Mo Safren

Homegrown musical artistry claimed center stage in the bright lights at the historic State Theatre Saturday night for the sold-out finals of Culpeper Has Talent.

Accomplished vocalist-pianist Mo Safren won the $1,000 top prize with his sultry performance of an original love song followed by a timeless blues cover.

The 2009 Eastern View High School graduate in a suit and tie presented his act second during the three-hour show that featured a fun-loving and loyal local audience and a variety of live music in a professionally produced setting.


A Shenandoah Music Conservatory graduate living and recording in Richmond, Safren brought the sexy with his suggestive original, “Sleep with You,” eliciting catcalls with a lovely practiced performance showcasing true potential.

“All I want to do is sleep with you,” he crooned before launching into a melancholy version of Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.” Safren dedicated the song to an uncle who recently tragically passed. The tune was his uncle’s favorite.

The three Culpeper Has Talent judges were clearly impressed with the performance.

“Wow,” said artist Sonja Wise. “For a few seconds there, I forgot where I was.”

Baby Jim’s Snack Bar owner Collis Jenkins, chairman of the State Theatre Programming Committee, told Safren, “Tonight, you had the night of your life.”

DJ Marvelous, meanwhile, remarked that the 20-something aspiring artist certainly “looks the part” and has the talent to match.

“You can feel everything this dude is talking about,” the local radio personality said, adding of the Otis Redding cover that Safren “did justice to a great, great song.” - Culpeper Star Exponent

Who: Mo Safren is a singer-songwriter based in California.

About The Track: 'Bagels and Coffee' is the second single released from Mo's upcoming album, 'Decent Rhythm', set for release on March 18, 2016. The track is easy listening, popular song writing, with a jazzy piano rhythm and sincere, passionate vocals.

The Artist Explains: "The video was filmed in Downtown LA and produced by Billy Hayes. The video complements the song very well. It basically tells the story of the song. It's soft and sweet. The lighting was key. All lighting was natural and gives off a genuine vibe. During filming was the first time I met the actress. At first things were a little awkward but then we got more comfortable and ended up having a little chemistry. The touching and kissing was all very genuine. We pretty much just wanted the video to tell the story of the song. Everything came together in the end: The lighting, the loft, the actress, the energy, the authenticity.
The video is trying to convey what the story the song is telling. I have a girl and I love to treat her right. I like to make her feel good by waking her up to bagels and coffee. Even though she gets a little reckless at the party, she looks good doing it and I can't help but to love her." - Mo Safren.

Feature by Karla Harris - When the Horn Blows

Mo Safren shares new song "Whoever You Want". The Virginia based artist got his start in music after entering and ultimately winning "Culpeper's Got Talent". His style in music is unique and different and we thought it would be cool to share with you today. There's not a lot of info on the internet about the artist but we've tagged his Soundcloud for you to check out and enjoy. - Gems & Secrets