“Modern Moxie is a Charlotte-based indie rock band led by Madison Lucas, whose journey from ashy, small-town girl in Great Falls, S.C., to a fiery lead singer is at the heart of the band’s story. Lucas’ deeply personal songwriting, inspired by feelings of being trapped and the determination to break free from anxieties, fuels their music. This theme shines in Claw Your Way Out (2019), a debut album that includes the single “Flowers in Your Hair” that has over 4.4 million Spotify streams. The album also won Queen City Nerve’s Best Album award.Lucas first explored music through trumpet in her one-stoplight town and taught herself guitar during college at Coastal Carolina. Her path to the stage began with open mics at Charlotte’s Evening Muse, where she honed her craft despite intense stage fright. A chance meeting at Jack Beagle’s in NoDa introduced her to bassist, and now husband, Harry Kollm, setting the foundation for Modern Moxie. Lead guitarist Phil Pucci and drummer Charlie Weeks later joined, completing the lineup and sound. Recorded in South Carolina with producer Kenny McWilliams, Claw Your Way Out blends jangly pop melodies with raw alternative rock energy, channeling influences from ’80s and ’90s icons like Tanya Donelly to modern acts like Snail Mail and Metric. Tracks like “Believers in Sound” and “Til I’m a Ghost” explore themes of resilience, addiction, politics, and artistic passion while leaving space for personal interpretation. Modern Moxie followed up with the Gutter Honey EP (2022) and released Tripping the Light Fantastic in August 2024 which won Queen City Nerve’s Reader’s Choice for Best Album. In 2024, Christopher Slezak joined the band on drums along with Taylor Newell to meet the live show and studio demands needed to keep the project moving after Charlie Weeks’ departure. With a unique, grungy sound and an unshakable determination, Modern Moxie continues to captivate fans with their heartfelt, empowering music.