Rooted in folk-rock and woodsy Americana, the Moondoggies take influences from such vocally inclined groups as the Byrds, the Band, and the Flying Burrito Brothers. Although hailing from Seattle, seeds for the band's formation were planted in nearby Everett, Washington, where they formed a teenaged band while attending Cascade High School. The students discovered their talent for three-part vocal harmonies, and when Murphy returned from a summer-long stay in Alaska in 2005, the four friends reconvened in Seattle to form the Moondoggies. Taking up residence at a local dive bar named the Blue Moon Tavern, the Moondoggies honed their craft and soon netted a contract with Hardly Art, an imprint of Seattle's own Sub Pop Records. Don't Be a Stranger, the band's woozy debut, appeared in 2008, with the mature Tidelands following in October 2010. Third album Adios I'm a Ghost, released in 2013 and aided by the addition of multi-instrumentalist Jon Pontrello to the band, fell somewhere between the two in sound and tone.

Annie J delivers a close and personal blend of retro soul and modern pop. Her vocal mastery and presence as a performer make for a playful and moving display that pays homage to acts like Dusty Springfield, Whitney Houston, Janelle Monae, and Solange. At times heartfelt and reserved, at times powerful and hard-hitting, Annie J’s sparkling voice and colorful style are uniquely hers.