Ryan Adams has been praised as "one of rock's most talented songwriters” (SPIN). The 7-time Grammy nominated artist has 17 studio albums to his name, accumulating in millions of sales. He has produced albums for esteemed musicians including Willie Nelson, Jesse Malin, Jenny Lewis and has collaborated with some of music’s most influential artists such as Weezer, Fall Out Boy, America and many more.
 
Ryan’s profound contributions to music have taken many different forms. From his songwriting, to his producing, to fronting the rock/alternative country band Whiskeytown, and forming, “Ryan Adams & The Cardinals,” his ability to connect with audiences across a variety of different mediums is undeniable. Adams’ musical creativity was recognized early on and led to his NME Best Solo Artist win in both 2003 and 2004. In addition to his self-titled, double-Grammy-nominated 2014 album, Ryan’s catalogue includes Heartbreaker, Ashes & Fire, Easy Tiger, Cold Roses, Jacksonville City Nights, Love Is Hell, his 2001 major label debut Gold, and more.
 
Ryan’s artistry is not limited to his songwriting capabilities. In 2009, he published Infinity Blues, a book of free verse poetry about his journey to self-realization, and Hello Sunshine, a collection of poems and short stories. Ryan’s passion for writing continues, and he is currently working on his first novel. His music has spanned multiple musical genres, and has been incorporated in film and television specials such as Judd Apatow’s top grossing production Bridesmaids, This is 40, popular HBO TV series’ True Blood and Felicity, and his song, ‘Stay Alive’ appeared in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, starring Ben Stiller.
 
In November 2014, Ryan performed a two-night engagement at New York’s famed Carnegie Hall, which turned into a critically acclaimed live album on PAX-AM records, a label specifically for his music releases.

Ryan is widely known for his powerful shows performed all over the world and regarded for his prolific songwriting. He has been praised by many music icons including Noel Gallagher, Taylor Swift and the legend Elton John, who described him as the “fabulous one.” Adams currently resides in Los Angeles, California with his five cats, typewriter, and coffee machine.

Moshi Moshi Records started off as a hobby in 1998. Set up by three friends who had jobs working for major record labels. It was intended as a way of working with the bands that they loved but which didn’t fit in with the agenda of the day-job taskmasters. Early single releases from Zan Lyons, Kathryn Williams & Pedro and J Xaverre earned the label some plaudits. And sold a few records. Over the next five years Moshi Moshi slowly started to build a reputation for interesting, slightly leftfield, low-key releases. Then in 2004 things changed. For a start Moshi stopped being a hobby and became a fulltime job. Very soon after, Hot Chip and Bloc Party arrived and Moshi Moshi quickly became a name known to more than a few. Chart success followed with Yeti and The Rakes and higher-profile album releases from Architecture In Helsinki and Au Revoir Simone helped lift the label onto a new level. Then from 2006 onwards came artists such as Hot Club De Paris, Tilly And The Wall, The Wave Pictures, Slow Club, James Yuill, The Drums, Summer Camp, the list goes on.

In late 2006 the two remaining Moshi Moshi founders decided they wanted to get back to their one-off 7” release roots and the Moshi Moshi Singles Club was born. The intention was to try and release one 7” each month by a new up-and-coming artist. It would be limited to 1000 and only be available in a select group of indie stores. The artwork would be restricted to one colour and be designed by the bands themselves. Now some 40+ releases later the singles club’s roster makes an impressive list – (including) Kate Nash, Late of The Pier, Friendly Fires, Lykke Li, Florence and The Machine, Kindness, Dananananayckroyd. Disclosure. In 2011 Moshi Moshi expanded its remit by partnering up with some very talented young A&R folk to set up the imprints Tender Age, Not Even, Apricot and Dream Beach. Working under the Moshi Moshi umbrella these new labels have already yielded a clutch of exciting releases by artists from as far afield as Kenya and Seattle.

At the same time as running the record label Moshi Moshi Management has been quietly guiding the career of Metronomy and Slow Club as well as producers Ash Workman and Ollie Bayston. From 2012 this side of the business started to expand dramatically and now features a sizeable roster of emerging artists.

Looking back on the Moshi Moshi roster (particularly since the label ‘went fulltime’ in 2004) it’s a collection that bears comparison with any of its peers. For a label run by two people with no financial backing, it’s nothing short of an inspiration.

Jonathan Murray 9 is following