The Moons
Early days
In early 2006 solo artist Andy Crofts had built up a collection of demos, created a simple Myspace account (under band name ‘The Moons’) and uploaded a few songs to gain feedback. Within days Lois Wilson of Mojo magazine had praised Croft’s song “Intermission Rag” a (Joe Meek esque instrumental) in Mojomagazine. Crofts decided to form The Moons soon after, inviting various musicians and friends to play. The first recorded demo was The Lunar Sessions, with Danny Connors on drums. Crofts released the song “Don’t Go Changin” on his own label, Colorama Records, on a limited white 7” vinyl. Live performances followed with the help of friends, but Crofts soon assembled a regular line-up with Ben Gordelier (drums), Adam Leeds (bass) and Chris Ketley (guitar).
Life On Earth (2010)
The Moons recorded their debut album Life On Earth (released on Acid Jazz Records, March 2010) in Paul Weller’s studio. The album featured new versions of the Lunar Session tracks, and the official first single “Torn Between Two” – a slow psych groover with fuzz galore. Paul Weller, a new appreciator of Crofts work, played piano on the track “Wondering” , lead guitar on “Last Night On Earth” and the opening track, “Don’t Go Changing”, The Moons toured extensively, playing headline shows and supporting many acts including 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. 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 2010. The Moons spent the rest of the year demo-ing new song towards their second album with Edwyn Collins and Seb Lewsley at Westheath Yard studios, London.
2011
While taking time out to record their second album with Edwyn Collins, The Moons returned to the live circuit in 2011 with new album material at The Gibson Lounge London, part of the MERC Live gig series in conjunction with Gibson Guitars and Clash Magazine.
The Moons were featured as part of the Channel 4 series ‘Chosen’ by The Stone Roses’ Mani to pay tribute to The Smiths, where they performed cover versions of The Smiths songs along with Kid British, Little Barrie and Tom Clarke of The Enemy. The band performed “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out” at Manchester’s Band On The Wall venue on May 12, 2011. In October they supported Beady Eye on their European Tour.
2012
Chief songwriter Andy took The Moons into the studio to complete the mixing of the second album “Fables Of History” where he met new keyboard player Tom Van Heel who was working in the studio.
The album was mixed and produced over two weeks by known producer Jan ‘Stan’ Kybert who in the past had worked with Oasis, Massive Attack, The Rifles and Paul Weller’s 2012 No1 album Sonik Kicks. The album was mastered by Howie Weinberg in LA .
Crofts and band decided to part ways with Acid Jazz, seeking a new home, and signed a one-album deal with East London label Schnitzel Record. The first single to come from the new album would be “Double Vision Love” and “English Summer” on limited 7″. In May 2012, The Moons supported Beady Eye on their only headline show of the year at Warrington Parr Hall, as warm up to The Stone Roses support. In May Jack Wills clothing company used The Moons song “English Summer” (taken from the Double Vision Love single B side) for their 2012 Summer Holiday fashion campaign. The song has already become the summer anthem for many fans of The Moons. The second album Fables of History was released on 24 September 2012 with a limited white vinyl and two collectors album covers.
The second single to come from the album was “Jennifer (Sits Alone)”. The single became part 2 of the collector’s vinyl accompanied with a music video in an old London library featuring Jennie Watson. The band went through another transition after James and Tom left The Moons to form Temples. Crofts recruited friends Ben Curtis former bass player of The Sand Band from Liverpool and local guitarist Chris Watson to complete the new
Moons line up with himself and Tom. The final single to come from the album late in 2012 was the song “Something Soon”. The track featured Paul Weller on vocals and completed the trilogy of collector’s singles. The striking music video also featured, the new line up, Paul Weller and became a hot favourite for Moons fans and the indie scene.
Present
The Moons returned to Paul Weller’s studio to record their latest album ‘Mindwaves’, which will be released on Schnitzel Records on 21st of July 2014. The first single from the album ‘Heart and Soul’ released on the 31st March, with accompanying video – shot at Islington’s ‘Screen On The Green’ by Joe Conner, has already been met with acclaim. Second Single ‘Body Snatcher’s due for release at the 23rd of June 2014.
Mindwaves is a rich sounding, 21st century, psychedelic space odyssey, it’s full of well-crafted songs and infectious rhythms, steeped in love and destruction, peace and paranoia. Classic pop melodies brim with tight harmonies and layered guitars resulting in a rich and varied collection of music.