Interview: Moonchild on collaboration, creativity, and growth

Los Angeles-based alternative R&B trio Moonchild is set to perform in Milwaukee on August 7 as part of the Summer of Soul Series at the Peck Pavilion and Performing Arts Center Grounds. The group, consisting of Amber Navran, Max Bryk, and Andris Mattson, has been creating waves in the music industry since its formation in 2011.

Known for their Soulquarians-inspired grooves and Navran’s ethereal vocals, Moonchild has garnered acclaim from industry icons such as Jill Scott, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Stevie Wonder. Their latest album, “Starfruit,” released in 2022, continues to showcase their evolving sound and musical prowess.

In a recent interview with HYFIN, the band reflected on their journey from USC Thornton School of Music’s Jazz Studies program to becoming an internationally recognized act. Their story is one of organic growth, creative experimentation, and unwavering dedication to their craft.

The group’s formation was serendipitous, sparked by a mini-tour of California. Amber Navran recalls the experience fondly, saying, “We kind of realized pretty quickly that we had the same music taste. And at that age, we were discovering a lot of music that we hadn’t heard. So we found a lot of music together.”

This shared musical discovery laid the foundation for Moonchild’s signature sound. Andris Mattson elaborates on their early influences, mentioning, “There was definitely like this, this air at the school where it’s like, okay, yeah, there’s the jazz thing, but also like this shiny other thing that is, you know, Black American music, soul music.”

The band’s journey has been marked by continuous learning and experimentation. Mattson shares an anecdote about learning guitar just before recording their song “Little Ghost,” demonstrating the group’s willingness to push their boundaries. “I felt tremendous freedom in like, picking up this instrument,” he says, highlighting how this approach has led to some of his favorite Moonchild tracks.

Moonchild’s creative process is as unique as its sound. During the pandemic, they revisited the technique of creating a beat a day, which significantly influenced their “Starfruit” album. Max Bryk describes this period as “really special,” adding, “All the beats that the three of us made are like, I don’t know. They turned into something really cool and sort of formed a sound that turned into Starfruit.”

The band’s appeal extends beyond its recorded music. Its live performances have garnered a diverse and dedicated following. Navran expresses gratitude for its audience, stating, “Our audiences are incredible…the energy at the shows is so positive, and it feels like such a community.”

Moonchild’s commitment to authenticity resonates strongly with their fans, particularly fellow musicians. Mattson explains, “From the beginning, it’s always been about the music for us… We’re just here to make music that makes us feel good. And I think that’s maybe why it resonates with musicians.”