Lo Moon

Lo Moon
Lo Moon is an LA-based band comprised of singer-songwriter Matt Lowell, keyboardist Crisanta Baker and guitarist Samuel Stewart. The band signed with Columbia Records prior to the release of any music, has worked with producers such as Chris Walla of Death Cab for Cutie and has opened for the likes of Phoenix, London Grammar and The War on Drugs. Lo Moon’s self-titled debut album is out now via Columbia records.

Musician Matt Lowell began writing songs while still in his home state, New York. It was there he penned what would become his band’s first single, “Loveless.” Fast forward several years to 2016, Lowell had moved to Los Angeles and joined forces with keyboardist Crisanta Baker and guitarist Samuel Stewart. Together they formed the Lo Moon trio, releasing the single with producers Chris Walla of Death Cab for Cutie and Australian composer François Tétaz. The band has since gone on to record their hit single, “This Is It,” appeared on Jimmy Kimmel, opened for bands such as Phoenix and performed at festivals like Lollapalooza. And all this prior to the release of their 2018 self-titled debut, out now. At a juncture between recording and touring, Lowell discusses the origin of his band’s moniker, the progression of his career and his undying love of sports.

Where are you from?
Long Island, New York.

When did you start making music?
I started on the drums when I was seven, and I wrote my first song sophomore year of high school.

Who did you listen to growing up?
Really early on I listened to Nirvana and Tool, unfortunately, and Marilyn Manson, Rage Against the Machine. My taste took a quick left turn when my dad got me into Paul Simon.

When did you feel you had your first break?
My first musical break came when I finished the single Loveless. Then I moved to Los Angeles and showed it to Sam [Stewart] and Crisanta [Baker], and they reacted in a way that made me feel like, “Oh, maybe I actually did something.”

“It’s important to find the beauty in things, and we worked really hard on that.”
— Max Lowell

How did you decide that this is what you were going to do?
I decided I was going to have to do this when it was the only thing I really cared about. It was out of necessity.

What life events have inspired you and your music the most?
Being from New York, the first song I ever wrote was about 9/11. After that, I didn’t look back and kept writing.

What’s the story behind the name Lo Moon?
It’s named after my nephew, Lowell Moon Hum.

Tell me a bit about your self-titled debut that’s about to come out.
It was a labor and love-intensive project. The guys and I spent a long time on it, and we’re really proud of it. It’s hopeful, and we are really excited for people to hear it.

What are some issues you want to address through your music?
I don’t know if I addressed them dead on. It’s important to find the beauty in things, and we worked really hard on that. Relationships are also a big topic.

Nigel Goodrich
English producer and musician Nigel Godrich is best known for his work with the award-winning band Radiohead, producing all their studio albums since 1997’s OK Computer. He has also worked on Thom Yorke’s solo project and with musicians Beck, Paul McCartney, U2, R.E.M. and Roger Waters. Godrich is a member of the bands Atoms for Peace and Ultraísta and the creator of music webseries From the Basement.

Who would you most like to collaborate with and why?
We probably would like to work with Nigel Godrich because he’s an amazing producer and makes great records.

What are your interests and passions outside of music?
Sports.

What’s your favorite book, film and music right now?
Right now, I’m reading Mr. Norris Changes Trains. It’s part of David Bowie’s book club. His son Duncan has created a book club based on his dad’s list of a hundred books. You’re supposed to read one a month, but I’m not actually doing that. I’m just going to knock down the books that I haven’t read on the list. My favorite movie recently was I, Tonya. It all comes back to sports. Music: The War on Drugs’ new record. Still can’t stop playing that.