Moonchild are LA-based multi-instrumentalists; Amber Navran, Max Bryk, and Andris Mattson who are known for their candid musical style, pioneered by a unique blend of soul and new-school jazz. Signing to Tru Thoughts in 2015, Moonchild officially released their second widely-praised album ‘Please Rewind’ (2015), which marked a new level of maturity in the band’s sound. Ahead of dropping their third full-length LP ‘Voyager’ (2017), the group put their rework skills to the test, releasing a DJ Jazzy Jeff & James Poyser remix of “The Truth” – the third single from the ‘Please Rewind’ (2017) project.
In the words of the band, Moonchild ‘create music for the soul’. Since 2014 the band have been propelled into a swirling, emotionally charged journey of the heart, exploring the intricacies of relationships with emotional nuance, and cementing themselves into the vibrant LA soul scene with their dreamlike and ethereal compositions.
In ‘Voyager’ (2017), Moonchild build on their trademark style, adding a harpist and string selection to their usual line-up, fronted by the standout debut single “Cure”. Recorded in a series of sessions in a cabin at Lake Arrowhead, California, Amber adds to the title background; “Voyager is also the name of the satellite that has music on it – which is cool”.
Enriching standout motifs throughout; from the importance of making time for loved ones to the feeling of waking up in the middle of the night and missing someone, and to the deep bonds shared between mother and child – the LP encompasses a versatility of thematic songwriting. The retro-inspired, colourful and playful video for “The List” – one of the lead singles from ‘Voyager’, has impressively accumulated millions of plays.
Citing the likes of D’Angelo, Hiatus Kaiyote and J. Most as key influences that have played a pivotal role in expanding the group’s musical horizons, the band’s sonic capabilities are endless. Collaborating and playing with many highly-respected names in the soul-jazz scene; Jill Scott, India Arie, Leela James, The Internet (Odd Future’s Syd), Kamasi Washington and many more, Moonchild’s musical repertoire has the highest seal of approval.
The group have attracted support from international tastemakers including the likes of Gilles Peterson (BBC 6Music), WHUR-DC, KCRW, BBC1 XTRA, NTS and LA 102.3, and earned praise from a host of iconic artists including Robert Glasper, Laura Mvula, James Poyer, Jazzy Jeff, Jose James, Tyler, The Creator, Saint Heron – and the legendary Stevie Wonder, all who have showed love for the band. In 2014 the Motown-label-hero swept Moonchild off their feet with an incredible offer. DJ Kevin Nash, from Stevie Wonders radio station L.A. 102.3 KJLH, called up the band offering them the chance to open for Wonder in just 24 hours. Wonder later told the group that he had heard their music just the day before and loved it so much that he ordered the radio station to invite them down as performers for his House Full of Toys Benefit Concert – the ultimate honour.
The group boast press coverage from across the media landscape, including; DJ Mag, The Evening Standard, The Fader, Bandcamp (featured as a top 100 album of 2017), LA Weekly, NPR, Jazz FM, Okayplayer – to name a few. Effortlessly cracking the LA scene, Moonchild’s sound epitomises the LA mix of intricate, progressive musicality with the classic laid-back and blissful sound that has been famously associated with the West Coast legacy across the decades. Andris affirms – “There’s so much good music coming out of LA right now, a real creative energy surrounding the city”.
Releasing the slick down-tempo electronica single “Get To Know It” in 2018, Moonchild have toured extensively across the N. America, East Asia, and Europe – including a sold-out headline slot at London’s prolific Jazz Café, and a captivating performance for underground-powerhouse Boiler Room. Expect the LA trio, with their superb musicianship and enchanting sound to come to a city near you soon.
Moonchild perform at Boiler Room!