Oliver Austin

Moulettes are an English Neo-Classical, Progressive Folk rock band. The Band formed in 2002 and have been playing traditional folk, classical music and original material around the world ever since. The band was founded by Hannah Miller (Vocals, Cello, Guitar), Ruth Skipper (Vocals, Bassoon, Auto-harp), Robert skipper (The Holloways, The Hares), Oliver Austin (Drums, Guitar, vocals) and Ted Dwane (Mumford and Sons) in Glastonbury. Soon to join was Georgina Leach (violin, vocals). They have been compared with Fairport convention, Pentangle, Jethro Tull and Peggy Sue

They released a series of Ep's and Singles culminating in their eponymous debut Album Moulettes in 2010. Having toured extensively and played the festival circuit including the main stage at Summer Sundae they have received positive reviews from mainstream press with their original and dynamic sound. They have managed to achieve cult status on the Independent British music scene and have shared the stage and played sessions with Mumford and Sons, Seasick Steve, The Noisettes, Mystery Jets, The Ting Tings, Patrick Wolf, Thomas Tantrum, Band of skulls, Paul Heaton, Bonobo, and many more of note.

Histrory

Early years: 2002-2009

Before the recording of the debut album in June 2010, Hannah Miller, Ruth Skipper, Rob Skipper, Georgina Leach, Ted Dwane and Oliver Austin had been playing together all over Manchester, London and Southampton. They started the notorious 'Den of Iniquity' nights pre-empting the New London folk scene. During this time they were working with some of the best up and coming bands of the time. Due to the demanding schedule of The Holloways and Mumford and Sons, Robert Skipper and Ted Dwane respectfully had to stop playing. At the same time Georgina left to travel in Australia. This caused the forging of a tight 3 piece with Hannah, Ruth and Oliver. It was on this foundation that the unique sound for the first album was made.

During this period Oliver, Ruth and Hannah helped found Sotones Music Co-operative label in Southampton and released their first split single with Peter Lyons through it. For the album itself they ended up doing a joint release with Balling the Jack records and Sotones records.

Moulettes: 2009-2011

The album was recorded at Valley Studios with Ben Startup (Phobia, Loose Caboose, The limes) and mixed by Neil Kennedy (Chin Music, Viva Sleep) at The Ranch in Southampton. For the last stages of the sessions they recruited Percussionist Robert Arcari just in time for Georgina to announce her return from Australia. The band has been touring the ambitious record in the Uk and Europe as a Quintet for the past 2 years and have been writing new material during this time.

Moulettes II: 2011- present

Moulettes II sees the return of Ted Dwane (Mumford and Sons) as a featured artist on Double bass. It also sees the addition of Laura Hockenhull (vocals) and a feature vocal from Liz green. This period will see the departure of Ruth Skipper from performance because she is finishing her Doctorate in Medicine.

Music Style and Influences

Moulettes draw from strands of classical, folk, gypsy, jazz, alt.rock and even some avant garde to create a complex yet accessible whole. Highlights include the epic, atmospheric story-song ‘Devil Of Mine', the Zepplinesque folk-rock of ‘Requiem’ and the entrancing prog-pop of ‘Wilderness’. Live, they have charisma to burn and have graced many stages, sessions and streets with their impeccable musicianship and vocal harmonies.