When you think of the Yukon, funk music might not come to mind — but one longtime band is working to change that image.
Major Funk, a disco/funk group based in Whitehorse, is set to perform at Legion 43 in Prince George on June 26.
The five-member band brings together musicians from a range of unique musical backgrounds, all united by a shared love of funk and disco.
Major Funk has released two albums — Is That You? and The In Between — both of which were nominated for a Western Canadian Music Award, a recognition the band described as a “cool honour.”
They previously played at the Omineca Arts Centre and told The Citizen they always enjoy performing in Prince George, despite the 17-hour drive.
“We had a small but mighty audience,” said Etienne Girard, the band’s bassist. “A lot of the musicians in our band also play heavy metal. There was one metal kid in the audience and we did a couple of licks for him.
“It’s going to be fun to play Prince George. We are Northerners, and northern BC fits the bill.”
Although the band has toured across the country, members say some of their best shows have been in the North.
The group draws inspiration from 1970s funk and disco. For saxophone and flute player Toby Moisey, learning the genre was a new challenge.
“The funny part is that we’ve come from all kinds of backgrounds,” said Moisey. “I play flute in the band and I’m always trying to channel that ’70s funky vibe. I’m classically trained, and it’s been a whole new experience trying to develop that funk sound, that feel and vibe — it’s so different from my training.”
He added that one of the best parts of performing live is “bringing the party” wherever they go.
“Our band is good at making people dance and have fun,” said Girard. “It’s very inclusive. I like to think we kind of sell the party a bit more, too. I mean, we’re good at what we do, but when people are just there to party and we’re ready to deliver, it can be the best recipe for a good time.”
Band members say they are inspired by artists like Chic, Beck, David Hansen and Cory Wong.
Even though they come from a remote part of the country, the group says the support from their local community has been essential.
“We have tremendous support from the territorial government to go on tour and make music,” said Moisey. “The cool thing about being a band from Whitehorse is that we have a really supportive audience. When we do a show a month, we fill the halls, and people come to dance and show their support. There’s a lot of love coming from the Yukon.”
Despite the long travel distances and time taken off work to tour, the group says they remain deeply connected to their home.
“At the end of the day, we love living in the Yukon,” said Girard. “Like most places in Canada, your surroundings inspire your heart. We can’t separate ourselves from that — we’re Yukoners.”
Major Funk will also be performing in Smithers on June 25, and in Wells from June 27 to 29.
