MOONFALLEN is one of those new bands that are the walking proof of the sound diversity in the Texas scene. The current four-piece focuses on mixing the most classic hard rock and eighties gothic with symphonic metal sonorities, making the band sound interesting and powerful at the same time. We had the chance to connect with all the band members and Michael Woolsey, founder and guitarist starts like this "... MOONFALLEN is interesting and sometimes I think to myself, in terms of any metal genre, this shouldn’t work but it does! Colliding and combining all of these musical interests and inspirations together into a big pot and stirring has created a really fresh sound! Everybody in this band has some opposite musical taste like black metal, symphonic metal, 80s NWOBHM, Nü-metal, R&B, Hip Hop, Grunge and Pop. It just works…”

From Kelly: “... All four members of MOONFALLEN are huge fans of metal and hard rock, mainly because of the raw emotion you feel playing and listening to it. There are no rules in metal. In other genres you're expected to play a certain way, sing certain lyrics, even dress in a certain way, and you can't stray too far from the formula, or you'll get ostracized. In metal, it's not only embraced, it's encouraged to fuck up the system and go against the grain…”

From Matt: “... All of us have a strong sense of social responsibility, so our music tends to reflect a certain empathy for the human condition. All the best metal is made with a love for fellow humans. There’s definitely no space for bigotry…”

MOONFALLEN is a band that formed in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area. They got together in 2023 and since then they have not stopped working, but before getting into what they have achieved as a band, let Michael Woolsey tells us how it all started: “...I launched MOONFALLEN after a rather tumultuous breakup with my previous band. I wanted to start a project that incorporated orchestral instruments with heavy guitars. I presented the idea to my friend, musician and producer Tyler Whittaker, and even though we were in different states, thanks to modern technology we were able to start creating the song “My Prison”. After releasing the debut single “My Prison”, Kelly and I realized this band needed to be more than an internet project. With Tyler living in Minnesota and unable to move to Texas, we made the difficult decision to move on without him. Once word got around that MOONFALLEN was looking for local members to complete the lineup, Matt and Colby were quick to join…”

“... The four members of MOONFALLEN live across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area, Michael continues, a widely diverse and rapidly growing region bustling with popular locations like Lower Greenville and Deep Ellum, where most music venues are, plus college scenes around the University of North Texas in Denton. I just wanted to build something of musical value. I’ve always felt that creating music in general can go beyond the imagination. Why settle for the same music created by forty different artists? Music should be epic! …”

From Kelly Musler: "... When I was introduced, I brought a vocal style that isn't really prevalent in the symphonic metal world. I wasn't incredibly familiar with that particular sub-genre of metal, but I knew I didn't have that operatic falsetto style of singing that most female vocalists have. It was obvious early on that MOONFALLEN was blending genres instead of trying to fit into an existing one…”

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This symphonic metal four-piece has been working very constantly, both in sound and audiovisual productions. They have already released two singles, and both have been accompanied by their respective videos, but it will be very captivating to know how the band was structured after the first single “My Prison”:

“...From Mike: “… “My Prison” was a Hell of a test bed project for Kelly, Tyler and myself. It really was the key to building a full live band. I remember sharing music samples with Colby in particular, and he always seemed to have the same answer upon his critique, (“It needs drums!”). For quite a while Colby just kind of waited in the wing ready to jump on this project. Finally, it was so. Matt also had a similar burning desire as Colby to just jump in headfirst with the formation of MOONFALLEN. I think the first night we connected, he and I must have talked for almost four plus hours about the project. I recall a point when Matt was ready to board a plane to the West Coast and upon landing the conversation continued. That’s what I call interest! …”

From Colby Rodgers: “...I had been searching for an original symphonic metal band for years. It’s a nice change of pace from all the extreme metal I play as a drummer and as a vocalist. Also, rehearsals feature cheese, which keeps me coming back…”

From Matt Hinckley: “...I saw a post for a symphonic metal band seeking a bassist, so I followed their page and must have watched the “My Prison” video a dozen times but wondered if I was good enough even to audition. When my own cover band imploded a few weeks later whilst on a flight delay, I worked up the nerve to ask if MOONFALLEN had found a bassist. Mike replied within minutes, and we struck up a whirlwind long distance Gen X metalhead bromance that culminated in a hangout at an AGAINST ALL ODDS show and a fun audition the next day. One of the things I love about this band is that we take our music seriously, but we take ourselves lightly...”

