The five-piece funk band Moonshine Express works hard to distill perfection.
“We consider ourselves a true do-it-yourself band,” said vocalist Pat Garcia. “[In order] to work with an agency and know the industry, you have to do it yourself.”
Each musician brings their own expertise to the table, whether it’s design, engineering, songwriting, or marketing.
In true DIY fashion, the group built their own recording studio in an east Vancouver garage. “All we did was insulated it and drywalled it, and it sounded great,” said Garcia. “We record everything ourselves and mix and master everything.”
The group recently produced a stop-motion film for their song “Moonshine Express Theme II.” This was the group’s first-ever music video.
“Big City” is Moonshine Express’ most recent mixed and mastered single. The song has a classic rhythmic bass groove and incorporates touches of soul and hip-hop.
The group’s eclectic funk fusion emerged from a chance meeting between band members at a party. “Our drummer Dan Hepler is mutual friends with everybody and one day he invited us out to a gyspy-themed party where you bring stuff to barter and trade.”
They ended up jamming together and “the whole kitchen was bouncing and everyone was partying and drinking,” said Garcia.
Initially and fittingly, the band’s name was Tipsy Gypsies, and they even wrote a song called “Tipsy Gypsy.”
“Four years down the road we’re here, a little bit more serious and more organized.”
Moonshine Express recently said goodbye to its most senior member and longtime bassist, Marcel Hildebrand. “He’s pretty old and he said the late nights and going out on tour was getting hard.”
The group turned to Craigslist for a replacement and came across Toga D’Hoore, who was a natural fit. “He’s wicked. He’s originally from D.C. and soul funk is in his blood.”
D’Hoore joined in time for Moonshine Express’ venture east. “This is the first bigger tour. We haven’t been too far east yet.”
The group is bringing along merchandise, like newly created T-shirts that—you guessed it—they silkscreened themselves.
Garcia is travelling with additional company, his wife and two children, ages 2.5 and six months. “We haven’t been on a road trip with both of them so it’s going to be quite an adventure, especially when we’re playing every night.”
His wife is involved in the band behind the scenes. She booked the entire tour, writes songs with Garcia and records vocals in the studio.
Garcia is anxious to see if other crowds will be intoxicated with Moonshine Express’ funk spirits.
“[Our music] is for the partygoers, people who want to get up and dance and drink and party.”
For more information about what Moonshine Express distills, visit www.moonshineexpress.com.
