| The Moons | |
|---|---|
UK band The Moons |
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| Background information | |
| Origin | Midlands, England |
| Genres | Alternative Indie Space pop Psychedelia garage |
| Years active | 2007–present |
| Labels | Acid Jazz Records (2009–2010) |
| Associated acts | Paul Weller |
| Website | http://www.themoons.co.uk |
| Members | |
| Andy Crofts Ben Gordelier James Edward Bagshaw Tom Warmsley Tom Van Heel |
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| Past members | |
| Chris Ketley Adam Leeds |
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The Moons are a British indie rock band who formed in Northampton in 2007 and comprise singer/guitarist/songwriter Andy Crofts, drummer Ben Gordelier, guitarist and backing vocalist James Edward Bagshaw, bassist Adam Leeds and keyboardist Tom Warmsley.[1][2] The Moons currently have one studio album released on Acid Jazz Records called Life On Earth.
Contents |
At the end of 2006, Andy's former band The On Offs decided to go their separate ways. Shortly after this Andy and Ben worked together for the first time, recording bass and drums for ex On Offs frontman Danny Connors on one of his many albums. As a solo artist, Andy had built up a healthy collection of demos over The On Offs period, and in 2007 he made a Myspace page (under band name 'The Moons') and uploaded a few songs to gain feedback. Songs uploaded were: "English Summer", "Wondering", "Sleep Two Day", "Serve the Sun" and instrumental track "Intermission Rag". Within days Mojo magazine had picked up on Andy's songs and put "Intermission Rag" in their current top 10.
Andy eagerly headed to the studio to record an official batch of demos entitled The Lunar Sessions. All instruments on these recordings were played by Andy, except the drums, which were played by Danny Connors. Songs featured on The Lunar Sessions CD were: "Chinese Whispers", "Don't Go Changin", "Torn Between Two", "Let it go" and "Intermission Rag". Andy then released "Don't Go Changin" on his own label Colorama Records on a limited white 7" vinyl. The B side of the single was "Torn Between Two" which is the song that attracted attention from Eddie Piller at Acid Jazz Records. Andy started performing these songs live, with help from friends. Andy decided he wanted a full time line-up with members Ben Gordelier (Drums), Adam Leeds (Bass) and Chris Ketley (Guitar).[1][3]
Whilst preparing for Christmas The Moons recorded their debut album Life On Earth (released on Acid Jazz Records, Monday 15 March 2010) and was recorded in Paul Weller's studio. The album featured new versions of the Lunar Session tracks (except intermission rag, which was used as The Moons' intro song to their live shows). Life On Earth features Paul Weller playing piano on "Wondering" and lead guitar on "Last Night On Earth". The first track, "Don't Go Changing" was recorded at Dulcitone Studios with Lee Russell. The album was mixed and produced at Dulcitone by The Moons and Lee Russell. With new members James Edward Bagshaw on Guitar and Tom Warmsley on Hammond and Piano, The Moons toured extensively playing headline shows and supporting Ocean Colour Scene and The Rifles. Four tracks from Life On Earth were released as singles and the album made it into the top 30 of the Indie charts with amazing reviews all round.
In between shows and tours, The Moons played live Radio shows for the BBC with Janice Long and Mark Lamarr and played In-Store shows at Oxford Street HMV and Carnaby Street Merc Clothing. A highlight of the year was their support slot for Ocean Colour Scene at the Royal Albert Hall in October. The Moons spent the rest of the year demo-ing and recording their second album with Edwyn Collins and Seb Lewsley at Westheath Yard studios.
While taking time out to record their second album with Edwyn Collins, The Moons returned to the live circuit in 2011 with a showcase of new album material at The Gibson Lounge London, part of the MERC Live gig series in conjunction with Gibson Guitars and Clash Magazine .[4]
The Moons were featured as part of the Channel 4 JD Set Chosen by The Stone Roses' Mani to pay tribute to The Smiths, The Moons performed cover versions of The Smiths songs along Kid British, Little Barrie and Tom Clarke. The band performed There Is A Light That Will Never Go Out at Manchester's Band On The Wall venue on May 12th 2011.
In June The Moons embarked on the Tales of The Unexpected UK tour to promote songs from their forthcoming album. The tour ended with a sell-out gig at The Borderline, London.
On June 22 and 23 The Moons supported The Coral at two exclusive gigs in the run up to their Glastonbury 2011 appearance.
In October they supported Beady Eye on their European Tour.