Surprise Cast #64 Newmoon

In this engaging episode of Surprise Cast, I sit down with Giel and Bert, members of the Belgium-based band Newmoon. Broadcasting all the way from San Francisco, we dive into the heart of Newmoon's musical journey, exploring their creative processes, inspirations, and the evolution of their sound.

Giel and Bert discuss their roles in the band, with Giel sharing insights on his guitar playing and vocal layering, while Bert opens up about his guitar work and singing. The episode starts on a reflective note with a nostalgic walk through their past musical influences, “good at their craft” from Queen, Prince (Purple Rain album), U2, Nirvana, Radiohead and The Cure. This personal exploration reveals the artists who have shaped their musical landscape and their "Beethoven moments."

Listeners are treated to an intimate look at the band's formation and creative evolution. They recount the spontaneous beginnings of Newmoon, their first demo recordings, and the swift rise to signing with Secret Voice, a label under Deathwish. They share stories of their travels and how these experiences influenced their debut album "Space" and their latest release "Temporary Light."

The conversation delves into the band's approach to their new album, highlighting their commitment to authenticity and the importance of gut instinct in their creative process. I read excerpts from Rick Rubin's "The Creative Act," sparking discussions about awareness and the guiding principles that shaped "Temporary Light." The band reflects on their freedom to experiment and the deliberate choices that led to the album's unique sound.

Listeners get a special treat as the episode features tracks from "Temporary Light," including "Fading Phase" (it took awhile to find the balance…the opening riff took 10-15 minutes…the puzzle pieces fell into place) and "Sense of Longing," (one of the last songs we made for the record, one main riff, main chords, we wanted to have a banger, straightforward song) with Giel and Bert providing their analysis and the stories behind these songs. The band also shares their thrilling experience working with Simon Scott (He was super friendly, super opinion…he was very involved, taking pride in his work) of Slowdive for the album's mastering, adding another layer of depth to their journey.

As the episode wraps up, Newmoon's future plans are revealed, with upcoming fall and winter shows in Europe(playing as many shows as we can) and a special unreleased ninth track from the "Temporary Light '' sessions. The lightning round offers a fun and quick-paced segment where they share personal tidbits and preferences, adding a light-hearted end to a rich and insightful conversation.

Join us for this heartfelt and intelligent discussion that not only celebrates Newmoon's music but also underscores the deep friendship and creative synergy that drive the band. Don't miss out on this episode that promises to resonate with fans and new listeners alike. Check out New Moon's tour dates and support their music on their official website, Facebook, and Bandcamp. 

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