As much as you think it might be an easy task, it’s not always that simple to showcase new, up-and-coming artists. We mean, usually when it comes to these things if you aren’t familiar with the artist’s name, what’s going to make you click on our story versus the 101 Best Ways To Make Your Goth Holiday Decorations Better Than Your Neighbor’s? Yeah, not always that simple.
However, putting all doubts aside, we’re going to do our best to start highlighting emerging bands we believe in. Bands that stand out against the tiring monotony of our music scene. You know, bands like emerging New York trio Moonfall.
With only two EPs released thus far, the pop-influenced outfit is slowly but surely putting their name on the map with infectious tracks like their Fall Out Boy-sounding single “Lost” and their progressive rock jam “Devon.”
Now, doing our best to get to know vocalist/guitarist Matthew Howl, bassist Mei Moor, and drummer Andrew Chow, we reached out to the talented three-piece to find out how they formed as a band and see what influenced them to pursue their distinct style of music.
To check out our chat and discover your next obsession, be sure to see below. Afterwards, for more from the band, head here.
Where did you grow up? And was there a music scene where you grew up?
Mei: I grew up on the moon.
Matthew: I grew up in many different places, but the answer would still be no. I think all of us started heavily listening to music when we were really young, but when I started playing it was mostly on my own with an acoustic guitar. I traveled a lot so that’s the closest thing to a “scene” I could be a part of.
Andrew: When I was growing up I was listening to a lot of music, but I didn’t become involved in the music scene until later on in my life.
What were you and/or your bandmates doing before your band formed? Jobs? School?
Matthew: Before the band formed I spent a lot of time planning to form a band. Moonfall is the first band I’ve been a part of, it was really important that I find the right people to go on this journey with. Other than that I was mostly wandering around different places. I’ve been lucky enough to be able to work in nature and around animals a lot, as well as some interesting people along the way.
Mei: I actually served in the military for a few years. I also always loved the arts and all its aspects, and I used to write since high school.
Andrew: I was still in college when the band formed.
Who or what influenced you to start playing music?
Matthew: Music kind of interlaces itself into your life. You associate different songs with different moments or places, and what you listen to becomes the soundtrack to what you go through. I always knew it’s a very powerful thing, but I think the thing that made me want to start playing was seeing how it brings people together. When a crowd sings together, they’re connected. There’s this peaceful understanding between everybody, when they’re a part of something bigger together. Watching my favorite artists play these huge stadiums and how it lets the people experiencing it see things clearly and simply, even for just a few moments, was an amazing thing.
Andrew: All the artists that I listen to inspired me in some way shape or form, but I think seeing their live performances is what really inspired me to become a musician myself.
Mei: Matt was the one that influenced my connection with music. He was playing guitar and composing for about a year when he suddenly said to me - “Want to try bass?” I went to a store and picked one up. It was love at first sight (or sound, actually). We’ve been playing together ever since and I’ve never looked back. I was also very inspired by a band called the Gazette, their energy and songs ignite my imagination every time.
How do you feel about the digital age? Do you feel it’s helped or hurt musicians?
Matthew: Both and neither. Being able to easily share your music with the world gives a lot more people the hope and motivation they need to create. Making things yourself is important, no matter in what capacity. Creating means bringing something forth that only someone who’s been through the things you’ve been through can.
Mei: I’m more of an old-school kind of girl. But progress is a natural thing and we should embrace it.
FMK (F**k, Marry, Kill): Facebook, Twitter, Instagram?
Mei: Isn’t Twitter already dead?
Andrew: I would run away with Snapchat.
What have you learned since being in the music industry?
Matthew: I think a lot of people hear stories and become scared of it. Anything called an “industry” might have this effect on you. It can be a little rough, but as long as you know who you are and what you’re trying to do and become, there’s really not that much power to anything else around you.
Andrew: It wasn’t so much a learning experience as it was a reaffirmation of what I thought it was.
Are there any recent releases or performances that have inspired you?
Andrew: Animals As Leaders. Their skills as musicians are otherworldly.
If you could have one of your songs be on a TV show or movie of your choice what would it be?
Matthew: It hasn’t been made yet.
Mei and Andrew: An Anime.
What would you like to be remembered for? Musically or not.
Matthew: You’ll see.
Andrew: What he said.
Mei: For inspiring.
If you could be a fly on the wall for any artist during their writing sessions who would it be?
Mei: Someone who’s known to be merciful to insects.
Andrew: Probably Nocturnal Bloodlust.
Three bands or artists that would be your dream to tour with?
Andrew: Linkin Park, the Gazette and One Ok Rock.
Mei: One Ok Rock, One Ok Rock and One Ok Rock.
Matthew: Twenty One Pilots would be nice as well.
The best thing currently on YouTube is?
Mei: Our new music video for “Empty Cage”.
Andrew: theRadBrad, thank you very much.
Matthew: Who am I to say.
Best piece of advice anyone has given you?
Andrew: “It’s not who gets there first, it’s who goes the farthest.” - From Matthew.
Matthew: “Always tell them to toast the bun.” - From Andrew.
Mei: “Eat the last cookie.” - From me to myself.
