The Moulettes

The Moulettes are a UK group from Glastonbury, England, active since 2005. Their music combines art rock with elements of rock, prog, folk and pop, and the band is known for placing cello and vocal harmony at the centre of its sound.

Formation and line-up

The band forms around Hannah Miller, Ruth Skipper, Robert Skipper, Oliver Austin and Ted Dwane. Miller plays vocals, cello and guitar, while Skipper contributes vocals and bassoon. Austin plays drums and vocals, and Dwane plays bass. The wider line-up changes over time and includes Raevennan Husbandes, Jules Arthur, Mikey Simmonds and Anisa Arslanagic. Other musicians appear with the group in larger ensembles, including Georgina Leach, Emma Gatrill, Kate Young, Eliza Jaye, Marcus Hamblett, Rob Arcari, Laura Hockenhull and Faye Houston.

Style and musical approach

The Moulettes often use a four-, five- or six-string cello as a lead instrument, alongside three-part vocal harmony. Their arrangements also incorporate orchestral and progressive elements, and they sometimes perform with a chamber orchestra. The group sits between folk, indie and prog rock, while also drawing on experimental and pop influences.

Career and collaborations

Based in Glastonbury, the band develops from a school connection and has a long association with the UK festival circuit. It plays major events in the UK, Europe and Canada, including Glastonbury, Montreal Jazz, Cropredy, Bestival, End of the Road, Cambridge Folk and Beautiful Days. The Moulettes also appear on BBC radio stations 2, 4 and 6. Over time, the group shares studio and stage space with John Paul Jones, Seasick Steve, Nick Cave, Mick Jagger, Herbie Flowers, Arthur Brown and members of Gentle Giant.

The band is also asked to help arrange an acoustic album by the Levellers, which is recorded at Abbey Road and produced by John Leckie. Other musicians who join the group at different points include figures connected with Mumford & Sons, Band of Skulls, Bear’s Den, The Unthanks, Sarah Blasko’s band, Sons of Noel and Adrian, Mystery Jets, Noisettes, Liz Green, Honey Feet, Resonators and Mike Dennis.

Releases and recognition

Later albums include Constellations and Preternatural. The Moulettes receive nominations for several end-of-year lists and win Spiral Earth’s Best Band and Best Album categories, as well as Featea Roots Music’s Best Band award for 2012.

Name

The name “Moulettes” is explained as referring to force generated by small groups, as well as meanings connected to biology, barnacles, a small morsel of food, and a story or song. The band uses the name without the article.