The Big Moon: London's Indie Rock Champions Rising Through the Mercury Prize and Beyond
In the bustling creative landscape of London's music scene, few bands have captured the essence of modern indie rock quite like The Big Moon. Formed in 2014 by frontwoman Juliette Jackson, the quartet emerged with a distinctive sound that would soon resonate far beyond the capital's underground venues.
The band's foundation was built on the musical chemistry between Jackson, guitarist Soph Nathan, bassist Celia Archer, and drummer Fern Ford. Their early performances alongside fellow London acts VANT and Inheaven in 2015 provided the crucial exposure that would launch their career trajectory. These formative shows demonstrated the band's ability to command audiences with their energetic performances and memorable hooks.
Recognition came swiftly as The Big Moon caught the attention of major labels, ultimately signing with Fiction Records in 2016. Their debut EP The Road showcased their potential, while singles like Cupid and their memorable cover of Madonna's Beautiful Stranger displayed their versatility and creative ambition.
The release of their debut album Love in the 4th Dimension in April 2017 marked a defining moment in their career. Produced by Catherine Marks, the album demonstrated the band's ability to craft both intimate moments and anthemic choruses. The achievement reached its pinnacle when the album earned a coveted Mercury Prize shortlisting, placing The Big Moon among Britain's most celebrated musical acts.
Their momentum continued with high-profile collaborations and tour opportunities. The band contributed to Marika Hackman's acclaimed album I'm Not Your Man and later supported iconic alternative rock legends Pixies on their 2019 UK tour, exposing their music to broader audiences and cementing their reputation as compelling live performers.
With their second album Walking Like We Do in 2020, The Big Moon evolved their sound while maintaining their core identity. The record's commercial success, reaching number 19 on the UK charts, proved their growing appeal. Their appointment as Record Store Day Ambassadors that same year highlighted their connection to music culture beyond just chart performance.
The band's third album Here Is Everything, released in October 2022, represented both personal and artistic growth. Created during a period when Jackson navigated motherhood, the album was largely recorded in Ford's home studio and co-produced with Adam Bartlett. This intimate approach yielded their highest-charting album yet, reaching number 9 on the UK albums chart.
The Big Moon has established themselves as more than just another indie rock band. Their journey from London venues to Mercury Prize recognition illustrates how authentic musicianship and creative integrity can build lasting careers in an ever-changing industry. Through three successful albums and countless memorable performances, they continue to define what contemporary British indie rock can achieve.