Moonchild is the genre-defying trio that has quietly but powerfully carved their own worldwide lane in the world of alternative R&B and neo-soul. Comprised of multi-instrumentalists Amber Navran, Max Bryk, and Andris Mattson, the Los Angeles-based band blends velvety vocals, intricate horn arrangements, jazz-rooted harmony, and forward-thinking production into a signature sound that’s as intimate as it is expansive.
In 2023, Moonchild received a Grammy nomination (Progressive R&B Album of the Year) for their acclaimed album Starfruit, a richly layered project recorded largely during the pandemic. Despite the limitations of remote collaboration, Starfruit was a creative leap, featuring an expanded cast of guest artists and a bold, colorful sound that caught the attention of critics and fans alike.
By then, Moonchild had already earned a reputation as a live powerhouse, with performances on NPR’s Tiny Desk, and sold-out tours across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Australia. Their Tiny Desk Concert, which showcased an acoustic version of their sound that highlighted their technical prowess, became a milestone for the group.
The band’s previous album, Little Ghost (2019), reached No. 6 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums chart, and received the Jazz FM Soul Act of the Year award the same year. Little Ghost marked a turning point in the band’s sonic maturity, balancing intricate arrangements with more intimate, emotionally direct songwriting. It helped further solidify their status as one of the most innovative voices in alternative R&B and modern soul.
In 2017, they released Voyager, a standout album that charted at No. 13 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums chart and was named one of Bandcamp’s Top 100 Albums of 2017. Voyager deepened their exploration of lush textures, layered harmonies, and soul-infused grooves, earning them wider recognition within the indie-soul and R&B scenes.
Moonchild’s earlier albums (Please Rewind and Be Free) were self-produced projects made with borrowed gear and raw instinct, reflecting their jazz training and DIY roots. “We didn’t wait to be well-versed before putting music out,” says Amber. “We just had a sound in our ears and tried to make it happen.” Even then, the emotional resonance of their work began to draw grassroots buzz, eventually leading to co-signs from Stevie Wonder, Jill Scott, and Jazzy Jeff.
That DIY ethos, combined with a deep foundation in jazz, allowed Moonchild to cultivate a sound rooted in emotional authenticity. Drawing influence from D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Robert Glasper, Emily King, and the broader Soulquarians movement, their music channels both old-soul depth and modern finesse.
At the core of Moonchild’s creative magic is their uniquely fluid, ego-free collaboration. All three are songwriters, producers, and instrumentalists, and songs often pass between them digitally until the right arrangement emerges. “Our process is about serving the song,” says Max. “We trust each other so much creatively.” That trust has empowered the band to evolve with every release, taking more risks in songwriting, production, and lyrical vulnerability.
Despite the accolades, their journey has never hinged on a breakout hit. “I remember our first sold-out Boston show,” recalls Andris. “People were singing along to horn solos, reacting to chord changes. It was the first time I thought maybe this could be a real career.” Fans have continued to connect with Moonchild on a deeply personal level, with songs like “The List”, “Cure”, and “The Other Side” becoming touchstones in moments of grief, healing, and transformation.
Now, with their upcoming album Waves, Moonchild enters a bold new chapter. A deeply personal and emotionally raw project, Waves explores themes of grief, healing, resilience, and self-worth, eschewing the love songs that once dominated their catalog. “This album is about processing loss and stepping into your power,” says Amber. “It’s a lyrical departure, but it reflects what I’ve been going through these past few years.”
The project also marks a return to in-person collaboration and a new embrace of sampling and sonic experimentation. The result is an album that feels more vulnerable and grounded than ever, while still pushing the boundaries of their signature sound.
Fourteen years in, Moonchild remains committed to the spirit of curiosity, openness, and genuine friendship that has fueled their journey from the start. Ever-evolving and always reaching for something deeper, they continue to craft music that heals, connects, and resonates.
