The MOODS

Artist Information

Biography

The MOODS take the fundamental pop dynamic, strongly influenced by the British Invasion of the 1960s, and layer in a variety of instruments, bringing their sound to a more symphonic level. Imagine a cross between the upbeat New Pornographers and a pop-driven version of Belle & Sebastian with a hint of a modernized Buddy Holly. Their songs delve into the deep waters of incisive political and social commentary, and resurface to universal themes of love and heartache.

Frontman Jay Africa sets the foundation with his rhythm guitar lines, adding a second guitar (Brian Johnson) in counterpoint, and a rocksteady bass (Eric Carter) and drumline (Mark Adams) which create the backbone of the band. Playful piano and elegant violin lines (Heidi Kushnatsian) add movement and complexity, while the electronic facet of the synth (Erin Africa) creates a modern texture. Five-part vocal harmonies complete the richness that defines The MOODS.

This richness earned The MOODS the award of Outstanding New Band at the 2007 Rock City News Awards. Adding to the accolade that night, singer/songwriter Jay Africa was also awarded Outstanding Songwriter of 2007. They have played illustrious Los Angeles venues such as the Viper Room, the Plush Lounge at the Key Club, the Foundation Room at the House of Blues, Good Hurt Night Club, and Club Fais Do Do. Having released "Have Your Day", their self-produced debut LP (June 2008), The MOODS are looking forward to reaching new audiences with their hand-clapping, finger-snapping, toe-tapping brand of pop!

Instrumentation

Mark Adams (drums/preposterousness), Erin Africa (vocals/synthesizer/activism), Jay Africa (vocals/1st guitar/tenacity), Eric Carter (vocals/bass/robot), Brian Paul Johnson (vocals/2nd guitar/harmonica/clarinet/gumption), & Heidi Kushnatsian (vocals/piano/clavichord/violin/fire)

Discography

Have Your Day (2008 debut LP); listen online at www.themoods.net or on www.myspace.com/themoodslosangeles.

Audio

• Something About You
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• Misfit Love
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• A Life Ending
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Lyrics

• Something About You
• Misfit Love
• A Life Ending

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Have Your Day review: May 2009 [+ Show ]
  

  "These days it seems Rock is all about the message or the marketing. That's what makes Los Angeles b..."These days it seems Rock is all about the message or the marketing. That's what makes Los Angeles based sextet The MOODS so refreshing to hear. The MOODS are a throwback to the creative wellspring that occurred when the first waves of the British Invasion crashed on US shores and artists here started to respond. On their debut album, Have Your Day, The MOODS mix artful, 1960's style arrangements with memorable melodies in major and minor keys... Chief songwriter and primary singer Jay Africa drives The MOODS with highly interesting and sonically artistic songs on Have Your Day. This is one of those bands that is more than the sum of the parts. Each individual here appears to be very talented, but when they play together a bit of musical alchemy seems to occur. Make sure that Have Your Day gets on your listening list."

• Featured Band: March 2009 [+ Show ]
  

  “Due to their theatrical background, The MOODS are able to present their music in a unique fashion. ...“Due to their theatrical background, The MOODS are able to present their music in a unique fashion. The band enjoys working in different characters, and while writing, will 'think of the songs as dialogue,' aspiring for each song to 'convey something [exclusive] to each audience.' Every show will hold different nuances, making each performance a one-of-a-kind work of art.”

• Music Pick: August 2008 [+ Show ]
  

  “Trebly guitars, lush piano lines, and rich vocal harmonies lay the foundation for The MOODS' head-b...“Trebly guitars, lush piano lines, and rich vocal harmonies lay the foundation for The MOODS' head-bopping, toe tapping tunes. These catchy pop vocals laced with powerful guitar licks and rolling rhythms evoke the New Pornographers and Belle & Sebastian. The buzzworthy LA-based band is currently touring in support of their debut album, Have Your Day, and their fan base keeps growing steadily by the day. Cross your fingers for a Minneapolis stop!”

Setlist

Our sets consist of 30 to 40 minutes of original material. In addition to our three SonicBids tracks, you can also listen to three more songs in the "Music" section of our website (www.themoods.net/music.htm).

We have covered a variety of songs, from alternative fare ("Jonathan David" by Belle & Sebastian, "Ringing of Revolution" by Phil Ochs, "Thousands Are Sailing" by the Pogues) to pop hits ("Thriller" by Michael Jackson, "Live And Let Die" by Paul McCartney) to quirkier fare ("Christmas Wrapping" by the Waitresses, "The Monster Mash" by Bobby "Boris" Pickett, and even "The Scooby Doo" theme song).

Basic Requirements

Calendar