Q&A Scene: The Moonhops

March 17, 2017 Mandy Hall
Tell us about your new single/album/tour?
As we speak The Moonhops are making a transition from covering, versioning and supporting original Jamaican artists.  We are embarking on a songwriting project and putting material together to release in single formats, one track at a time.
What’s your favourite work at this point in time?
Supporting foundation Rocksteady artists like Stranger Cole and Keith & Tex have been the supreme highlight of our musical history.  To perform alongside and provide backing music to the very artists that inspired our band is the greatest honour we could ever ask for.
Tell us a quick, on the road or studio, anecdote…
In the Studio, we all hold steadfast when learning original material from the 60s, everybody is on the edge of their seats as director Rodrigo picks and hears all the details that fall outside of strictest interpretation of original Jamaican recordings – it happens at every rehearsal!
What, or who, inspires you?
Rocksteady music, reggae music, ska, soul, blues, and jazz!
Which song do you wish you wrote?
Alton Ellis’ ‘I’m Still In Love With You’.  This is one legendary and eternal masterpiece of Rocksteady music sung by the now immortalised Alton Ellis.  It is lyrically simple and beautiful, harmonically and musically moving.  It just doesn’t get any better than this
How would you describe your sound in food form and why?
A slow oven baked sweet potato caramelised to perfection.
What’s next for you?
As we speak we are very hard at work, putting together the set of Keith & Tex songs that we will be performing for them on their visit to Australia, performing at the Newport Ska, Reggae, and Rocksteady Festival, March 19, 2017!
What’s your scene? 
 
Our scene is made up of all the young souls with open ears and big hearts – all of those willing to let go of their inhibitions to use their bodies and minds to express the sensation they have when they hear sweet and soulful Rocksteady and Reggae music.

About the Newport Ska, Reggae & Rocksteady Festival

The Newport Ska, Reggae & Rocksteady Festival are proud to announce the return of the second ever festival which is set to blow the roof off The Substation in Melbourne’s western suburb of Newport on Sunday 19 March.

Stop That Train! Headlining the festival will be a Jamaican foundation Rocksteady duo set to stun the faithful gathering at the beautiful and historic multi-arts centre platform The Substation. The festival is run by local Newport residents and really puts the Melbourne suburb on the map for this specialist music festival. “We knew we were doing something right when after one year we had international acts approaching us to be on the bill for the next one. We really get a kick out of putting on the event.” stated Festival Co-Director Mik Weir.

After a successful first round in 2015 where Stranger Cole headlined a wonderful day of Jamaican grooves this boutique festival has once again put together a world class line up and will feature local, interstate and international artists as the sounds of young Jamaica are celebrated in the unique space that is The Substation. Ska, rocksteady and reggae have had a profound effect on modern music and the festival is proud to bring some of the finest exponents of the music to Newport.

“Whilst it’s a lot of work putting it all together, we believe it stands alone as we are mad crazy fans of the genres of music represented so it is lovingly curated with the punter in mind. On the day punters can enjoy an amazing array of talent under the one roof, food trucks, a bar and the after party across the road at the Newport Bowls Club from 8pm” said Steven Montgomery Festival Co-Director.

Experience connections with fellow ska, rocksteady and reggae music fans and new fans alike all coming together to celebrate the energy from a jam-packed bill. Fun times are guaranteed as the festival showcases some unprecedented and never to be repeated again in the world line ups. Miss this and you’ll miss the unique setting of some very magical musicianship along with special bragging rights of having seen some truly stellar performances.

Stay tuned for the incredible Newport Ska, Reggae & Rocksteady Festival line up set to be announced in the new year. A very limited amount of Early Bird and PBS 106.7 FM subscriber tickets are available right now for $55. Taking place at The Substation in Newport on March 19 from 1pm – 7.30pm. Kids free! For tickets go to the venue website at thesubstation.iwannaticket.com.au

Newport Ska, Reggae & Rocksteady Festival 2017

Sunday 19th March
1pm – 7.30pm
The Substation
1 Market Street, Newport
Limited $55 Early Bird & 106.7 PBSFM Subscriber tickets on sale now

Tickets via venue website www.thesubstation.iwannaticket.com.au

 

About Mandy Hall 977 Articles
Mandy is a music photographer & writer. She runs Mandy Hall Media, which includes Photography, Social Media marketing, PR & Graphic Design for the music industry. She is also a web developer - she created and supports this website.
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