and make it happen. Whatever that may be.
Guitar Thrills: Through DriveHope.org, you’ve built a movement around positive storytelling. Can you share a moment where you saw its impact firsthand?
Malina: Yes! Every day I always find it’s the simplest things, for example showing up sharing your personal story, listening and understanding. I love when people come up and tell me they were going through something bad and my song Enough made them feel like they could go on and survive whatever is happening in their life. That’s what music is supposed to do. It’s magical.
Guitar Thrills: Many young players still feel the guitar world is male dominated. What advice would you give to a young woman picking up the guitar today?
Malina: Anything you do is going to be hard. Find people who are like minded. Find players that are better than you—male or female, and learn. It’s also important to strengthen your mind and your spirit. This is a hard business but so many things are happening and woman are finally enjoying some of that spotlight. It’s getting better every day. We all play a part in making history and leaving the guitar culture better than we found it. I’m counting on you. The world is waiting for your magic.
Guitar Thrills: You’ve shared the stage with legends like Bootsy Collins and ZZ Top. What have those collaborations taught you about longevity and reinvention in music?
Malina: Have fun, and stay curious. Each of the legends you mentioned seem to find the good in every player. They really respect and allow you to see and feel your importance as a person and an artist. When you stay curious, you keep growing and reinventing yourself, your sound, and the world around you.
Guitar Thrills: Your stage persona is bold, stylish, and unapologetic. How do fashion and self-expression tie into your artistry and message of empowerment?
Malina: I’ve always been the person who has walked to the beat of my own drum so I think that naturally shows in my work. The choices I make in my fashion and my life are all mine. I look at fashion as another form of creativity—an extension of what I am are projecting. I think that type of attitude gives others permission to do whatever the “F” they want. Life is about choices and remember, if you don’t like the way the story is going, you can always start again. Never forget that.
Guitar Thrills: Looking at the state of modern guitar culture, do you feel we’re moving toward more diversity and inclusivity, or is there still a long way to go?
Malina: Yes, it’s absolutely incredible. We have come a long way from 10 years ago. We need to keep it coming. I’m going to encourage everyone to participate in guitar culture rather you are a teacher, a player, a listener or a hater. I say hater because, hey, they are talking about it too and keeping it relevant. We need everyone to see it and continue to bring awareness to this thriving culture. In my opinion that’s how real change happens. It’s the good, the bad, and the ugly. I’m so proud to be a part of it all. It’s fun and the instrument deserves to be played by anyone who desires to do so.
Guitar Thrills: What’s next for Malina Moye—musically, personally, or philanthropically—that your fans should be excited about?
Malina: I have a new album coming next year, a movie, a documentary and another tour. Lots of great things coming and some new partnerships I can’t wait to talk about. 2026 is going to be ICONIC. Drive Hope has a bunch of cool outreach programs that will be announced. Stay tuned!
Malina Moye: Harnessing Music as a Force for Female Empowerment
Conclusion
Malina Moye’s impact is measured not only by her music, but also by the empowerment she brings to those who watch, listen, and follow her journey. Through her artistry, entrepreneurship, and activism, she demonstrates that empowerment is an active choice—one that can be strummed into existence, shared across communities, and lived unapologetically.
Her guitar may be played upside down, but her mission is crystal clear: to turn the world right-side up for women who dare to dream.
“Malina Moye reminds us that empowerment isn’t just heard in her music—it’s felt in the way she carries the torch for women everywhere.”
— Guitar Thrills Magazine
