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Artist Bio

With her first full-length CD, Chelsea Moon With Uncle Daddy: Hymn Project Vol. 1, Chelsea Moon reveals the interpretative resonance of her expressive voice and the conviction that inspires her.  “The reason I love hymns in general is because the theology is still intact,” Chelsea notes. “I wanted my debut to confirm the richness of a relationship with Christ.” Backed by the rollicking high-energy band Uncle Daddy, Chelsea says she has updated these stately hymns “… in such a way that people of all ages can appreciate them, and it’s my prayer that people are led into God’s presence by listening.”

Although this is her initial solo release, Chelsea is a recording and performing veteran who has contributed vocals to animated television hits for Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon, on shows including Jimmy Neutron, Fairly Odd Parents and Back At the Barnyard. (She is also the voice of Kasumi for the Dead or Alive video game series).

Growing up in a musical family in Los Angles, Chelsea was always comfortable on stage. After a short stint studying classical music in college, she discovered an alternate direction. “My soul was quieted and I learned to embrace my femininity. I was much less interested in being in the spotlight, once I realized my true identity could only be found in Christ.” Enrolling at Calvary Chapel Bible College in Germany and Australia, Chelsea’s love of adventure confirmed what she describes as her  “vagabond heart.”

Music came back into the picture as Chelsea learned to play guitar and piano, and became a worship leader. “Combining two passions – that’s the greatest job for me. When my heart is singing – not just my voice.” Returning home to Los Angeles, she met Uncle Daddy through worship services at the historic Bel Air Presbyterian Church.  The group’s rootsy Americana virtuosity was a natural fit for the project she envisioned. “TJ and Noah would come by and we’d talk about the arrangements. The rest of the band would arrive, jam for 20 minutes, and we’d record. It all fit together perfectly.”

Executive produced by Chelsea’s father, composer Guy Moon, and produced by Uncle Daddy, the mandolin and violin-rich tracks echo with plaintive Appalachian sincerity in “’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus,” (written in 1882), and “Jesus Paid it All” (from 1865).  Chelsea performs a version of “Hymn,” a similarly historic song, with a melody by contemporary artist Brooke Fraser. “Nothing But the Blood,” mixes acoustic flavors with R&B shadings. “Come Thou Fount” is a bluegrass excursion with the prescient lines, “Streams of mercy, never ceasing/They call for songs of loudest praise.” Chelsea notes that among her favorites is “Before the Throne of God Above,” with its dramatic shift in moods – from ethereal to epic. Prominent among Chelsea’s influences are singer/songwriters Alison Krauss, Mindy Smith, Sara Groves, Brooke Fraser, and Audrey Assad – all artists who reveal spirituality, vulnerability and strength in their music.

Chelsea Moon is now experiencing what she describes as “this new season of life.” She lives with her younger brother and sister (both musicians, as well) in Venice Beach, CA, where the seaside community affords spectacular vistas of bikes and the beach. She has begun writing songs, and quotes these lines from Jesus to describe the creative process: “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.”

In the meantime, Chelsea is now working on a second album of hymns, entitled Hymn Project: Volume 2, in collaboration with two brothers from an Arkansas-based bluegrass family band, called the Franz Family. She’s had a big hand in arranging this second project of traditional hymns, even writing some additional parts, and is enjoying the challenge of being a part of the project from the ground up. She has thoroughly enjoyed working with the boys, (Emmett Franz on dobro & Caleb Franz on acoustic guitar & mandolin) and looks forward to their album release tour!

"What A Friend We Have In Jesus", "Trust & Obey", "How Firm A Foundation" and "What Wondrous Love Is This" are among her favorites, though she says it is difficult to decide, because every song is close to her heart and has ministered to her in a very personal way. The project is set to be released on March 30th of 2012. Friends and fans are looking forward to the sequel, and Chelsea is "overwhelmed with the blessing of a life in which I can pursue music full-time. I cannot wait to see where this goes; it's been a fabulous experience working with the Franz Brothers; not only are they very gifted musicians, but they have also become great friends of mine; we’re like family!"

Having spent most of her young years close to Hollywood, Chelsea holds no illusions about show business, or what others might perceive as measures of success. “I don’t look for circumstantial satisfaction. I do music because I love it. I want to go into this – and the rest of my life – with a sense of adventure and flexibility. God has great plans for me so I’ll let it come.”