Photo: Moon Hooch Facebook
Moon Hooch is an explosive horn and percussion trio based out of New York City who made their dreams of being a touring act a reality after tons of hard work. They started their career busking in Subways and the city streets and are now not only a consistent touring act, they are also gearing up to go back overseas for some shows. At the end of August, they will be making their debut appearance at Adirondack Independence Music Festival in Lake George, NY so we decided to check in with the band about their live shows, and what is in store for the rest of 2024. Read the full interview with Michael Wilbur below:
Mirth Films: What are you most excited for when it comes to playing the stage at ADK Music Festival?
Michael Wilbur: Hey Frank, thanks for the interview. I’m most excited to be out in the open air, playing among the beautiful and powerful Adirondack Mountains. There’s nothing like playing music in nature. Sometimes I close my eyes and try to envision the ancient tribes that once lived here, and allow their energy to flow through me. I like to imagine flying over the mountains like an American Eagle.
MF: Do you guys treat your festival sets differently from your headlining shows?
MW: We treat every set the same. We bring all of our life force, all of our energy to every single set, whether it’s 100 people or 10,000. For me personally, I like to play like my life depends on it, because it does.
MF: Any “swifties” in the group?
MW: Wouldn’t say we’re “swifties”, but I respect any musician who has made it for themselves in this messed up industry. She is a great songwriter and empowers women across the globe, so more power to her.
MF: What are your thoughts on the Reuben Sandwich?
MW: I have been vegan for 12 years and a good vegan reuben sandwich is the BOMB. Before i was vegan I would order reubens in college when I was hammered late night. Gained 30 pounds in a year. Great times.
MF: Back in 2010 you guys were busking on the streets. Looking back was this the plan? Did you guys think it was going to take off like it has for you?
MW: We had no plan really, we were just broke kids trying to make money. All we did was work our asses off and took every opportunity that came our way. That’s what got us to where we are. We would busk for 8 hours a day handing out flyers, business cards and CDs.
MF: How did you guys become so passionate about environmental causes?
MW: When I was 23 Wenzl’s girlfriend at the time was a big vegan/environmental activist. We weren’t really that conscious of environmental issues until she educated us. When I found out what was going on to animals in factory farms, how it affected the environment and our bodies, I couldn’t turn back. I started to care more and read more about it. That’s when I started really getting passionate about it.
MF: What is the best way to help the environment, even in the smallest ways?
MW: Go vegan. It’s 2024 and it is easier than ever to live a fully plant based diet. Even if you only do it one meal a week, you would be greatly reducing your carbon footprint, reducing suffering to animals and reducing water waste among other things.
MF: What is the best way to support Moon Hooch in 2024?
MW: We just released a new album, only available on our Bandcamp page. All the money goes to us, so it really helps us out a lot. It is called “Yesterday’s Problem”, check it out!
