Moonchild (band)

Moonchild
Moonchild at Kantine
Moonchild at Kantine
Background information
OriginLos Angeles, California, United States
GenresAlternative R&B, neo-soul, jazz
Years active2011–present
LabelsTru Thoughts
MembersAmber Navran
Max Bryk
Andris Mattson
Websitethisismoonchild.com

Moonchild is an American alternative R&B band based in Los Angeles, California, consisting of Amber Navran, Andris Mattson, and Max Bryk. The band is known for blending elements of jazz, R&B, and electronic music.

In 2022, Moonchild released their fifth album, Starfruit, reflecting a decade of collaboration and growth. The album received a nomination for Grammy Award for Best Progressive R&B Album in 2023.[1]

Their previous album, Little Ghost (2019), reached No. 6 on Billboard's Heatseekers Album chart.[2] Moonchild's NPR Tiny Desk performance during this period became a milestone for the band, spotlighting their acoustic, stripped-down sound and their commitment to a social call to action. The album also led to them receiving the Jazz FM Soul Act of the Year award in 2018.[3]

In 2017, Moonchild released Voyager, which charted at No. 13 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Album chart. [4] The album was also included in Bandcamp's Top 100 Albums of 2017, further increasing their presence within the alternative R&B genre. [5]

Please Rewind, Moonchild’s debut album on the Tru Thoughts label, was released in 2015. Following the release of the lead single, "The Truth", the band supported The Internet (Odd Future's Syd (formerly Syd tha Kyd) and Matt Martians) on their US and Canada tour.

Their first full-length album, Be Free, was released in 2012. The album received praise from notable figures such as Jill Scott, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Stevie Wonder. After listening to their music, Stevie Wonder invited Moonchild to open for him at his annual House Full of Toys benefit concert in December 2012. [6]

Moonchild formed in the summer of 2011 while on tour with Amber Navran’s solo project. The trio bonded over their shared musical interests and spent the following months writing the material that would become Be Free. All three members are alumni of the USC Thornton School of Music's Jazz Studies program.

  1. ^ Moreau, Jordan (February 5, 2023). "Grammy Winners 2023: Full List". Variety. Retrieved February 8, 2023.
  2. ^ (https://www.billboard.com/artist/moonchild/#)
  3. ^ https://www.jazzfmawards.com/ceremonies/2018/
  4. ^ https://www.billboard.com/artist/moonchild/#
  5. ^ https://daily.bandcamp.com/best-of-2017/the-best-bandcamp-albums-of-2017-80-61
  6. ^ (https://ilovetheburg.com/moonchild-floridian/)