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The Moons are a British indie rock band formed in Northampton 2008 by singer/guitarist/songwriter Andy Crofts. The Moons currently have one studio album released on Acid Jazz Records called Life On Earth and a brand new album "Fables of History" to be released by Schnitzel Records Ltd. in September 2012.

History

Early days (2006-2007)

At the end of 2006, Croft's former band The On Offs broke up. Shortly after this Crofts and Ben Gordelier worked together for the first time, recording bass and drums for former On Offs frontman and friend Danny Connors on one of his projects. As a solo artist, Crofts had built up a collection of demos during 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. Within days Mojo magazine had picked up on Croft's songs and put Joe Meek esq instrumental "Intermission Rag" in their current top 10. Crofts decided to form The Moons as a solo project inviting musicians and friends to play when needed.

The Lunar Sessions (2007-2008)

The first recorded demo was The Lunar Sessions, on which Crofts played all instruments except drums, which were played by Danny Connors. Crofts released the song "Don't Go Changin" on his own label, Colorama Records, on a limited white 7" vinyl. Live performances were done with the help of friends, but Crofts soon assembled a regular line-up with Ben Gordelier (drums), Adam Leeds (bass) and Chris Ketley (guitar). Good friend Chris went on to play for The Rakes and then Ellie Goulding

Life On Earth (Late 2008-09-10)

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. Weller played 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. 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. Though the album received great praise and earnt many fans, Crofts felt the album could have been musically better and less rushed. 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 song towards their second album with Edwyn Collins and Seb Lewsley at Westheath Yard studios.

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 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 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

File:Screen shot 2012-07-30 at 18.49.36.png

2012 started as a quite year for Crofts. Though he had been writing demos and recording songs, he had no shows lined up for The Moons. Instead he took The Moons into the studio to complete the mixing of the second album "Fables Of History". 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 Wellers 2012 No1 album Sonik Kicks. The album was mastered by Howie Weinberg in LA and soon returned to Crofts.

Crofts signed a new record deal with East London label Schnitzel Records Ltd., Insisting that the deal had to be done correctly, Crofts refused to sign the deal unless it was signed on a new moon 21st February. The deal was signed with Schnitzel Records Ltd. and plans for the album and singles were immediately in place. The first single to come from the new album was "Double Vision Love" and "English Summer" on limited 7" vinyl and download. The song Double Vision Love was written by fellow musician at the time James Bagshaw and was released on May 25th. English Summer was a simple observational song by Crofts and captured the essence of a typical day in Britain. Also in May The Moons supported Beady Eye on their only headline show if the year at Warrington Parr Hall as warm up the 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 single to come from the album is the grande "Jennifer (Sits Alone)". "A beautiful song for an outsider named Jennifer" says Crofts. The release of the single is 10th September making it part 2 of the collectors vinyls and also to be released on download.

The album "Fables Of History" is for release September 24th on Cd, Download and 12" limited Vinyl . The album features 12 original songs. Friend of Crofts, Paul Weller guests on the track "Something Soon" singing lead vocals with Crofts.

Track listing.

Be not me, Forever came today, Revolutionary lovers, Jennifer (sits alone), Double vision love, English summer, Something soon, It's taking over, Can you see me, Habit of a lifetime, Lights out, The first goodbyw,

The Moons head out on a 15 date tour of the UK to coincide with the new album release including instores at Rough Trade east and Pretty Green in Covent Garden London.

File:Screen shot 2012-07-30 at 18.48.57.png

Discography

Albums

• Life On Earth (2010)

"Fables Of History" (September 2012)

Singles

Don't Go Changin' / Torn Between Two (Self release on Colorama Records 2008)

Life On earth singles Acid Jazz Records (2010)

• Torn Between Two / Leaving Here
  
• Let It Go / It's Taking Over (demo)
  
• Nightmare Day / Wondering
  
• Everyday Heroes / Rear Window
  
  

Fables Of History singles Schnitzel Records Ltd. (2012)
'

• Double Vision Love / English Summer
  
• Jennifer (Sits Alone) / It's Too Late
  
  '

External links

• Official website

The Moons official Facebook page

References

1. ^ Banks, Vanessa. "Review // The Moons – Life On Earth". NOIZE. Retrieved 6 April 2010.
2. "Weekender Podcast Interview with The Moons". BBC. 2009-08-20. Retrieved 6 April 2010.
3. "New band: The Moons". Mod Culture. 2008-02-18. Retrieved 6 April 2010.
4. "Clash Magazine Review MERC LIVE". clash music.
5. http://thejdset.co.uk/music/bands/themoons.aspx
6. Kilby, Gemma (2010-03-15). "The Moons - Life On Earth". musicOMH. Retrieved 6 April 2010.

• British indie rock groups
• Musical groups established in 2007