An Interview With The Cleveland-Based Singer-Songwriter, TIM MOON!

Meet singer-songwriter Tim Moon! Based out of Cleveland Ohio, Tim Moon is an theatric indie pop musician who blends the high energy piano playing of Elton John and Ben Folds with the catchy, big vocals of Fun. and Queen.

Formally of the band Don’t Fear the Sun, Tim began performing in the Cleveland circuit under his own name in 2014. Within a few short months, he sold out his first two headlining shows at Mahalls and released his first single “Going Out Tonight”, who’s catchy hook created a buzz in the Ohio and New York music communities. Tim released his first full length album, “Solace” in 2016.

His newest single, “Addict (I’ll Never Give Up On You),” was just put out last month!

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Learn more about Tim Moon in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time! So where does this interview find you? What’s on tap for the rest of your day?

Thanks for taking the time to talk to me!  Right now, I have a very hectic schedule as I am balancing the release of the new single and calling radio stations for that, producing my final show at school of rock, while producing The Jim Brickman Show and his TV spin-off “Tour Bus Confidential”…..Oh, and I’ve been writing the music for a musical…where do I even have time to write this?

Overall, how do you think 2017 was for you and your career? What are you most excited about for this year? What is one big goal you have for 2018?

2017 was the strangest year of my career – since beginning my Career with Don’t Fear The Sun, I’ve created this mindset that in order to be successful you must A. Release New music, B. Tour to Cities in support of that music C. engage  Fans…..now obviously there’s a lot more to it, especially in the last 9 years.  Now, a single piece content you release online receives far more eyes and Ears than you can play in front of in a year.  That being said, you have someone’s attention for a far less period of time.

2017 I decided to try something new.  I wrote and recorded a new album with producer Jim Wirt (Incubus, Alanis Morissette, Andrew McMahon) I’m calling “Phantoms”.  The new approach focuses more on the “Macro” than the “Micro”. 

Growing up, did you ever think that this would be the kind of life that you would have? Has music always been a big part of your life? Can you recall your first ever musical experience?

NO, absolutely not.  Music always seemed like a pipe dream, something people dreamed about and required moving to a music city and luck.  While that helps, I think cutting your teeth by getting involved in your local and regional scenes is extremely important and has helped me continue to move forward.

I started playing piano when I was almost 19 years old when I fell in love with the music of Ben Folds and Billy Joel.  Prior to that, I was an acoustic singer-songwriter who painfully screamed Emo Pop-Punk epic.

My first musical experience actually was my Dad teaching me to play Sister Hazel’s “All for You” when I was around 6 years old.  My hands weren’t large enough to play the chords, but it was a valiant effort and set me on my way to learn to play and sing at the same time.

How do you think growing up in your hometown has influenced your sound and who you are as a musician?

I grew up in Dayton which had a scene of sorts.  I actually think I was more influenced by the music that was being played in my household.  My Dad played a lot of Beatles, CCR, Polka and Classical.  I tried to start a Beatles Tribute band when I was in the 4th grade as a result. 

When I hit my angsty teenage phase I stole my brothers Ipod to listen to on the bus.  That’s when I really got into The Get Up Kids and Blink 182

What’s it been like transitioning to a solo artist after being in your band, Don’t Fear The Sun? How does that band dynamics compare to the one you have created now?

In DFTS I would come to our songwriting sessions with an idea and each member would arrange for their preferred instrument, a fairly common approach.  Even as a “solo” artist, I love collaborating, writing as a solo artists I approach much in the same way.  The only difference is I solely run the practices.

Let’s talk about your newest music that you’ve released. What was the inspiration for your latest single, “Addict”?

Addict was written to reflect how I feel about those who deal with addiction or are affected by someone who is.  The Heroin Epidemic is  a huge topic nationally now, but in local communities across the country this has been a growing concern for some time.  Painkillers are also an serious issue that should be observed and regulated more carefully. In my life I’ve experienced and observed the irreversible effects of the dependency on oneself’s life, alongside those they love.  This song was written as a lifeline for those who are struggling,  know you’re not alone.

How do you think “Addict” compares to the rest of your forthcoming album? How did you first decide to put this track out as the first single?

Honestly , this song was a new approach for me.  I’m used to the Freddie Mercury/Power Pop type of singing.  When writing “Addict”, I didn’t feel the it was appropriate.  I wanted it to feel more sombre, unsettling but have a hint of hopeful.  The new album is more of a Pop/Rock Opera as it  has movements, themes, and tells a story.  This song was released first as I think it is a message that is needed right now – it just felt like the right song to release now.  I wish there was a better answer, but honestly…that’s why.

Where do you find that you sing the most these days, in the shower, in the car, in the studio or elsewhere?

I sing everywhere, anytime.  HOW I sing depends on the setting I’m in.  When in the car you can hear me practicing my best “Paradise by the Dashboard Lights” impression.  When on stage I try to put myself into the moment, so tons of emotion there.  However, the prettiest and most focused, definitely in the studio.

Where can fans see you perform next? What do you think makes for an ideal concert for you?

 Currently I’m working on a new stage show and preparing to announce the album release date.  My perfect concert is one where I feel the audience is totally engaged with the show.  I strive to not just play at the audience, but to engage with them.  Don’t just play on the stage, but use the room to keep the energy shifting.  I also love designing sets/lighting. The production side of the concert has always heavily interested me.

We are living through a very trying and politically charged time right now so I am curious how you think being a musician gives you the most joy in life today? How do you think that music is going to reflect these challenging times?

Being a musician is not always joyful so to speak.  The learning curb to get off of the ground is staggering and comes with a lot of ups and downs.  I will say, that nothing feels better than positively affecting someone whether it be from a Live performance, or a song you wrote.  This is what make music an escape from a world full of emotional, political and social discord. 

On the other hand, music historically has been the catalyst of entire movements and change.  I think music will continue to be consumed based on what you feel you need to express from within.  If you want to relax, you’ll find music to help you; if you want to protest, you can find music for that to. 

That’s how I listen to music as well.   I listen to put me in a particular mindset.  If I’m excited, I want music that makes me excited.  If I’m upset, I’ll listen to music that helps me cope with that.

Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? What musicians would you absolutely still love to work with in the future?

Artists that continue to inspire me include those who keep finding new ways to continue to evolve their sound.  I love it when new bands I listened to while growing up release a new album and it’s something new.  Ben Folds, Panic!  At the Disco, Andrew McMahon, Weezer, Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake,  Lights are all artists that I’ve listen to change again and again and yet I still love watching their journey continue to evolve. I don’t think this is a popular opinion, but I like to see an artist’s  “story” evolve.

What do you hope your fans take away from your music?

I hope that it helps them feel.  I hope it enhances their emotions in a positive, meaningful way.  I hope they remember a lyric that inspires them, or a melody line that is part of their day.  When they see a show, they can lose themselves for just a moment. 

Would you like to share anything else with our readers?

Fun Random Facts! I learned all of my technical aspects while traveling for tour.  I went to college on a full ride for competitive swimming.