What does this Texan symphonic metal band sing about? What are the topics they want to refer to and touch the audience’s sensitivity with? Although from what I sense, MOONFALLEN will not be governed by trends and will want to carry its own message. Let’s read what Kelly has to say about it: "...Lyric writing has always been a very organic process for me. I don't usually sit down to write with an idea already in mind, or lyrics already written down, the music and the melody always come first. Once I get a feel for the emotion the song is giving me, I'll sing the melody in gibberish until the lyrics come out in the form of "automatic writing" and from there the concept of the song takes shape…”

“... Kelly expands, our second single “The Scene” is about this very issue. While there are many local bands, promoters, and fans that are incredibly supportive and genuine, like in any scene throughout life, there are shady two-faced people that treat the scene like a high school popularity contest. It makes trusting people really difficult, and it's a shame that we have to deal with this even in our 30s and 40s...”

MOONFALLEN is a band in constant movement, and I am confident that symphonic metal lovers will be very pleased. This four-piece is still eager to expand and bring its music to every corner. If you are followed by bands led by women on the microphone, be aware of what they are doing these days and the desires they have in mind. Michael Woolsey keeps us up to date “... MOONFALLEN has released two singles, My Prison and The Scene, and are set to release their third single “Stuck” soon. There are also plans to release their debut LP this year and tour to promote it. The writing process is very democratic and evenly split, with everyone given equal grounds to write their parts, and express their opinions freely. There is definitely something magical happening in the studio between the members of MOONFALLEN…”

“... After playing two shows early in the year, Michael develops, MOONFALLEN will be deep in the studio working on the debut LP set to be released later in the year. There will also be a brief cameo in the upcoming horror film Birthday Bash, written and directed by Abel Berry and Jennifer Stone, where a third single, Stuck, will also be featured. I think my dream is complex. For thirty-seven years I’ve devoted myself to this art form and whereas I’m still trying to (live the dream) it hasn’t been all rainbows and sunshine. I’m getting older and so I tend to either push unrealistically hard and other times throw my hands in the air. When I really want something, it’s hard for me to see what seems like the instant success of others, so it takes my bandmates to help me stay somewhat grounded. I’ll never stop dreaming…”

From Kelly: “... Since I was a teenager in the 90's watching Kurt Cobain destroy his guitar on MTV, wearing out my SILVERCHAIR CD's, and following KORN on tour, I knew I wanted to be a musician. I've wanted to sing and perform onstage my whole life. I want to have that moment when someone comes up to me and tells me our music changed their life. I want our music to save someone the way music has saved me…”

From Matt: “... As a history professor at a community college, my colleagues and I work with adult learners-most of them first generation college students-who are trying to improve their lives. Having endured a nasty divorce, chronic illness, and cancer, and still struggling with anxiety and depression (therapy helps!) I have learned that survival on a new day is both a victory and another chance to chase those dreams. Inspired in part by my own kids (bio, step, and exchange) all making amazing music, and my students overcoming obstacles to persevere to success, coming out of the pandemic I picked up my bass again just hoping to connect with others and to have fun making noise. I never dared to dream of debuting at Trees Dallas, where many famous bands have played, but that's exactly what we did. Pinch me! ...”

From Colby, “... I recently fulfilled a lifelong dream to tour Europe, which I did with one of my other bands, Asylum. I think MOONFALLEN has similar potential, and I see us playing some epic venues: Red Rocks, Madison Square Garden, Rio, Pompeii, the Sydney Opera House, and Cabot Creamery (Vermont Cheddar) ...”

“... Thank you to everyone who has listened, bought merch, or come out to a show, Michael Woolsey likes to address the followers. This is only the beginning, and we can't wait to go on this adventure with all of you. Mike Woolsey (guitars) Kelly Musler (lead vocals) Matt Hinckley (bass) and Colby Rodgers (drums)...”