Features : L.A. band Elk Moon avoids the ‘escapism’ of modern rock, tackles current societal issues instead

To hear them tell it, songwriters Luke Hancock and Drew Lucas have been encouraging each other to question the nature of reality and the information we’re given from the so-called mainstream ever since they first met.

That goes back to when they were roommates at Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Years later, Hancock and Lucas have reunited on the west coast, teaming up to create something different — a sound that not only rocks, but also challenges listeners with thought-provoking lyrics.

Hancock and Lucas formed the band Elk Moon as a power trio in the spring of this year. Their high-energy, riff-heavy songs are inspired by classic rock, hard rock, and alternative influences - and they combine a gritty sound with polished, modern production.

While many bands in the modern rock scene focus on escapism, Elk Moon stands out with lyrics that tackle societal issues, politics, and philosophy.

Hancock plays guitar in the band while Lucas is on bass, with both artists handling vocals. Erick Velasquez rounds out the trio with his expressive drumming.

Why Elk Moon?

Hancock said the name comes from an incident that occurred when he was attending a “medicine ceremony” in the woods of Oregon. One night during a full moon, he was walking around the grounds when he saw what he thought was someone from the group, a rather large someone. As he got even closer, he saw a massive head looking back at him with antlers before it galloped away.

He found out later that he’d had an encounter with an elk.  

“I think there is something we like about the name much more than any activities that Luke was up to,” Lucas said with a smile. “Actually, we like the name because it fuses nature and the spiritual realm together with the heavens - and the moon is up there, bringing nature together with spirit.”

Elk Moon’s debut release is the single, “Information Monopoly,” a project the two artists wrote together. The lyrics are almost satirical, speaking from the perspective of the information monopolists (“You are free to do as we tell you”), while encouraging listeners to strongly consider if they ever do pay attention to information sources like that.

“Information is so difficult to come by these days, at least good information without an agenda,” said Hancock. “And those that have a monopoly on how it's delivered present it in easy sound clips and bite-sized pieces, like, ‘You should just trust us and we’ll spoon-feed it to you.’ And a lot of people simply accept that and go on with their day."

"Information Monopoly"

All of Elk Moon’s music is self-produced. Hancock has a recording studio in his home – and all of the tracks are recorded, edited, and mastered by him.

Coming in January of 2025, the band will be releasing a double single, with songs created by each artist. “Back in Hollywood” was written by Lucas, who describes it as “paranoid Stevie Ray Vaughan” – and Hancock’s single is called “Leap of Faith.”

Recently, Elk Moon was featured as part of a local music showcase on KLOS Radio in Los Angeles. During the “Stay Or Go” segment, the hosts played “Information Monopoly” for their listeners – and if the band received more calls to stay than calls to go, they would play a second song of theirs.

Elk Moon had a clean sweep with all calls to stay – and the station followed up by playing “Leap of Faith.”

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