Moon and Aries was an act who were all over our blog in 2022 and 2023, but we haven’t featured them in the past few years. With a new single out, it was time to get reacquainted.
By Graeme Smith
Consisting of Kelowna, Canada-based Jordana Moon and Cologne, Germany-based Tom Aries, the duo collaborate across continents to create a distinctly moody and reflective sound.
Their new single High Noon opens smoothly yet pensively, finding an uncertain groove through a searching sax refrain. Moon’s expressive vocals come in, layered and heartfelt, reminiscent of the soulful singers of the ‘80s and ‘90s like Sade and Everything But The Girl’s Tracey Thorn.
A defiant chorus sees the track grow in confidence, beautifully reflecting its lyrics. “This song was actually a concept we came up with back in 2024,” explains Moon. “The original title was Hiding Space – based on Tom and my fears of being visible in the music industry. Sometimes it’s easier to be invisible, right?”
Over two years, the track evolved, answering a higher call to create music. “High Noon is less about hiding and more about stepping into your spotlight with confidence and ease,” adds Moon.
The sax in High Noon is delivered by Joko Magic. Alongside live guitar from Peter Mitchell, we’ve seen an evolution of the Moon and Aries sound since they originally hit our radar through their Break The Matrix series of releases.
“Tom and I really started to hit our musical core with [the] Break The Matrix episodes. This album was our trip hop sound coming through in full force and we loved that,” says Moon. “Sometimes we have more of a house beat, or Brooklyn jazz soul or electro cinematic pop, but we are always Moon and Aries. I will always write lyrics that are philosophical and theatrical; Tom will always layer synths and beats that sound larger than life, very atmospheric and hypnotic, and I will always sing with a jazzy, soulful, storytelling tone. High Noon has elements from our trip hop beginnings and now paired with more atmospheric sounds from Peter and Joko.”
Atmosphere is certainly a key feature of High Noon, but I think the song really captivate through its honest story and the people behind it. Moon and Aries are part of a growing movement of creatives who are rejecting the prescribed ways of doing things. “We don’t over post or over share on social media. We probably still don’t share enough, but we both believe a bit of mystery helps our music tell the story.”
Yet, Moon admits they have room for growth and High Noon reflects their desire to be “more open and allowing.”
The single tees up a new EP which is on its way, Prairie Souls. I asked Moon about the upcoming record. “Prairie Souls has a slightly different vibe and tone from our other projects,” she says. “Every song has an organic and live instrument playing. Sometimes even three – giving a [warmer] orchestral sound.”
The title reflects how, though separated by the Atlantic Ocean, both Moon and Aries grew up in the prairies of their respective country. “We are giving more of a glimpse into our roots with this EP,” says Moon.
The EP promises Western noir aspects inspired by Tarantino soundtracks, Nina Simone, Nancy Sinatra, and Dusty Springfield. “It’s a very cool era that we are thankful [to] explore,” says Moon. “This genre needs to be cracked open a bit more and experienced in 2026.”
The band are also promising more Break The Matrix material as well as a Moon and Aries Best of Trip Hop album next summer. Before that, the act have another album coming out this summer called World Lounge Tour. “It will consist of nine songs that are already out on platforms, and the resurrection of three songs that have been reworked and remastered,” says Moon.
Moon and Aries are a duo with proven credentials and plenty of ambition going into the future. I look forward to seeing how it all pans out. If you want to keep up to date with what they’re doing you can by heading to their website, and by following them on Spotify, Soundcloud, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, and Bandcamp.
High Noon is out now, and you can listen to it below.
Supported by Musosoup #SustainableCurator
