Willy Moon may not be a household name, but his impact on the music industry is undeniable. This gifted singer, songwriter, and performer rose to fame in 2012 with his catchy single “Yeah Yeah,” which was featured in an Apple commercial. His distinctive style and sound piqued the interest of many, leading to the release of his debut album, Here’s Willy Moon, in 2013. In 2014, Willy and his wife, Natalia Kills AKA Teddy Sinclair, joined the judging panel of X Factor New Zealand. Although their stint on the show was brief, it remains etched in the minds of many. Here are 10 fascinating facts about Willy Moon that you probably didn’t know.
1. Religion Holds No Sway Over Him
While many people with strong religious backgrounds place their faith at the core of their lives, Willy Moon is not one of them. In an interview with Mara Backstage, he revealed that he doesn’t subscribe to any religion.
2. He Left School at 16
Most would agree that a high school education is essential, but Willy took a gamble when he dropped out at just 16 years old. Although this decision could have led to disappointment, it turned out to be a pivotal moment in his life.
3. His Rude Behavior Cost Him His X Factor Gig
Being selected as a judge on X Factor New Zealand was a fantastic opportunity for Willy Moon. However, his time on the show was cut short when he and his wife were fired for their rude and condescending behavior towards a contestant. Although both Willy and Teddy apologized to the contestant after the incident, the damage was irreversible.
4. A Nomadic Childhood Shaped His Life
Willy and his family faced financial hardships during his childhood, leading them to move frequently without ever finding stability. He lived in various places, including Hong Kong and the UK, and even resorted to stealing to get by. He told Interview Magazine, “I learned that the best way to steal is to do it as brazenly and openly as possible.”
5. Social Media Isn’t His Thing
While social media has become a powerful tool for entertainers to build their brand, Willy Moon seems uninterested in cultivating a strong online presence. Over the past few years, he has been inactive on social media, with no signs of re-engaging anytime soon.
6. He Hails from New Zealand
Despite being frequently referred to as a British musician, Willy is actually a native of New Zealand. He has lived in England at various points in his life and feels a strong connection to the British community. However, his heart will always belong to his home country.
7. Songwriting Came Before Singing
Willy’s passion for music began at a young age when he learned to play the guitar and started writing his own songs. Initially, he didn’t plan on becoming a singer, but with no one else around to perform his compositions, he took up the mantle himself.
8. He and His Wife Share a Band
When “Yeah Yeah” was released in 2012, it seemed that Willy had a promising musical career ahead of him. However, some argue that he hasn’t reached his full potential. While his solo career appears to be on hold, he is currently a member of the group Cruel Youth, fronted by his wife.
9. He Prefers a Low-Profile Lifestyle
Willy is a private person who has largely avoided the spotlight since his departure from X Factor. In recent years, he has virtually disappeared, eschewing interviews and public appearances.
10. Fashion is His Passion
Willy has always enjoyed expressing himself through clothing, and his unique style became an integral part of his artistic image. Ironically, his fashion sense was at the heart of the controversy that led to his and Teddy’s dismissal from their judging roles on X Factor. They both felt that contestant Joe Irvine was copying Willy’s style.
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