Allison is a relatively happy person who makes relatively sad songs. She found some folks, Mike and Courtney, to be happy and sad with and now they are Allison and Moon.

Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.

Allison Griggs - Vocals and Guitar

Mike Hayden - Bass, backing vocals

Courtney Peterson - Drums

For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Allison and Moon? How long has the band been around?

Allison: This is actually my first band! I dabbled in a duo project in college called & Guest briefly. Before this I was making this music solo and had my own project, so this is the extension of that.

What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?

Allison: I had a couple weird names when I was writing in high school and early college which lead to landing on the name before Mike and Courtney joined. It is kind of a pun on Sun & Moon but with my name … Allison & Moon.

Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?

Allison: I write the bulk of the songs, now with influence from Mike and Courtney. From our first release, The Sea, to now, they have largely been about relationships and the highs and lows we feel within them. It’s called The Sea because we’re riding the waves, well, and because all the songs on it begin with “c”. They aren’t always romantic relationships either, friendships, family members...I even write about non-relationships in a relationship context. Changed is about a job I didn’t get, and Caught was sparked by some existential thoughts I had about a relationship with life and a higher power. Now that I’m in a healthy and stable relationship, my writing is turning more positive, and Puppy Love reflects that. I’m sure topically things will change as I continue to age and have new experiences, though I would imagine keeping the style of relating experiences to personal connection.

What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

Allison: My biggest influences as a writer are Paramore, Tegan and Sara, and Daughter. Beyond them recently Stand Atlantic’s music and Phoebe Bridgers lyrics have been inspiring me.

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?

Allison: For me it was mainly Paramore, but way back it was Britney Spears! I wanted to sing from an early age listening to pop music and dancing in my room. Paramore was the first band who really got me into music, and I learned guitar because of them. I’m actually forming the band I was listening to a lot of local Boston DIY bands that showed me I could actually start a band and do it. My roommates band Future Teens and my friends in Mint Green kept me inspired to make Allison & Moon happen.

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …

Allison: I’ve been trying to be a more disciplined vocalist so doing some vocal exercises has been increasingly important to me. I’ll stretch and jump around a bit. I mostly try to relax and get my head in a mindset to have fun.

What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?

Allison: I think it’s still coming! I’m super excited to release this single and head out on tour. We have a lot of cool opportunities opening up so I’m looking forward.

If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

Allison: I feel like a tour would be too small to hold all my favorite bands… that said I’d die if I got to tour with Paramore. Ok I have two dream line ups - Us, MUNA, Paramore, ABBA. Or Us, Daughter, and Tegan and Sara.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Follow us on social media and Spotify because we have a lot moving this year, and we’d love to see you at a show!

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6PFwfgYzgnVvIdXnayKDVE

AppleMusic: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/allison-and-moon/1330343567

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allisonandmoon/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/allisonandmoon

Twitter: https://twitter.com/allisonandmoon

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4V236IeTYLP7-vnFNnx3Hg

Bandcamp: https://allisonandmoon.bandcamp.com/

Website: https://allisonandmoon.com/