Astles & The Balloon Moon Orchestra

Liverpool-based singer-songwriters Astles and Abby Meysenburg host the fifth edition of their annual Christmas show in the Music Room. Joined by an array of friends, musicians and creatives, Astles will also re-assemble the full Balloon Moon Orchestra – including a string quartet and harp – for this special evening that signals the start of the festivities every year. 

In previous years, Abby and Astles have played in the beautiful acoustics of St Bride’s and the Ullet Road Unitarian Church, as well as a sell out in the Music Room last year! Continuing to establish themselves as leading voices in the city’s music scene, they will play new and old tunes, with special guests to be announced.

Astles' music colours misty melancholy in pastel seaside shades. This should come as no
surprise given that Daniel Astles grew up between the sleepy seaside town of Southport and the
independent state of Liverpool. His songwriting is a homage to the heartfelt, a tender celebration of flesh and blood, whispered into your ear by a voice as warm as milky tea.

On stage, these songs are often sent into orbit by the Balloon Moon Orchestra; a ten strong
group of musicians who wield string sections like the big skies wield fluffy clouds. The Astles
Christmas Shows have become part of local musical legend and are a gathering for the musical
community of which Daniel is a treasured member. Astles have supported the likes of Bill Ryder
Jones, The Mysterines, Chartreuse and Florist, as well as a recent appearance at the Great
Escape festival.

Both Daniel’s songwriting and his band’s performances have piqued the interest of the NME
(“gorgeous, lilting indie”), Clash Magazine (“he’s building a world inside his music – and it
sounds gorgeous”), Notion Magazine (“enchanting songwriting prowess”) and – absolutely no
biggie – Sir Paul McCartney (you’ll have to ask Daniel for the full story).

Astles’ music is honest, heartwarming, heartbreaking and grandiose. His music is deeply inspired by family, friends and a city full of community, culture and music history. Astles draws on a love of 70s analogue production and heartfelt lyricism, with his taste being developed from his late uncle's lost mixtapes and vinyls.