Andy Crofts

Andy Crofts (born 23 March 1977) is an English musician, singer-songwriter and photographer. He came to prominence as a founding member of psychedelic indie rock band The Moons. As the group's main songwriter, Crofts is responsible for all of the songwriting and direction of The Moons studio albums 2010's Life on earth, 2012's Fables of history and 2014's Mindwaves. Crofts is also a photographer and made a full feature on the road documentary called One ^[1] and official music video "These City Streets" for musician Paul Weller.^[2]

Crofts is a full-time musician for UK solo artist Paul Weller formerly of The Jam and The Style Council. Crofts started as keyboard player for Paul before moving to bass guitar and is also a regular on all studio albums by Paul Weller since his 2010 album Wake Up the Nation.^[3][4]

Early life

Crofts was born an only child in São Paulo, Brazil. His mother, Jeanne Crofts, was working as a dancer in São Paulo for a Circus known as Circo Tihany.

Around the age of 14 or 15 a friend of Andy's found an acoustic guitar in a skip and they learned to play on it. Andy was inspired by this and helped ignite his love for music and start writing.^[5]

Music career

The Moons

Crofts started the foundations of The Moons in 2006 after splitting from the former band The On Offs. A collection of songs had gathered in that time which would later become Moons songs. In 2008 Crofts took songs to The Lodge Recording Studio in Northampton and knowing the owner Robert John Godfrey arranged so that he could use the studio and pay weekly as Crofts didn't have the funds. Crofts recorded 5 songs in which he played all instruments except drums. He named his time in the studio the Lunar sessions and it was these songs that caught the attention of Mojo magazine and promoters. His original home demos were initially sent to Paul Weller later securing his place in the PW band.^[6]

In 2010 The Moons released their debut album "Life on earth" ^[7][8] on Acid Jazz Records. Containing 12 original songs by Crofts including re-worked versions from the lunar sessions.

In 2014 Crofts wrote a new album called "Mindwaves" which he produced himself at Black Barn Studios in Working with help from The Moons drummer Ben Gordelier.^[9][10][11] Soon after The Moons recorded a live album from Bush Hall London. The album was limited to only 500 copies on vinyl and contained a selection of songs from all 3 studio albums.

Paul Weller

Crofts joined Paul Weller's band in March 2008 and headed straight out to tour the 22 Dreams album. Crofts had initially met Paul when supporting him in the former band The On Offs in 2006.

Crofts soon became a big contributor to Pauls studio albums featuring on everything since Wake up the nation. His studio efforts contain many instruments such as Bass guitar, Guitar, Keyboards, Synths and Vocals.^[12] Crofts has been known to arrange strings ^[13] and although not classically trained, claims to do it all by ear.

When Crofts joined the Weller band he was originally the keyboard player ^[14] but has since been moved to bass guitar on all live shows.

Producing

Crofts has been known to mix and produce songs for signed, and unsigned bands, as well as his own music. He has worked with Dutch artist Max Meser on a new album that has yet to be released.^[15]

Personal life

He currently lives in Worthing, West Sussex with his partner and model Tara Griffin. She is featured in the Paul Weller music video "These City Streets". The couple has one child.^[16]

References