Chelsea Moon

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."

Although this was 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 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. 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).  “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.”

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 just released her sophomore album, 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 collection of bluegrass hymns, and as an artist, she has loved the challenge in having more ownership of the project from the ground up.  She thoroughly enjoys working with the brothers, (Emmett Franz on dobro & Caleb Franz on acoustic guitar & mandolin) and they are currently on their album release tour based out of the Franz Family homestead in Northern Arkansas.

From Hymn Project: Vol. 2, "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.  Chelsea is "overwhelmed with the blessing of a life in which I can pursue music full-time.  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."