The story of The New Red Moons goes back to the autumn of 2008. Joe McIlheran (lead vocals, guitars) had just recorded a solo album. Kavi Laud(drums, vocals) who had played with Joe in various projects over the last several years had played on the album, and now the two searched for a bassist so they could play these songs live. In stepped Jeff Brueggeman(bass, vocals), who had been playing with Joe in The Jayme Dawicki Band since 2007. The three started rehearsing and after a gig in January of 2009 decided the project warranted a name, and The New Red Moons, rock trio, was born. Soon after, Joe's wife, Jamie McIlheran, started singing with the group; providing the occasional fourth part and female touch to the already rich vocal harmonies. The New Red Moons began to play regularly all around Milwaukee, with the occasional Chicago and Madison show as well. Their hard work and popularity garnered a 2009 Wisconsin Area Music Industry(WAMI) nomination for best pop artist, as well as a 2010 nomination for Joe as Male Vocalist of the Year. In October of 2010, the group began work on a full length album and much of the next six months was devoted to this project. In July 2011, The New Red Moons released their self-titled, debut album. This album represents their music as it is performed live, with no overdubs and few effects. The songs, written by Joe, draw inspiration from old folk, early rock and roll, traditional pop, and many other places, always with an emphasis on memorable melodies and clear but meaningful lyrics. The arrangements juxtapose sparse, punchy instrumentals with soaring vocal lines and lush harmonies. Jeff and Kavi form a tight, solid rhythm section which is overlaid with Joe's raw, enigmatic, and melody-driven guitar lines. Add to that Joe's strong but subtle vocals and lush three- and four-part harmonies and you've got a unique, focused sound that's been likened to The Beatles, The Doors, Johnny Cash, Gershwin, Radiohead, Roy Orbison, and many more. The New Red Moons continually strive to hone their stage performances, which have been described as intense, moving, and most of all very fun to watch. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.