Moonkill

This interview originally broadcast 19th March 2026. Nick Margerrison interviews local alternative/rock band Moonkill after a memorable Tap House performance in Lancaster. The band introduce themselves (Benjamin vocals, Noel guitar/backing vocals, David drums, Mark bass) and play their released single "Play Dead," written by Benjamin and Noel and based on their struggles with social anxiety. Noel explains the band began as a 2023 concept, became a full lineup by December 2024, and has been gigging around Lancaster for eight or nine months, including The Royal in Carnforth, Ambleside Amplified, the Gregson Mini Festival, and The Bobbin. They announce a forthcoming single, "Don't Fall Down," and discuss organizing a charity gig at the Gregson Center. They cite local influences XOX, Tin Pan Alley, and Sean O'Connor, and share their songwriting process. Top band, we like 'em.

The AeroBees are a four-piece alternative indie rock band from Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria. They do punchy, melodic rock. They're also fun to chat to. More? Go here: https://seahouserecords.com/the-aerobees/

Aubrey Blakeledge is a Hampshire-based folk comedian, storyteller, musician, and radio DJ affectionately known as "Lord Bath of Southampton". He's loved in Lancaster after he came and dished out some of his "screaming folk". A blend of "Shakespeare and Robbie Williams", Blakeledge delivers comedic songwriting that blends folklore, absurdity, and musical talent. You must love his work, go find more now: https://www.aubreyblakeledge.com/  

We asked AI about our guest, this is what it said: Ben Ruth – Lancaster Music Festival Founder & Ecologist The founder of the prominent Lancaster Music Festival and director of CME Artist Services. He holds a PhD in Aquatic Ecology and Genetics and runs "The Orchard Alchemist", a local sustainability project focused on upcycling seasonal fruit and establishing a local community distillery. -- Hear our chat with him and see for yourself. More Ben Ruth here: https://www.facebook.com/benjamin.c.ruth/

Their profile on the Lancaster Music Co-Op website reads: "Original music at its best. From heavy guitar, banging drum beats and bass that makes you move; Listen Twice puts a focus on a collective sound that makes you want to know more. Taking inspiration from rock, indie and alternative styles (as well as some ska for fun) Listen twice offer style of songs that you can love in an instance. Add in the rather fantastic vocals of Kate and you have got a band that can fill any room and get people into the music." https://bands.lancastermusiccoop.co.uk/listing/listen-twice/ More of them here: https://www.facebook.com/listentwicemusic/

The Mandrills are a young Blackpool/Over Wyre indie-rock band who have been building a name around the North-West grassroots scene. They already have a fairly substantial recorded catalogue and a reputation for strong live shows. We think they're great, worthy champions of the emerging New Blackpool Rock scene. More: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdX19RD4F_lmcsYwdu3-tIQ

Zoey Jones is a British singer, songwriter, DJ, producer, and independent record label owner who blends deep house electronic music with strong jazz, soul, and disco influences. Originally from Lancaster, UK, she began her career training as a ballerina before transitioning into a global music career that has spanned Europe and Asia. She joins us for a chat, discover more here: https://www.facebook.com/ZoeyJonesMusic/  

Benni Beard (the stage name of Ben Holloway) is an indie-pop singer-songwriter, guitarist, and performer based in Morecambe and Lancaster, UK. Known for his witty, melodic style influenced by 80s indie, Britpop, and DIY bands, he is a prominent figure in the local live music and open-mic scene. More of him here: https://www.facebook.com/bennibeardmusic/  

Delighted to welcome Lois Brooks, the young singer-songwriter from Blackpool, a UK independent alt-pop artist known for piano-led, emotionally driven songs. She began writing music as a child and won the Song Academy Young Songwriter competition with Girl in the Dress Find more: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6CjQr2mNnOAGcized577Nh

If local band Art Gallery is Ryan exploring goth/post-punk/psychedelic rock through a band, Hail The Radiant is Ryan exploring composition, guitar, electronics and surreal miniature pieces by himself. Stars From Afar is the clearest document of that side of his musical personality. hailtheradiant.bandcamp.com