Profile

New Zealand born singer/songwriter Moakley has arrived in Europe to impress audiences with his evocative songwriting, powerful vocal style and distinctive interpretations of cover material.

His shows are compelling, transcending a range of genres from acoustic blues, rock, soul, r&b and funk music.

Moakley was born into a musical family, his grandfather Charlie Oakley an accomplished jazz musician,
played tenor sax and clarinet in England in the 1920's and 30's.
" the musical juices flowed thru my parents to my brother and I. "

His first musical memory was singing folk songs with his brother, who sang and accompanied on guitar. " Our Dad would take us to retirement homes and we would sing stuff like 'Ten Guitars', 'Donna Donna', 'Grandma's Feather Bed', 'Cotton Fields'... " I was about 6 my brother 12. He learnt to play guitar sitting at his brother's feet, watching how he formed the chords. He recalls an early musical inspiration " I was at school at this drinking fountain when a Maori kid came up and started drumming a rhythm on the wall. 'It's Wipeout' he said, as he walked off . I was so impressed I went out and bought the record, learnt the syncopated rhythm and decided I was to become a great rock drummer ".

" I loved visiting my cousins who had an amazing stereo system. We'd sit there playing 'air guitar and drums' to Strawberry Letter 23(Brothers Johnson), Gutter Black(NZ band Hello Sailor), Baby Come Back(Player) and Brickhouse(Commodores)...you know...heavy bass songs thumping your chest...sweet."

He lists his influences as diverse as George Benson, J.J. Cale, Michael McDonald, Ben Harper, Paul Weller, Bill Withers . . .
"those guys have a soul you can't practice or rehearse to achieve...you have it, or you don't."!

Moakley is excited about the 'acoustic movement' that is more prevalent in these times.
"guys like David Gray, John Mayer, and Ben Harper are spearheading the movement, showing the way for acoustic artists.
Moakley is currently working on his first full album, suggesting an acoustic/percussive flavour...
Watch this site for a release date.