Moon Newbill: A Raw Force of Sound and Spirit Emerging in Today's Music Scene
Every so often, an artist crosses your path who doesn’t just make music—they live it. Moon Newbill is that rare breed.
Today, that path has evolved into Be My Wife – a project soaked in post-punk sensibility, high-concept visuals, and unapologetic vulnerability.
A Sound That Cuts Through Comfort
When Federico talks about his sound, it’s less about classification and more about confrontation. “Post-punk is the easiest way to compartmentalize it,” he says, but there’s more happening underneath the surface. Picture a crooner trapped in a distorted fever dream – raw, unpolished, yet meticulously crafted. The music doesn’t aim to impress; it aims to pull listeners into an emotional free fall. Discomfort is a feature, not a bug. “I'd rather confront you with questions and emotions you might not be prepared to embrace,” Federico explains. And he means it.
From Bowie to Blackouts: Inspiration Without Borders
The name Be My Wife comes from David Bowie and French silent film legend Max Linder – two icons of stylized expression and theatrical emotion. But Federico doesn’t traffic in homage. His influences are absorbed and reformed through stream-of-consciousness writing sessions, where melodies and lyrics flow like transmissions from another realm. “I almost black out during the songwriting process,” he admits. It’s an act of spiritual connection more than creation – a kind of musical séance.
Music As A Multidimensional Canvas
With a background in fine art and a 20-year career in fashion art direction, visuals aren’t an accessory for Federico – they’re half the story. Raised by the golden age of music television, every track under Be My Wife arrives with cinematic visions baked in. But instead of controlling every aspect, Federico is now exploring collaboration, handing over visual interpretations to others. It's a way to let go and see how his music moves through other people’s imaginations.
The Village Behind the Vision
While Be My Wife may sound like a singular vision, it’s far from solitary. Collaborations with artists like Richard Vergez, Maria Benz, and even performances with Sofie Royer have shaped Federico’s musical world. A pivotal moment came when artist Will Benedict cast him in a live musical theatre piece in Paris – an experience that pushed him fully into his current sonic chapter. Future dreams? A duet with Hope Sandoval and a video directed by Michael Haneke. Lofty? Yes. But fitting for someone building a world this intense.
What Comes Next: Ceremony and Catharsis
Federico isn’t rushing the live element. To him, performance is sacred – a ritual. The first Be My Wife shows are slated for this summer, and they promise more than just songs. Expect full-bodied catharsis, emotional intensity, and maybe even a breakdown or two on stage. And if Federico has one message for his audience, it’s simple but powerful: “Feel things. Sob if you have to while dancing with your eyes closed.”
Final Word
With Be My Wife , Federico isn’t chasing trends or streaming stats. He’s on a mission – one that defies categorization and asks something rare from listeners: total presence. In a world begging for distractions, Federico offers connection – messy, honest, and unforgettable.
