MOEV is a synth-pop band based in Vancouver, Canada.
It was founded in 1981 by Tom Ferris (keyboards, percussion) and Cal Stephenson (keyboards, vocals). They were joined by Madeleine Morris (vocals) and Mark Jowett (guitar) later that year. MOEV's debut album, "321062," appeared in 1982.
After their first label (San Francisco based "Go! Records") went broke in early 1983, band member Mark Jowett and manager Terry McBride formed Nettwerk Records in early 1984 to release MOEV material.
Singer Madeleine Morris departed, leaving Cal Stephenson to fill in temporarily. Christine Jones was recruited to provide vocals for the 1984 singles "558985" and "251915."
In January 1985 Michela Arrichiello became the new vocalist in collaboration with Cal. After signing with Profile Records of New York in September 1985, "340877" was released. At this point, Mark Jowett left to concentrate on his managerial duties at Nettwerk, Cal Stephenson returned to school, and Michela Arrichiello left as well....
A new lineup for MOEV would take shape: joining Tom Ferris were Kelly Cook (bass, drums, vocals), Dean Russell (vocals) and Anthony Valcic (keyboards, percussion) (briefly). Two successful 12" singles followed, "356982" and "350069," and MOEV were picked up by Atlantic Records for the next album "179211".
In early 1990, MOEV began recording with producer John Fryer on their third album "219503," with Sarah McLachlan providing background vocals.
The release of the 1991 compilation album "183130" appeared to be MOEV's last. Singer Dean Russell passed away in 1994 after a lengthy illness.
Tom Ferris worked in various other projects until 1998, when he and Julie, his wife and new vocalist, decided to re-animate the band, recording songs they had written in the intervening years. Founding member Cal Stephenson co-wrote some songs. Kelly Cook re-joined the band. Finally Drew Maxwell (guitar player for Redshift) was added to the lineup.
Perhaps there is more in store from MOEV....