Friday: Music post: Make Moon

Alright, because I missed a couple days in the middle of the week, I am making it up to you with not one, but two music posts today! Okay, maybe that was a bit ambitious, but hey! I did post my rad new shirts!

As I wrote this (Because I wrote it late Wednesday night, actually) Yours Truly enjoyed one of her best imbibe-able creations yet: Trader Joe's blood orange soda mixed with the Two Buck Chuck Merlot - a little more soda than wine, serve in a wine glass with ice, and add a slice of fruit if available (Something orange or yellow-colored). I suppose it was my version of a - as a friend put it - "Recession Sangria."

A good friend of mine offered some reassurance recently, telling me that in the midst of some trying times, she read through my blog, meditated, and felt better. I'm not trying to brag, I'm just saying that it's nice to know that my blog can have a positive effect on someone. I strive to make this a positive place, because in my experience, positivity is far more useful in our lives. So I'm glad that I could help!

So keeping in that vein, I'd like to talk about a band that I've had the pleasure to become acquainted with recently. They are called Make Moon and I first encountered them at a VOICEsVOICEs show at Mr T's Bowl a couple months ago. I think I handed their manager, Carlos, a flier for another show, and contact was made. Unfortunately, they were forced to cancel their spot at the Silverlake Lounge on Monday, however, I met with Carlos and among all the things we discussed, we talked about Make Moon. Since the band is currently refocusing their attention, I figured now was the ideal time to profile them here. They are, as they love to say it, "good people," and here at HappyLand, good people are celebrated.

In fact, Make Moon is such a chill, easygoing band, that I was completely unaware just how accomplished they already are since their formation in late 2007 (Right around the time HappyLand was established). Its initial members were childhood friends Drew Morgan - who provides vocals - and Tyler Ellis, the band's bass guitarist. Drew then ran into Eric Scullin at a show featuring their respective bands, and upon meeting again at a cafe, Scullin joined as a vocalist, guitarist, and pianist. Kevin Bleitz was introduced to the band at a party, and after becoming a fan, and then briefly their manager, he auditioned to be Make Moon's drummer.

Since then, the Newport Beach based band has formed a somewhat cultish fanbase through their sophisticated, well-developed sound and truly enchanting live shows, which often feature visual performances from artists Erica Gibson and Brian Brinkerhoff, and occasional musical guest appearances by Ryan Sorenson. After playing film festivals, house parties, college campuses, art-houses, underground warehouse parties, and more mainstream venues such as the Troubadour in Hollywood and even an appearance on FOX Australia, Make Moon took themselves on a self-booked, self-funded UK tour. Shows at the Dublin Castle and Barfly in Camden earned them international fans, including friendships with notable figures in the local scene.

In addition to an upcoming full length album, Make Moon can also boast a series of live recording sessions beginning in January 2008. The songs, recorded in a 2,400 square foot metal hangar, include the sort of world ambiance that most production would try to remove. But it's these elements - such as falling rain, sirens, and passing trains - that sets Make Moon apart in their pursuit of a textured, melodic, and visceral experience that is simultaneously real and surreal.

These tracks were passed around on a demo under a couple trial names until the group settled on Make Moon, and in June 2009, the freshly christened band released a five song EP in the UK simply entitled EP. EP was distributed through makemoonrecords.com, iTunes, roughtraderecords.com, and Rough Trade Records' two London locations, and supported with their London tour.

Carlos was kind enough to send me a copy of EP, and indeed, the record is delightfully dark, velvety, and burgundy - the perfect autumn wine to accompany these brooding winter days. When I saw them at Mr T's Bowl, I was unexpectedly struck by their rich sound, and easily immersed in the Make Moon world.

So settle in with a warm cup of tea on a grey LA day and take a trip with Make Moon.

Photo by Damion D

Wine And Grapes - Make Moon