Expat aims for 'Moonshot' with debut CD
By John Redmond
Geoffrey Lewis performs songs from “Moonshot” at Hidden Cellar in Haebangchon, Sunday. / Courtesy of John Redmond
American singer/songwriter Geoffrey Lewis released his debut CD “Moonshot” in Seoul this week.
Featuring musicians from the U.S., Canada and Nepal, Lewis, who played his first open mic in 2015, put the project together last April.
“A friend pulled me out to an open mic in October 2015. I caught the music bug,” Lewis said.
“In April 2017 I asked musicians Brendan Lattin and Abhas Maskey if they wanted to put some of my acoustic songs into band form. Two months later we made our debut, played four shows, then went into the studio to record.”
“Moonshot” features seven songs, mostly upbeat and emotionally driven, that the artist hopes listeners can connect to.
“Each song means a lot to me for different reasons and I hope you can find one or two that connect with you too,” Lewis said. “The best part of writing and performing is when someone tells me a song touched their heart in some way. That's what it's all about.”
“Moonshot” is named for the band that helped take the songwriter’s acoustic songs and turn them into a full band sound.
Lewis says the local music and art community was crucial in its support for this project.
“I really have to thank the Haebangchon community. The musicians, bars, studio spaces, event organizers and so many other things really have created a place that can produce amazing music and talent. I feel so lucky to have lived here for the last many years. In my cover art, done by the amazing Andro Paris, I wanted to represent Haebangchon in some way,” the musician said.
“I’m very happy with the results. Not only do I have a fun and good sounding album, I learned so much about the process of recording and mixing music and that’s really valuable. I look forward to using that knowledge on my next project.”
The songs on “Moonshot” have an upbeat, up-tempo, indie feel, with Lewis aiming to inject some energy into the performances.
“My suggestions would be to listen to it when you need energy. It's not for relaxing. Try good headphones or speakers with a big bass response, not earbuds or basic computer speakers.”
Musicians featured on “Moonshot” are Geoffrey Lewis on vocals and guitar; Brendan Lattin (U.S.) on bass; drummer Abhas Maskey (Nepal); and Zoe Yungmi Blank (U.S.) on violin.
The CD was recorded at Union Studios and produced by Canadian Rob Kelly who also provided additional vocals, guitar and bass.
Visit geoffreylewismusic.bandcamp.com to listen to “Moonshot,” or pay $7 to download it.