I am a half-German, half-American singer and accordionist. Ever since my grandpa started playing his accordion to me as a little child I have wanted to play it too. I just love the deep and full sounds and the little quirky noises the accordion makes and I don’t know any other instrument that can be so versatile and expressive.

Having played in various bands (The Irrepressibles, Haunted Stereo, Moneytree) and worked with solo artists (Katy Carr, Jake Flowers, Helen McCookerybook, Ana Silvera), I decided to start my own project in 2010. The “Turn-Turn-Turn” EP was released on UK label Sotones Records in September that year and in February 2011 we toured the work in the USA.

2012 saw the release of my debut album “An Estimation” on Sotones Records with four supporting singles – And Her Head (September 2011), A Kiss (January 2012), Italian Song (May 2012) and Instigate It (August 2012).

“Sultry folk, like a Romany gypsy cabaret show.” (Q Music)

“A New Orleans funeral dirge, and that is not a slight.” (Music News)

“Vocals that will set your world ablaze.” (Train Wreck’d Society)

“Anja’s vocals soar with feeling as the mood is extricated by the music.” (For Folks Sake)

“Wonderfully off kilter arrangements add a gravitas and there’s a superb organic feel to the production.” (Tasty Fanzine)

“Anja’s ethereal vocals merge with the rich and full-bodied sound of the accordion to give an eerie, mournful impression that will stay with you long after you’ve taken the headphones off.” (Stereoboard)

“…reminds me of the experience of hearing Joanna Newsom for the first time. Certainly, their musical styles diverge, but there is a passion in both Newsom’s and McCloskey’s performances that underscores the passion felt for their off-beat choice of instruments.” (Shh Music)

“I’m utterly blown away by her” (405 Blog)

The wonderful musicians who work with me: Andy Harris (electric guitar, vocals), Ben Jennings (violin), Brad Walters (guitar), Campbell Austin (guitar, vocals), Carolyn Rogers (cello), David Miatt (guitar, vocals), Hannah Drollinger (violin), Hollie Chapman (violin), Joseph Kelly (double bass), Laura Valle (violin), Mike Porter (clarinet), Mikey Kenney (violin), Patricia Spodzieja (viola), Ruth Skipper (vocals), Sam Hall (violin)

The creative team: Kate Flores (illustration), Gillian Sore (videos), The Ranch (mastering), Johnny Toaster (layouting), Joe McDonald (animation), James Crawford (animation)

Since their formation at Glastonbury Festival 2002, the ever-evolving collective Moulettes have forged an uncommon course. Over the years, The Moulettes have become an extended family tree, a musical ecosystem with tentacles in London, Manchester, Brighton, Bristol, Berlin, Montreal and more. From the avant-folk of their early al- bums to cinematic orchestral arrangements and big riffs, this is a band who put creativity at the heart of everything they do.

Moulettes have had support from all over the world, with praise and appreciation in the parallel worlds of Folk, Prog and Indie. Key supporters include BBC 6 Music, BBC Radio 2, The Independent, MOJO, The Guardian, PROG Magazine, Music Week, Metro & The Evening Standard. As they reinvent and reimagine themselves at every stage with a revolving cast of exceptional musicians, Moulettes music is always distinctively recognisable.

I write music and lyrics to a deadline for money.

Releasing 'The Young Professionals EP' this summer - follow-up to 2009's 'What's Wrong With Broken Glass' (Sotones STEP017; QMagazine.com Track Of The Day). 

My debut LP was tracked at Furnace, BG and Abbey Road / Valley Studios, UK. Mixed by Sam Miller / Produced by James Ewers. Released Feb 4th 2013 on Sotones (UK)

email:
joe@lonelyjoeparker.com

Blog, complete discography/news/blarrg:
www.lonelyjoeparker.com
Twitter:
www.twitter.com/lonelyjoeparker
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/lonelyjoeparker
Myspace:
www.myspace.com/lonelyjoeparker

She Makes Music is a UK blog which focuses on the most exciting and impressive new music created by brilliant and talented musicians who identify as female or non-binary.

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