Neptune Moon, formed by Boise State alumnus Alex Nielebeck, embraces experimentation and opportunity in the local music scene
In Boise’s ever-growing music scene, Neptune Moon makes its mark with unfiltered lyrics and genre-defying rhythm. Formed by Boise State alumnus Alex Nielebeck, the band pulls from hardcore metal, hip-hop beats and soothing indie to create what they describe as “neptune music”.
To them, Neptune Moon is more than just a band name. Members describe it as a mindset — built on camaraderie, community and the shared belief that music should be fun.
Drumming solo seemed like a waste to Nielebeck in his youth. Playing the drums was the graduate’s lifetime passion and he always had the lingering thought of starting a band. It wasn’t long before he spontaneously met his future lead singer — Micah Crosby.
“I was tired of just playing in my room by myself. I wanted to play with other people,” Nielebeck said. “When Micah and I started playing, we were like ‘wait, maybe we are good at this’.”
The group slowly morphed their sound into their own as the band grew, experimenting with genre and style. The band defines “Neptune music” as the refusal to follow one particular sound.
“That’s the beauty of what I wanted to create,” Nielebeck said. “Just good musicians together, not necessarily the genre in mind. We focus on what sounds good in the moment.”
“A lot of Boise bands really embrace the idea that you don’t have to pigeonhole yourself,” Crosby added. “It becomes part of the excitement — a metal band might do a mellow song, or vice versa. We’re one of the many local bands that has fun with that concept.”
Band members noted they “haven’t felt a stronger sense of community anywhere else”, emphasizing their love for Boise’s small-town scene. They described the city as “big enough for opportunities and small enough for connections”.
The band emphasizes their enthusiasm for collaborating with other local bands in the Boise area.
“We’d love to expand who we play with and really connect with every band we can in the area,” guitarist Alex Gamble said. “Built to Spill would be awesome. They’re legends to us, honestly.”
Gamble added Boise gives the perfect balance of venues for the band to discover. Spots like The Sandbar, The Shrine and The Knitting Factory are the go-to hubs for the established group.
Members added their performance at The Knitting Factory in August of 2024 was the biggest and highest-energy show they’ve had to date.
“It was terrifying, honestly,” guitarist and vocalist Luke Landsberg said. “They were going crazy, it was exhilarating — we could literally feel the stage rumbling..”
Every band has its share of mishaps and unforgettable memories. Neptune Moon treats both with equal adoration. The band laughed at their first encounter with “technical difficulties”.
During a brief tour stop in Utah, Neptune Moon arrived at what they thought would be the perfect stage, only to find themselves performing in the corner of a soda shop’s basement.
“We kind of just made due,” Gamble laughed. “Nobody seemed to know what was going on, but we just played for whoever wandered through.”
The band continued to perform in the dim atmosphere, making the most of the situation.
“We realized there was an actual stage on the other side of the wall with a drum kit and lights,” Crosby said. “But by then, we were already committed and ended up finishing in that same corner.”
What could have been a disaster became one of Neptune Moon’s favorite memories and stood as a reminder of their shared support for each other.
“I remember just looking at all of my boys smiling,” Crosby said. “It made me feel so good to be there. It didn’t even feel like we were playing music, but really just hanging out — those are moments I’ve wanted my entire life.”
Neptune Moon plans to keep making their mark in the Boise music scene — working on new music and playing at different venues around the city. In the meantime, audiences can find updates on their Instagram, @neptunemoonofficial or listen on Spotify and Apple Music.
“It’s just nonstop fun,” bassist Anthony Borelli said. “We kind of just lift each other up. If one of us isn’t 100%, the others pick up what’s lacking. It’s all about support and respect.”
