In the world of indie folk and electronic hybrids, few acts have managed to capture the delicate balance between sound experimentation and raw emotion quite like A Carousel Moon. The duo, comprised of Michael Esserman and Eric Sosler, along with a stellar backing group, set out to bring their latest album WAX to life in the intimate setting of Nada Studios in Montgomery, New York. The result? A compelling documentary film and live album that showcase the chemistry and evolution of the band in a way that feels as organic as the music itself.
Filmed on August 22, 2024, by James Rupolo (@Lames3001), WAX Live at NADA Recording Studios isn't your typical live-performance flick. It's more than a mere document of a recording session—it's a window into the creative process of four musicians discovering, experimenting, and fine-tuning their art in real-time. Without prior rehearsals together, the band's day at Nada Studios becomes a raw, unfiltered experience, where the sound evolves naturally and, as Rupolo puts it, "captures the fun of the entire day."
A Day in the Life of WAX
The film revolves around A Carousel Moon's new album, WAX, recorded and released in March of 2024, and showcases the group’s transition into a more complex, multi-layered sound. The studio session is captured as an unpolished but captivating behind-the-scenes journey, allowing fans to hear and see how the band brings their indie electronic folk sound to life. Through the lens of Rupolo’s camera, we see Esserman’s commanding presence on vocals and guitar, Sosler’s versatility on keyboard and tenor saxophone, and the powerful rhythm section provided by drummer TJ Foster (Lead vocalist of E.R.I.E.) and bassist Christopher Connolly. This live session you are viweing today was also released as it's own album WAX: Live From Nada Recording Studios on January 3rd, 2025.
At the helm of the recording was John Naclerio, the studio owner and engineer whose decades of experience in the indie scene ensured the sound captured was not just high-quality, but deeply authentic. Naclerio's skillful mixing brings out the nuances of each instrument, highlighting the interplay between electronic textures and folk elements.
The Soul of WAX
The WAX album—both the studio version and this live recording—marks a significant chapter in A Carousel Moon’s musical evolution. The duo, who originally cut their teeth in the vibrant indie scene of Orange County, NY, have grown from minimalist acoustic explorations into a soundscape that feels as cinematic as it does personal. With influences like Nathaniel Rateliff, The Lumineers, Youth Lagoon, Bon Iver, and The National, WAX blends rich, textured sound with deeply introspective lyricism.
The live rendition, available on all streaming platforms courtesy of Mint 400 Records, offers listeners a chance to experience the duality between a well-crafted studio album and the spontaneous, in-the-moment energy of a live recording. It's not just a performance—it's an emotional evolution. The audience gets to witness the shifting dynamics of the band, their chemistry, and how those nuances reveal themselves differently in a studio setting versus the controlled environment of a concert venue.
Breaking Down the Sound
Musically, WAX is a blend of electronic elements, folk instrumentation, and sweeping melodies that evoke both melancholy and hope. The album finds its voice in its subtle arrangements and atmospheric tones, drawing inspiration from artists who’ve made their own marks on the indie folk-electronic spectrum. Esserman’s vocals, plaintive and introspective, mix effortlessly with Sosler’s ethereal keyboard swells and saxophone flourishes. Meanwhile, the rhythmic pulse created by Foster and Connolly grounds the music, allowing the band to stretch their sound into new emotional territories.
Songs like "The Chase" and "All My Friends" are prime examples of A Carousel Moon's evolving style, blending plaintive folk instrumentation with electronic flourishes that echo the ethereal quality of the band's influences. The stripped-back live version of these tracks, as showcased in the documentary, offers a different dimension to the music—one that feels more immediate, less polished, but equally powerful.
Conclusion: A Must-Watch for Fans
Ultimately, WAX Live at NADA Studios is a celebration of the creative process—the serendipitous moments when a band comes together to push their own boundaries. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s a testament to A Carousel Moon's dedication to evolving both as musicians and storytellers. Whether you’re a long-time fan of their work or a newcomer just discovering their sound, this documentary is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates indie folk with a touch of electronic innovation.
A Carousel Moon’s WAX and WAX: Live At Nada Recording Studios are available now on all streaming platforms, and the live session, captured by James Rupolo, offers a deeper connection to the music. Fans of the duo will no doubt appreciate the chance to see the music they’ve grown to love from a completely new perspective.
Watch the film now right here for the first time anywhere: