One of the big misconceptions about being in a scene is that there are rivalries. Not just amongst bands, but surprisingly amongst us, the member of the media. While I cannot speak for other scenes around the world, I can think I can easily that in the Asbury Park scene we not only respect each, but we all generally get a long.
I mention this because when we do run into each out in “the wild” we talk about bands we’re digging. One journalist, who I personally admire, is Jim Appio over at CoolDad Music. Besides his natural talent as a writer and photographer, Jim aka CoolDad has this insane ability to find really great bands. So when he’s “in” on a band, I take notice. Tonight at Happy Mondays at Wonder Bar he’s curating a show filled with ridiculously talented bands, one of which being Francie Moon.
The band, based out of North Jersey, has this wild sound that simultaneously brings you back to a grunge-fueled garage sound of the early 90s, and the surf riff fused freshness of modern indie rock. The music, despite what influences you may or may not hear, grabs you by the throat. It’s fresh and cool, and wild, and in short it’s a band you need to put on your radar because new music is heading our way from them, and I have a feeling it’s going to be pretty rad.
We caught up with the band to talk about new music, CoolDad, the story behind their name, and more as they get set for Wonder Bar tonight.
Francie Moon is (Band Members & Instruments They Play): Melissa Lucciola – Guitar/Vocals, Adam Pumilia – Bass, Richie Samartin – Drums.
Year We Formed In: Mel started Francie Moon in 2013 but we’ve been playing all together since late 2014/early 2015.
We’re Based Out Of: Sussex County, NJ
Story Behind the Band Name: Mel was driving to her old job one day and after a whole summer of repeating her name Melissa Lucciola over and over again decided to make a new name that could be a name of a person and also a cool band name. That ride on the day to work she heard the words Francie Moon out of nowhere and decided to go with it a few months later.
Our Sound Has Been Likened to: Band of Gypsys
You’ve Seen Us Before in Other Bands Such As: Melissa & Paul, Delicate Steve, Rosey Bengal
Famous/Awesome Bands We’ve Shared the Stage With: Screaming Females, Travis of Coheed & Cambria, Crobot, Emily Wells, Summer Cannibals, CHAPPO, Spowder, Fuhgawee Hunting Club, Gesserit, Sharkmuffin, James Abbott
You dropped some new music “New Morning Light” in June — how do you feel this new music stands out from the rest of your catalog?
The whole release is pretty in your face compared to the other releases which are a mix of in your face and chiller songs.
You dropped a full length record “So This is Life” in 2017 — any plans of a new full length in the near future?
Yes!
You’re playin a Happy Mondays curated by CoolDad Music. Can you talk the band’s relationship with CoolDad?
We love CoolDad! He’s cool and a dad!
For people coming out to the show who may have never heard you before, what song would you recommend they check beforehand in order to fully get what Francie Moon is all about, and why?
Probably “New Morning Light” cause its a good fun intro into our band and shows a little taste of what we like to do.
What do you love about being in Francie Moon?
Richie: “The excitement of knowing we can go in any direction.”
Adam: “Controlled chaos.”
Mel: “Being able to play songs I wrote in my bedroom out in the world and also being able to go a little crazy sometimes”
What’s a goal you have for the band that you’d like to hit by end of 2019?
Finish tracking and mixing our next album and releasing a cassette in September?
What are you most about for the band in 2019?
Honing in on our band’s potential through writing and practice and live shows!
Francie Moon performs tonight at Happy Mondays at Wonder Bar along with ⬦⬦, and Pocket Protector. The show is free tonight.
