Seated at one of five tables inside their beloved lunch spot in Toronto’s west end, James Robertson and Gavin Gardiner are beaming. Everyone here shares the look, it’s an “if you know you know” kind of spot, and everyone here knows. It’s this feeling, this culture, this heart-and-soul-of-our-city energy that MOONRIIVR has embraced since their formation in 2023. 

The universe did not have to reach far to pull together the orbits of James Robertson and Gavin Gardiner, the core of what would become MOONRIIVR. Each has played an integral and vibrant role in the Toronto music scene for the past two decades, and their range of styles, community and skills have come together in an easy and tape-echo filled fit.

Gardiner’s background in vintage and analogue recording paired with James Robertson’s passion for instruments of the same era come together to define MOONRIIVR’s sound.  Gavin Gardiner, of Juno & Polaris nominated indie-folk outfit The Wooden Sky and established audio engineer at All Day Coconut (Georgia Harmer, Fiver, Dan Mangan, Jason Collet), was a quick match for Robertson, whose musical collaborations with Lindi Ortega and Dwayne Gretzky have redefined the sound of the Canadian music scene. 

“MOONRIIVR’s slow motion surf rock harkens back to the days before the music died: a time when country strums and hip-shaking swagger lived side-by-side; and the goal of rock and roll was to make the crowd swoon just as often as it was to make ‘em shout. Despite debuting in the streaming age, the group’s music exists out of time, channeling an AM dial warble and an overplayed 45’s crackle.” - Calgary Folk Fest

The 2023 release of their debut album, MOONRIIVR - Volume 1 quickly garnered critical acclaim and put the band on stages across Canada, the UK and Europe.  Rolling Stone Magazine saying it’s “as if Buddy Holly and Chris Isaak made a record with Damien Jurado” Their sound and impassioned performances came of age in front of an audience, and the duo have channeled that energy back into the studio shaping their new single ‘You Get Me By’, (Nov 20th Victory Pool Records).

Joined by the percussive genius of Lyle Molzan, Mike Ardagh and Julian Psihogios as well as Jenni Roberts and Ben Whiteley on bass, the accomplished rhythm sections set the stage for Gardiner’s deft lyricism and haunting baritone while Robertson’s masterful guitar playing expands the mind with its trance-like searching.  There’s a sense of restraint that congers the raw feelings of Richie Valens and Nancy Sinatra echoing off the hallowed walls of Capitol Studio B, while continuing to propel it into a new and bold era.

Unable to contain the vision found in their collaboration, MOONRIIVR has expanded their work as a production duo.  Digging in and exploring new sonic territory with artists like Peter Dreams (July Talk), Reuben Bullock (Rebun and the Dark), Brandon Wolfe Scott (Yukon Blonde) and Tom Wilson (Junkhouse, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings).

MOONRIIVR creates a sound that is both familiar and cosmic. Drawing on their connection to the past in the search for a new vibration.  Their much anticipated follow up to Volume 1 arrives in spring 2026.