AMPED – ABBEY MOON | NORTHERN EXPOSURE

Still in their infancy, London based Abbey Moon are a well rehearsed four piece band who released their debut single in March this year. The quartet are the collective creation of Niall, Jack, Mick and Marco who may be a new formation but with band members having extensive experience with established bands Sisteray and Calvacade, they are in no way novice. Melodic indie pop with heart at the core, Abbey Moon should be an interesting band to follow.

Making their way down to the top 25 from over 500 entries to Lakefests Amped Competition (which will see the winner collecting a £5K prize and main stage slot at Lakefest) Abbey Moon has a lot to be excited about. The guys never quite made the grand-finale cut, however, they will still play the Amped stage at the festival later this summer. We caught up with them to chat about the competition and beyond.

How would you describe your sound in three words?

Jangle with bite

Shortlisted from 543 artists down to just 25 – how did that feel?

It felt great. As a new band with one single out it was really exciting. I think chances/opportunities like this are so integral to grassroots music and we were really grateful for the opportunity.

Most competitions have only one winner, were you shocked to find out there was also an opportunity to play the Amped stage?

I think we really valued that aspect of the competition. It really sets it apart from other similar events.

You are playing the Amped stage – what can festival goers expect from your set?

A lot of jangly indie bangers. Although we are a relatively new band we’ve recorded an eps worth of songs and we will be playing all of them in addition to the new ones coming through.

Who is one band/artist you want to catch at Lakefest?

Johnny Marr!

Who stood out for you at the semi final?

All the bands were great but my personal favourite was SINS. I caught some of the lyrics and I thought the sound was an interesting mix. A bit half man half biscuit in places.

Of all the bands competing who would you like to see win the prize?

Erm thats a tough one! Maybe Jordan Hemmingway. Thought he had a strong voice and I got Springsteen/David Gray vibes.

What else have you got planned as a band this year?

Lots of releases. Some strong singles, an ep release and a good old fashioned ep launch gig.

One track of yours that everybody should listen to?

Only got the one online at the moment so have a listen to Friends of mine! On Spotify and all the other streaming giants.