Take a banjo, a harmonica, and a guitar and mix it with some sick beats and samples, and you have one of B.C.’s favourite festival acts, Moontricks.
The Vancouver-based band, who have headlined at Shambhala, is about to play Vernon when it stops by Monashee’s Bar and Grill Friday.
“The last time Moontricks was in town, it was a packed house and their popularity has only grown since,” said Josh Brazier, with 13th Floor Entertainment, who are bringing the band to town, along with rising Okanagan hip hop artist/producer/trumpeter MetaphOracle and Vernon’s SwAY, who are debuting their sophomore album Beyond Duality.
“The evening will consist of a number of talented musicians, live instruments, self-made beats and that infamous PK Bass courtesy of the 13th Floor crew.”
Moontricks began as a collaboration between guitarist/sample artist Mr. Mercy andproducer/harmonica player NOG. With the intention of leaving no genre unturned, they began writing bass music that reflected their numerous musical influences, from Dr. Dre to Muddy Waters.
Earlier this year, the duo added guitarist and banjo player Sean Rodman, who brings his own soul guitar and country banjo picking to Moontricks already unique sound.
Over the past three years, the band has gained a reputation for rocking dance floors across B.C. and Alberta, including back-to-back years as Shambhala Music Festival favourites.
They have also released two EPs, Ignition in 2013 on legendary B.C. DJ Matt the Alien’s record label Really Good Recordings, and Robo-Acoustics in 2014 on Vancouver’s Smokey Crow Records.
In the summer of 2013, Moontricks had their single Lunar Smack – a collaboration with The Funk Hunters – reach the top 10 on Beatport’s glitch hop chart. Continuing to push and combine the definitions of live and electronic music, they aim to bring their patented Moontrickery to audiences across the globe, making people groove to music they never previously imagined.
Also on the bill, MetaphOracle is kicking off his Sofaking Tour in Vernon before making his way across B.C, playing more than a dozen shows.
With his trumpet at his side, he stands poised to add the kind of depth and authenticity that only a live musician can bring. Moving seamlessly from a wealth of hip hop and fat bass lines to a live funk act, MetaphOracle has been dropping a steady flow of releases with more in the works.
Vernon’s very own SwAY have created a strong following since emerging on the scene a few years ago.
Described as progressive, electronic, soul-rock, SwAY melds timeless guitar licks, jazzy piano, and soulful vocals with hard hitting bass, buzzing synths and bouncing rhythms.
Made up of producer/DJ/pianist Jamie Rudrum and producer/guitarist Andrew Malnic, formerly of groove- rock band Know Tomorrow, the duo teamed up in mid-2012 to continue their passion for music.
Besides playing piano with Know Tomorrow, Rudrum has played lead guitar in a punk/metal band, produced hip hop beats and emceed for years under the moniker Ominous. He also released two albums as the electronic artist known as CLRFLXRY (Colourful Luxury).
Malnic grew up playing saxophone and guitar, and played lead guitar in folk-rock band The Big Jungle Cats. He co-founded Know Tomorrow in 2006.
Tickets for the Friday, May 1 show at Monashee’s are $10, available in advance at Monashee’s and the Downtown Internet Lounge.
