Moonlight Academy On Their New Single And Upcoming Plans
Moonlight Academy, a fresh 3-piece band hailing from the streets of London and taking inspiration from artists such as The Killers, Kings of Leon, Sam Fender and Catfish and The Bottlemen, something that’s notably clear in their previous works, have quickly gained a name as the fastest growing indie rock acts in London. Moonlight Academy released their new single ‘Unbroken’ on the 9th of August and we got the chance to ask the band some questions regarding them as a band, the new single and their future plans.
When asking them to tell us about themselves Ryan, on main vocals and rhythm guitar, mentions that he have been playing guitar since the age of 9. “My mum taught me for the first year, introducing me to the Beatles and my dad and I used to listen to jazz and soul together.” He continues to say that it wasn’t until later, at the age of 18, when he heard John Mayer’s live at the Nokia Theatre, that he started singing and writing songs.
Ryan and Conor, on lead guitar and backing vocals, met only a year ago “with our tastes clicking like a dream” through common friends Ed and Ollie, each of them from their own bands Mystery Jets and Sunspells. Ryan tells us that “our bass player Stef joined later after me and Conor were blown away watching him play Tigercub riffs on Instagram.” The band, “fresh off the bat of a SOLD OUT headline London show”, has since then risen in popularity, and they have a name as the fastest growing indie rock acts in London. “Radio presenters have compared our movement to the likes of Sea Girls and Sundara Karma, with Unheard Indie calling us “legit with a capital L”.”
Moonlight Academy has previously released two singles, ‘Golden’ in 2023 and ‘Deeper’, which was released earlier this summer. When asked about the biggest difference between the debut single and their newest one they answer that “‘Unbroken’ has a little more impact, unlike Deeper and Golden, this song has a tenacity about it where it doesn’t really let up, keeping your head constantly moving and your heart racing.”
The band’s statement is definitely true. Already from the beginning of the song the up-tempo beat of the drums, together with the guitar and bass creates a feeling of infinite energy. You can’t help but join in on the beat, and whether it’s bopping your head or tapping with your foot you just can’t keep still. With the catchy chorus it doesn’t take many listens until you are able to join in. Towards the end of the song, after a long and powerful guitar solo, the bridge takes over, with even more energy and passion. The instrumental and vocal parts are intense and build a suspense that leaves you wanting more.
Ryan tells us about the song and states that “diving into the tumultuous emotions of teenage years, “Unbroken” explores the struggles and triumphs of finding confidence and happiness in one’s own identity. We all had our own journeys through our teens, but we wanted to put something out that speaks to anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t fit in. ‘Unbroken” is about embracing who you are, flaws and all, and finding someone who sees the strength in your uniqueness.”
Moonlight Academy are only at the beginning of their journey and their fans certainly have a lot to look forward to. “We’ve got big plans to get around the country this year, equipped with many more songs recorded, locked and loaded and ready to go. We’re hoping these new songs cement our name as one of the most exciting emerging indie rock bands out there and gets us on some of your favourite festival stages in 2025.”
As a last question we decided to ask what song one should play at their funereal for them to resurrect, getting the answer “Funeral song! Great question – I think I’d have to say ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’ – Pink Floyd, that song celebrates life with the most beautiful reminiscence but still captures that sadness” from Ryan.
It doesn’t matter whether you are a fan or not of The Killers, Kings of Leon, Sam Fender or Catfish and The Bottlemen, Moonlight Academy is definitely a band worth checking out. With their catchy and up-beat tunes they can turn anyone into a fan of their genre.
Listen to ‘Unbroken’ here:
Written by: Nora Herrgård.