When we caught up in cyberspace she said it would give her a bit of editorial freedom.
"Yes it's just me, my witty stage banter, and my guitar. It is fun and relaxing because I can go on about anything I like in between songs and not have my band behind me getting bored."
Moa recently won Best Female Solo Artist at the New Zealand Music Awards, an award which is familiar to her, but still has her eyes on another prize.
"[I'd like] the Silver Scroll, which is a songwriting award. Here's hoping."
Moa is already on the road, and says it's a nice low-key affair so far.
"I am on to week four out of seven. This tour is so easy. Mel Parsons is my support act and we get on so well, so it's like a holiday with friends."
Moa's music moves between sombre and upbeat. She says she likes to keep an open mind on where her music takes her.
"I haven't a clue where I am headed for musically, maybe more country or a great simple reggae band is on the horizon."
Moa is well known for off-the-cuff comedic jibes, aimed mainly at herself, so has she thought of doing a comedy routine?
"I never intend to be funny but it is the nervous energy I have on stage; I am so scared of being on stage. It's the greatest risk I take, doing it every night. I would never do a stand-up set because when I try to be funny I am just plain not."
After this she's planning to ease into summer. "[I'm going] camping with the whanau for two weeks up north."
She says people can expect an entertaining gig: "To laugh, cry. you may even get asked to come up and sing. Please don't turn up drunk, though, or I will belittle you in front of your friends".
•SEE HER
In Otago, Anika Moa plays the following:
> Thursday, November 25: Chicks, in Port Chalmers.
> Saturday, November 27: The Winehouse, Gibbston.
> Thursday, December 2: Oamaru, Penguin Club.
