Have Yourself a: The Indie Folk Phenomenon

Have Yourself a is the acclaimed indie folk project spearheaded by singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Liam Moore. Hailing from Portland, Oregon, the artist carved a distinct niche in the 2010s alternative scene with a blend of introspective lyricism and lush, orchestral folk arrangements. The project's breakthrough album, The Great Perhaps, charted on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart and solidified a dedicated fanbase through extensive touring and critical acclaim.

Early career

Liam Moore began writing and performing under the moniker Have Yourself a around 2009, following his studies in classical composition. The name, a fragment of a well-known holiday lyric, reflected his penchant for crafting warm, nostalgic soundscapes. Self-releasing the debut EP Paper Anchor in 2011, Moore's intricate guitar work and vulnerable vocal delivery quickly garnered attention from independent blogs and local radio, leading to a signing with the boutique label Forest Park Records in 2012.

Breakthrough

The turning point arrived in 2014 with the release of the sophomore album The Great Perhaps on Forest Park Records. Lead single "Harbor Lights" received significant airplay on NPR-affiliated stations and cracked the AAA radio chart, driving the album to number 12 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. This success was bolstered by a support slot on a national tour with fellow folk act The Lowland Republic, exposing Have Yourself a to wider audiences and establishing Moore as a compelling live performer.

Key tracks

Harbor Lights — This AAA radio hit served as the accessible, string-laden introduction to the project's signature sound for a national audience.

Cardinal Points — A fan-favorite album track celebrated for its complex, fingerpicked guitar progression and lyrical themes of navigation and doubt.

Weathered Stones — Featuring haunting harmonies from guest vocalist Elara Vance, this song became a staple of the live set and a streaming standout.

The Longest Evening — This epic, seven-minute closing track from The Great Perhaps showcases Moore's classical training with its evolving string and woodwind arrangements.

Following this breakthrough, Have Yourself a released the more sonically adventurous album Stray Volts in 2017, which incorporated subtle electronic textures. Moore also embarked on notable collaborations, co-writing and providing guitar for tracks on The Lowland Republic's 2018 album Fault Lines. While maintaining a steady output of EPs and singles, the project has cultivated a reputation for consistent, emotionally resonant songwriting within the modern folk genre.

Fans of Have Yourself a's detailed storytelling and rich acoustic tapestries often appreciate the work of similar artists. The Lowland Republic shares a focus on narrative depth and toured extensively with Moore. Hollow Rivers explores comparable territories of atmospheric, Pacific Northwest folk. Early Winter delivers a similarly intimate and finely crafted singer-songwriter approach. Maia Sharp operates in the same sphere of clever, lyrically-driven adult alternative music.

The music of Have Yourself a maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on adult album alternative (AAA) stations, independent music radio stations, and online folk radio streams. Tracks like "Harbor Lights" and "Cardinal Points" are frequently featured in rotations that champion authentic songwriting and organic instrumentation, connecting with listeners who seek substance and melody.

Listeners can explore the nuanced indie folk catalog of Have Yourself a through the radio stations featured on our website. Tune in to discover this artist's celebrated albums and standout tracks on various stations available on onairium.com.