The Moons

The Moons
The Moons backstage at Bush Hall London
Background information
Origin	Northampton, England
Genres	Alternative Indie Space pop Psychedelia Garage
Years active	2008–present
Labels	Schnitzel Records Ltd. 2012 - present. Acid Jazz Records (2009–2010)
Associated acts	The On Offs, The Sand Band, Paul Weller, Temples,
Website	http://www.themoons.co.uk
Members	Andy Crofts Ben Gordelier Chris Watson Ben Curtis Tom Van Heel
Past members	Chris Ketley Adam Leeds James Edward Bagshaw Thomas Walmsley Adam Macleod Luke Goddard

The Moons are an English indie rock band formed in Northampton 2008 by singer/guitarist/songwriter Andy Crofts. The Moons have released three studio albums; "Mindwaves" (2014) and "Fables of History" (2012) on Schnitzel Records Ltd, and the debut Life On Earth on Acid Jazz Records in 2010.

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 Lois Wilson of Mojo magazine had praised Croft's song "Intermission Rag" a (Joe Meek esq instrumental) in Mojo magazine. Crofts decided to form The Moons soon after inviting various musicians such as The On Offs drummer Luke Goddard and friends to play when needed.

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. Chris and Adam eventually moved on from the band and James Bagshaw and Tom Warmsley had joined the band on guitar and keys completing the new line up.

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 release was "Torn Between Two". A slow psych groover and fuzz galore.Paul Weller played piano on the track "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 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. 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. 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, London.