BIO
Wolf Moon is the band that grew out of singer-songwriter duo Lethbridge Owen, and is fast becoming known as one of the UK’s most respected up-and-coming original artists.
In a world dominated by formulaic harmonies, predictable riffs and copy-and-paste lyrics, Wolf Moon's Singer/Songwriter Jimmy Owen and Kelly Lethbridge draw from the creative spirit of great artists from Lindsey Buckingham to Ryan Adams, John Mayer, to Bonnie Raitt and Stevie Nicks, producing songs of beauty, sincerity and emotional weight across a range of styles that defies pigeon-holing. The band brings together some of the UK's finest musicians, with Jimmy's formidable lead guitar combined with Kelly Lethbridge's gorgeous sultry vocals backed by the inimitable rhythm section of Erik Stams (drums), Noah Nelson (bass) and Emily Francis (keys) plus guests. The on-stage chemistry that results is truly captivating.
Founded by Kelly Lethbridge & Jimmy Owen, the gifted duo has toured the UK and have already caught the eye of some the industry’s most prestigious folk with Guitarist Magazine saying, “Jimmy Owen is an incredible guitarist, absolutely fabulous playing!” and the likes of renowned music agent and journalist Pete Feenstra citing “Wolf Moon are what the Rumours line up of Fleetwood Mac could have been had they not imploded.”
Wolf Moon invoke the untamed panoramas of the West Coast, shifting seamlessly from classic rock beats to sultry blues to acoustic ethereal folk and back again.
The songs were rewarded with glowing critical acclaim for its ambitious pan-genre patchwork of styles and sounds and striking ecelcticism, with frequent parallels drawn to Buckingham-Nicks. The band leads us through luminous sonic landscapes, through light and shade, with Jimmy's wild and expansive soloing style balanced perfectly by Kelly's silky expressive tone and impressive range. Wolf Moon invoke the untamed panoramas of the West Coast, shifting seamlessly from classic rock beats to sultry blues to acoustic ethereal folk and back again. There is always something new to find in Jimmy and Kelly’s restless harmonies and haunting, poetic lyrics, which has taken centre stage in their new second studio album 'How Do You See Yourself' which is out now. Guitar lovers will also be drawn to Jimmy’s obsession with tone, working with often rare vintage gear such as ‘70s echo plex and ‘60s Marshall plexi which together with the band’s rich vocal harmonies gives Wolf Moon its distinctive big panoramic sound. Beautifully summed up by John Dryland of Cargo Records, “Wolf Moon’s always immaculate vocals, subtle and mature songwriting combined with stellar performances all round and with Jimmy Owen’s fantastic tone and incredible guitar playing make this band a must-see. Wolf Moon really is one to watch out for.”
New Album and Influences
The band have now released their brand new album 'How Do You See Yourself'.
Wolf Moon's favourite artists and biggest influences include Fleetwood Mac, Sting, John Mayer, Heart, Eric Johnson, Jimi Hendrix, Bonnie Raitt, Led Zeppelin, James Taylor, Simon and Garfunkel, Pink Floyd, Ryan Adams, Big Wreck – and many more.
Erik Stams (drums)
Born and raised in the Bronx, NYC, Erik moved to the UK in his 20s and has since built himself a name as one of the most sought-after session drummers in the country. He now lives in a beautiful corner of Wales with his wife and children while working and gigging regularly in London, where he heads up the Drums department at BIMM. Erik became part of Wolf Moon in 2017 when Jimmy contacted him to ask for recommendations for a great drummer who might be interested in joining the band. To Jimmy’s delight Erik came back with his own name. His distinctive groove is bedded deep in Wolf Moon’s sound, the heart and soul of the rhythm section not to mention the dressing room!
Erik has recorded and performed with Jamie Lawson, Walter Schreifles (Quicksand), Butch Thomas (Sting, Jaco Pastorius, Lenny Kravitz), Jon Langford, Zervas and Pepper, Drill Queen, The Darling Buds, The Glyndebourne Touring Opera, John Wheatcroft, Monkjack, Eyes on Film, Ensemble Bash, Adrian Portis (New Model Army), and many more. Erik also contributes monthly articles to Rhythm magazine.
The Band
Emily Francis (Keys)
Emily has worked with a wealth of different musicians and artists and appeared at prestigious festivals and venues alike. During her time at LCM, Emily trained under some of the most highly regarded names on the British Jazz scene including, Eddie Harvey, Jimmy Hastings and Pete Saberton. Emily is fast becoming widely recognised on the UK music scene as both a session musician and with her own original trio, which has received many highly positive reviews.
Noah Nelson (bass)
Another American expat with a love for the low end, Noah has made himself at home in the UK’s live music scene. Noah joined Wolf Moon working on the first album Mind Over Matter in 2017, and he, Erik and Jimmy instantly gelled – in Jimmy’s words “it’s like he can read my mind”. Noah quickly became the band’s go-to live as well as studio bassist alongside Svetlana Vasileva, another wonderful musician who leads BIMM’s course in Professional Musicianship. Noah’s credits include writing music that has featured on BBC Radio 1 playlists, working as a producer for artists from America to Russia and receiving a Spotlight Award from the Mayor of London.