Photojournalist: Leah Hetteberg

This Monday evening, Toronto-based indie band moondoggy packed out the iconic Nashville venue The Basement. On the first leg of their worldwide tour, debuting their most recent album Around The Fire, they have sold out every show so far and show no signs of slowing down. 

Opening for them on the majority of the East Coast leg of their Around The Fire Tour is Seattle-based rock band Magenta Wave. Thrilled to make their first appearance in Music City, the Pacific Northwest band was sure to make their mark as the one to watch in modern rock. 

With a diverse, electric sound and quintessentially synchronous stage presence, it is no doubt that the Magenta Wave washed over Nashville that night. Personal comparison drew them to present similar arrangements to up-and-coming Nashville local rock band Edgehill, pointing to exciting things ahead.

Defined by their powerful saxophone harmonies and distinct vocals, moondoggy has become an undeniable force within the indie scene since their formation in 2019. With this tour reaching both American coasts and crossing the Atlantic, this new album is sure to make its rise with exponential speed. 

The boys from Up North were sure to embrace the Southern American culture, decked from head to toe in Buc-ee’s merchandise from their monumental first stop between Nashville and their show in Atlanta the night before. Finishing out the much-anticipated encore with “Ramona,” the essence of their first album Mad and Noisy, the band brought out their openers, rampaging the intimate Basement stage with an authentically exciting camaraderie and passion-filled closer. 

Moondoggy still has plenty of shows this year across the world. You can find all upcoming shows and ticket information at https://moondoggymusic.com/shows 

MOONDOGGY

photos by Leah Hetteberg

MAGENTA WAVE

photos by Leah Hetteberg