Moons Poet is the artistic project of Australian singer-songwriter Carly O’Dwyer, creating music where intimate folk songwriting meets expansive, atmospheric production. Rooted in honest storytelling, her songs weave together organic acoustic textures with shimmering layers of delay, reverb, and ambient soundscapes, creating a sound that feels both deeply personal and quietly cinematic.
As a self-recording artist and producer, Moons Poet approaches every stage of creating music with intention. Recording her own work allows each song to evolve naturally, preserving its emotional core while giving her the freedom to experiment with texture, space, and atmosphere. Rather than separating songwriting from production, she sees them as part of the same creative process—allowing arrangements to unfold organically and giving each piece its own unique sonic identity. This hands-on approach has become a defining part of Moons Poet’s sound, where understated production enhances the emotion of the songs without ever losing their warmth or authenticity.
Moons Poet embraces the more exploratory side of her creativity. Her music drifts effortlessly between delicate acoustic moments and immersive, dreamlike passages, balancing simplicity with depth. Influenced by timeless songwriters including Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, she combines classic songwriting with contemporary self-production to create music that is reflective, evocative, and rich in detail.
At its heart, Moons Poet is about creating space for listeners to slow down, reflect, and connect. Through honest lyrics, memorable melodies, and carefully crafted soundscapes, Moons Poet continues to build a body of work that feels both intimate and expansive—music that lingers long after the final note.
With Underground Potato out now, we took some time to hear from Moons Poet. Read below to learn more about Moons Poet, the story behind Underground Potato, and what’s to come.
Underground Potato: https://moonspoet.bandcamp.com/album/underground-potato
Hi Moons Poet! Let’s start with how did you choose your artist name?
I love the moon, and I love poetry, so I somehow thought this was a unique name with a spacey/poetic kind of idea.
What city are you from, and where are you based now?
I’m from Albury/Wodonga then moved to Melbourne, and now I’m based in Geelong, Victoria, Australia.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music?
Music has always been a big part of my life. When I was a kid, I learned to play the organ/keyboard for a while, but I eventually stopped. It wasn’t until I was a teenager that I really found my passion for making music. I picked up the guitar and started taking singing lessons, even though I’d been singing for as long as I can remember.
Learning guitar gave me a way to support my voice and bring songs to life. That’s when everything really started to click, and I think of those teenage years as the beginning of playing music. Some of my favorite memories are from that time are playing music, finding new bands/artists. In my twenties, I started recording my music, which felt like the next natural step in the process.
How has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound?
I was brought up very cool parents with amazing music taste. Lots of classic bands and artists like the Rolling Stones, the kinks, INXS, Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac, ACDC, lots of Beatles, Hendrix, etc…
How would you describe your sound?
Dreamy, ethereal at times, sometimes folk-rock, sometimes just folk. Sometimes also just instrumental.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
I also do visual art and garden abit. I went to art school, so I love to paint and draw in my spare time.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
Cocteau Twins, Neil Young, PJ Harvey for her sheer creativity. Nick Cave, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Natalie Merchant. Lots of ’70s and ’90s mixed influences there. Music i grew up with.
What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?
Probably just finishing albums. I feel proud when I complete work.
What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?
To learn to record my own music and understand that you cant rely on studios and producers all the time. You must develop your own sound through trial, and error and mistakes are not something to fear. They can make you more unique. Learning to self-record/mix, etc. allows you to make more organic music and is more relaxing to do.
Now onto Underground Potato. What inspired this album?
I just thought underground is a cool idea (and I guess I’m underground) and I’m growing potatoes – so that kind of just worked and was a random thought that I had about doing an album. I was going to call it “letters from the underground,” but there not letters, so I thought this idea was abit more fitting. I also think its cool to search through mainstream music and look for more interesting music in the underground.
What was the inspiration behind the cover artwork for Underground Potato?
It was a photo a friend took from 2013 that I thought was just a cool picture, and then I made it pink and purple.
What was the creative process like when making Underground Potato?
I recorded as soon as I felt an idea happen. It was very natural and enjoyable and happened very quickly.
How long did it take to complete Underground Potato?
About a week if i did a song a day. But, they happened sporadically over a few months. Just recording when I felt an idea happen. Sometimes I would plug in and it just comes out through improvising and playing.
Is there a specific song on Underground Potato that speaks to you the most? If so, why?
My favourite songs on that album are “Firehorse” (about the year of the firehorse), “Magical heart,” and “Floating” – all recorded in one or two takes and very naturally.
What message or messages do you hope fans take away from Underground Potato and your music in general?
To keep listening to real music, don’t listen to AI made stuff, keep buying albums from real artists and keep seeing live bands when you can. Keep going to underground gigs and buying art made by the artist. Both visual art and music art. Alot of real blood, sweat and tears goes into making music, it’s important to remember that.
What’s next? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?
I have a few ideas on the go. I’m making two/three albums. A cover album.
Where can we follow you on social media?
Moonspoet.music.co (on Instagram), follow me there! 😊
On Bandcamp: https://moonspoet.bandcamp.com/music
On Spotify: Moons Poet
Before you go, let’s ask you an off-topic question. What is your favorite food?
My favourite food is Japanese – Definitely.
Thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!
