EP67 – Andy Crofts – Musician – Weller Bandmate – The Moons – ”I‘ve been travelling through a tunnel of time now I need to break away…” – Paul Weller Fan Podcast : Desperately Seeking Paul
When I started out on this podcast journey in 2020, my first job was to make a list… a wish list…
A who’s who of Weller connections from the past 40+ years. The Jam, The Style Council, The Solo Years to now… You’d do the same thing right?
All in a little red notebook that I could slip into a pocket for when I’m out and about and somebody else pops into my head.
Page 1 was pretty obvious right? Paul Weller, YEP! (Although it’s a short podcast series if he’s episode 1) Bruce and Rick, oh yeah and Brookesy – the true original.
The Style Council – Had to be Micky T… yes and Whitey and Dee. No brainer. You’d all do the same – ah – don’t forget the Honorary Councillors – that’s a long list.
And on to the solo years – for me the love of all things Weller kicked off in 1992 so that band were right up there – Helen, Zeke, Jacko, Camelle, Whitey again – along with the various iterations over the years with the likes of Andy Lewis, Matt Deighton, Ernie McKone, Damon Minchella… my list grew pretty rapidly.
But the current line up has produced some of Paul’s finest work live and on record – so of course, I dreamed of getting Steve Cradock, Steve Pilgrim and Andy Crofts. Three amazing musicians who have been on the scene with Paul through plenty of magical moments that live long in my memories.
Of course, the list goes on (I’ll share more of it with you in the coming weeks) and new members enter the frame (Tom, Josh, Ben) and I’ve ticked off a whole bunch of amazing people so far, but imagine my absolute delight when Andy Crofts said YES a few weeks back!
Dive on in to a 60 minute chat about his love of music, how he become a musician via garden plant stakes through to his own bands and a few brief encounters with Paul through playing live, sending demos of his music and drunken texts, to the joy of being asked to join Paul’s band in 2008 – via a sweaty handed audition.
We hear about collaborations on music, the tours, the recordings, the inspirations, photography, video, documentary and so much more… ENJOY… I know I did…
Buy the Book
Music and photography have always gone hand in hand for Andy Crofts. In his teens he discovered a passion for taking pictures and described it as a life changing feeling.
This book showcases a collection of photographs from his fast paced travels with Paul. Since joining the band he noticed that slowly and unintentionally he had gathered a collection of photographs of Paul that the world has never seen and for the first time from the perspective of a band member.
This book is a series of natural observations, from over the years of travelling and being part of the Paul Weller band.
You can order the book here
Buy the Photography Framed Prints
Andy shared the news that he is also running a few collections of signed and framed prints from his book in time for Christmas. You can order at andycroftsphotography.com
Buy The Moons – Pocket Melodies
Pocket Melodies takes you on a journey of glorious melodies leading you through love, romance, nostalgia, regret and unity.
The album features singles Riding Man and Today which received high praise and championed on BBC London and Radio X and a collaboration with Paul Weller on the song Tunnel Of Time.
Buy the album here
Colorama Records
Independent record label in the UK founded by Andy Crofts (The Moons/Paul Weller) and continuously searching the world for new melodies. Home to releases from Teenage Waitress (Podcast Ep8), Tiny Dyno, Sunzoom, Bliss Williams, Duvet Daze, Chris Watson, Pale Sabres and of course The Moons!
Find out more at www.coloramarecords.com/releases
One – Paul Weller – Official Documentary (Andy Crofts)
Paul Weller – Be Happy Children (Directed by Andy Crofts)
Paul Weller – She Moves with The Fayre (Directed by Andy Crofts)
The Moons
2010 – Life on Earth
Life on earth was the debut album for The Moons originally released on Acid Jazz Records.
This this album came from a collection of demos Andy had made while briefly living back at his mums.
“At the time I had to move back to my mums briefly and I think some of the magic of being back in my childhood bedroom rubbed off on me and it spawned a record”. – Andy Crofts
2012 – Fables of History
The critically acclaimed second album by The Moons, Fables Of History is still seen as a favourite by fans featuring many moons classics such as English Summer and Jennifer (Sits alone) & Something Soon.
“We recorded this album across two studios. One was Edwin Collin’s studio in London where we did the majority of the album and the other was Paul Weller’s studio. I really like that album and the songs are really strong”. – Andy Crofts
2014 – Mindwaves
Mindwaves shows The Moons experimenting more with synths and sci-fi sounds.
The album featured some popular singles such as Body Snatchers, Heart and Soul and closing track On The Moon which has been cited many times as one of their best.
“When I was doing the demos for Mindwaves I was listening to a lot of Bowie and T.Rex aswell as playing with lots of new synth sounds. I guess it all kind of rubbed off on me creating Mindwaves. Some great tunes on there!” – Andy Crofts
2020 – Pocket Melodies
An album full of colour and raw songwriting recorded live in the legendary Studio 2 at Abbey Road Studios. With cinematic string arrangements and masterclass songwriting from the pen of singer/songwriter Andy Crofts this album will be your happy escape.
‘Most of this album had been unintentionally sat in my pocket for quite some time. Songs that I had written and forgotten about or had just lost their way and left unfinished. So that is why I wanted the album to simply be named Pocket Melodies. I had this inner feeling to pull them all together and it turned out my favourite Moons record.’ Andy Crofts
Pocket Melodies takes you on a journey of glorious melodies leading you through love, romance, nostalgia, regret and unity.
‘I wanted to be true to myself with this record. My best strength is writing melodic pop songs so I just let it all flow as I wanted this album to be soaked in colour and completely natural. There’s no pretence, it’s just straight up pop songs. I have always worn my heart on my sleeve when it comes to my feelings and I think you can hear this in the lyrics this time.’ Andy Crofts
The album features singles Riding Man, Today and The Lone Wolf which have all received high praise and have been championed on BBC London and Radio X and a collaboration with Paul Weller on the song Tunnel Of Time.
“I wrote all of the songs on the album except Tunnel Of Time which is a collaboration between myself and Paul Weller. He once approached me with a little idea and we slowly worked at it in dressing rooms etc until I took it away and put it all together. It’s a nice little song and I’m glad it found a home with The Moons.” Andy Crofts
Buy Pocket Melodies HERE
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