The Musician Spotlight Series shines a light on up-and-coming bands and solo acts creating heartfelt and original work across genres, giving them an opportunity to talk about their music, their collaborators, and why they do what they do.
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“Ontario country trio New Moon Junction is composed of members Barbara Doran, Brad Battle and Tamara Maddalen. From the beginning, the three artists instantly hit it off, sharing an unwavering desire to create music and moments together. The trio brings spontaneous energy to their live performances and finds a way of connecting with their fans, leaving them wanting more. New Moon Junction has had an amazing creative team of collaborators helping to bring their songs to life, including multi-Platinum award-winning producer Jeff Dalziel. The trio’s harmonic, distinct and unforgettable voices can also be heard in their first three single releases, “Real Good Kinda Thing,” “The Other Side of Goodbye” and “Don’t”.”
Interview answers by Brad Battle
When did you know you wanted to be a musician?
When I was around 10 years old, a friend who lived next door took me over to see his dad play guitar. He played Jazz and Blues but I was mesmerized and immediately had the desire to get my own guitar and learn. I saved up money from my paper route and my neighbour took me to a music store and helped me pick out my first guitar. It was a Westone Prestige 250 electric guitar with orange and red starburst paint.
Are you trained? How did you develop your skills?
I took lessons from Tim Miller at the Ontario Conservatory of Music. Tim taught me a lot more than just how to play guitar. He got me into songwriting, put me in my first band and taught me how to perform in front of an audience. Tim still comes out to support my music to this day. I have spent years playing in bars, restaurants and weddings to become a better performer. I have also spent a lot of my time writing with other writers/artists and making the trek down to Nashville to write and learn from the best in the business.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
Growing up Ed Robertson and the Barenaked Ladies were a huge influence. I started to gravitate towards country music and the amazing storytelling that those songs have. Patricia Conroy, Jamie Warren were two artists that really helped me hone in on the type of songs that I wanted to write.
How would you describe your sound?
Whenever I am asked this question, I always say, imagine if “Lady A” and Fleetwood Mac” were melded into one group. Our 3 voices together has a unique sound and blend. I have had the opportunity to sing with a lot of different people over the years. The sound the 3 of us make just makes me smile and seems to do the same for the listener.
What’s your favourite tune in your repertoire and why?
We have a song called “Ours for the Taking”. It’s about not making excuses and going out and getting what you want in life. This song has an energy when we play it live, and I love to watch the reaction of the audience when they hear it for the first time. I am always excited to play “Mind of its Own” as well. I have recorded many songs over the years but this one is truly special!
What can audiences expect from one of your live shows?
We love to sing live and have fun on stage. They can expect us to be playful and lighthearted, but they can also be sure to see a performance where we hold nothing back. We sing with our hearts, and hope that our audience leaves with their hearts full.
Where can we find your music?
You can find our music on all streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and YouTube.
Instagram: @newmoonjunctionmusic
Twitter: @junction_new
Facebook: /newmoonjunction
Website: newmoonjunction.com/home