The Moons frontman Andy Crofts will make his way to The Green Room in Stockton this month so Lee Allcock caught up with him to speak about going solo, working with Paul Weller and more.
You’re heading to The Green Room in Stockton this month so what can we expect from your set? It’s going to be an intimate affair…
Yes, it is – and it’s going to be great! My set is going to consist of songs from The Moons’ back catalogue plus some new ones and maybe some covers. I just want to play and deliver my songs to people in their rawest format and in a mellow candle-lit atmosphere. This is quite a spontaneous mini-tour and I’m quite a spontaneous person so that’s good.
Why did you feel that now was the right time to go out on a solo tour?
It’s something I’ve had building inside for quite some time but the main reason for these dates is that I feel I needed to go back to basics and just play my guitar again. I’ve been spoilt for some time now and I feel I need to push myself out of my comfort zone. I also think this could be the foundations of my future too. I’m never going to be an acoustic singer-songwriter person as I’ll form a band around me but me doing this is a nod to my solo future I guess.
As a long-term member of Paul Weller’s backing band, what is it actually like working with Paul? And what’s the best advice he’s ever given you?
Working with Paul has always been amazing; I was always a huge fan so that alone is incredible. He has also become one of my close friends and I continue to look up to him. He works hard and constantly makes new ground with his music and imagination. He hasn’t ever really sat me down and given me advice but in general, I think he would say if you want something you’ve got to work for it because he certainly has.
You’ve played in Stockton before with The Moons. What’s the difference, in your opinion, between an audience in the North compared to your audience in London?
Over the years, I’ve seen all types of different crowds. I have to be honest: I haven’t really seen much difference between audiences north and south – I think it’s a bit of a myth. London can be very intimidating for a band but no more than Manchester etc. It all depends on your experience, I guess. And I loved the show The Moons did in Stockton a few years ago. I’m looking forward to my own little acoustic show in the green room too. It’ll be just me and my guitar so if you’re reading this, come give me some love.
And finally, what do you have planned for 2020 with The Moons and your solo work?
2020 is an open book. Yes, we want the new Moons album out and in your hands but I’m also going to be busy with Weller so finding time amongst all that could be difficult. As for my solo thing, I have plans to make my own album. I have most of the songs already and I’ve even considered a crowdfunding thing to get the ball rolling. I will make one next year, though, and it’s going to be a colourful, beautiful and honest album.
Andy Crofts heads to The Green Room, Stockton on Thursday 12th December. Tickets, priced at £8.50 in advance, are available from georgiantheatre.co.uk and andyjcrofts.com.
