The fourth floor of the New School for Jazz serves as a café for New School students, typically during the day. On this particular evening, it is where I sit before the three gentlemen that make up a band known as Moon Hooch. After some time, we eventually get to the interview, but not without interruptions and getting sidetracked with rather entertaining stories.

BY ASHLEY HEFNAWY

Low 4

[audio http://campusounds.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/low-4.mp3]

“We do music all the time. The set up is really unlike any other band, pretty sure we’re the only band with this kind of setup out there,” Wenzl McGowen says. Wenzl plays one of two tenor saxophones in Moon Hooch. The other saxophonist in the band is Mike Wilbur, a student at the New School for Contemporary Jazz. The rock steady force that is responsible for Moon Hooch’s drums, is James Muschler, another student at the New School for Jazz.

Chances are if you are a New School student, you’ve probably jammed to Moon Hooch’s music at one point or another. Whether it was at Bedford Ave, (where they first originally started playing in the subways) Union Square subway, Washington Square Park, or swanky loft parties, there’s a high possibility you’ve heard about them by now. But for all you non-New Schoolers, Moon Hooch is a growing phenomenon in New York City.

Their music, to me at least, can only be described as jazz house music. As in, the fun and dancey-ness of electro house, minus the electro, but with the same steady beats, thanks to the James’ drum talents. Yeah. You heard right. It’s a strange combination, one that’s hard to imagine unless you hear it. Luckily, we’ve taken care of, because you can listen to their music and download it for free off their website.

The three spent the summer of 2010 playing free jazz together and jamming for fun, but it eventually became more serious. They had a knack for playing together, especially in front of strangers. According to them, the band totally formed on a whim.

“I’ve been playing on the streets since I was about 13. My Dad used to bring me up to Boston, and I’d be playin’ the blues in the Boston gardens. I’ve gotten used to playing fun music in front of random people,” Mike said. “Rhythm plus harmony equals dance.”

The best part about Moon Hooch is that they don’t need a manager. I was totally fascinated by this. According to them, their self-created publicity, (thanks to performances in the subway, and occasional gigs like the New York City Pillow Fight in New York City…) is all the help they need.

“When we play on the street, the people who like us stick around and the people who don’t, get to keep walking. It’s like a filter,” Wenzl said. “We have an unusual way of getting exposure, so management is unnecessary.”

For them, the best part of performing is seeing people react to their music. They have a reputation for starting massive dance parties. “If the audience isn’t into it, the gig is horrible. We just feel awkward,” Wenzl said.

Moon Hooch plans to stay in New York City for a while and build their fan-base. But the prospects of a tour in the states don’t seem too unlikely.

Their advice to other college bands is rather simple: “It depends on what you want. Enjoy playing music always, because the world is coming to a fast end,” Mike said.

For more information about Moon Hooch, check them out on Facebook, and on their website

The Question: What do Pumpkin Pancakes and Dolly Parton have in common?

The Answer: Jennah Bell.

Campusounds sat down with this exciting, Oakland born, singer-songwriter for an interview about everything from country music to cooking tips.

Campusounds: Why did you start playing music?

Jennah Bell:  I started seriously playing in high school. I always sang but I was really into poetry before picking up a guitar.  When I learned guitar, my poetry easily transferred into my songwriting.

CS: Do you still write poetry?

JB:  You know it’s hard now to go backwards and not write a song when I sit down to write. I do feel that my background in poetry has informed my creative process though; I tend to write songs with non-traditional forms and lyrics. My song “stick up” for example is not technically a “complete song” in that the form is repetitive and really simple. But, when I wrote it and listened back it seemed complete and I decided to just keep it as is.

CS: The quality of your voice is a really unique blend of country and folk. Where does that sound come from? Who are some of your favorite artists/inspirations?

Jennah Bell: Well my playlist heavily influences my writing. Whatever I am listening to at the time seems to come through in my writing. My current pancake-making playlist is mostly:

Eric Clapton- “Unplugged”

Stevie Wonder- “Joy Inside My Tears”

Elton John’s Disney songs.

CS: What kind of pancakes?

JB:  Currently Pumpkin. I use pumpkin puree and a sweet pumpkin butter.

CS: Ok enough of that I am too hungry to be talking about pancakes. Back to your inspirations, who were some of your earliest musical role models?

JB: Some of my first inspirations were country singers People like

Kenny Loggins, Dolly Parton, Emmy Lou Harris and Neal Young have really influenced my own music, I felt like they were telling real stories through their songs.

CS: As a songwriter and musician, how has it been making music and studying at Berklee School of Music at the same time?

JB: It has been extremely difficult.

As of now, Music has not given me a profession or a paycheck. However, I feel so lucky to be studying my passion. I can’t imagine doing anything else.

CS: Do you have any words of wisdom for other students/artist who are doing the same thing as you?

JB: Time management is most important. I have found that organizing my life and my ideas really helps me to finish projects.  Also, most importantly, make sure you have time for your own creative endeavors.

CS: What is your ideal progression as an artist?

JB: I want to be a professional musician and I want to be honest with my listeners. My first EP was all recorded in my dorm room on my computer and instead of re-recording it in the studio I released it as it was.  I want to be a musician and performer who is upfront with their audience. I want to be honest about who I am and what I sound like.

CS: Who are some new artist you like that we should check out?

JB: Kelly Bartley and the Hermanos is one of my favorite new bands. They describe their music as underwater country; you have to listen to it to understand.  Also, Emily King. I had the privilege of meeting her; she is an amazing artist and an equally dynamic person.

CS: What have you learned as a student/musician over the past few years?

JB: Being in school taught me that I learn at my own pace and that has to be ok with me. Trying to keep up with others or be something you are not is not healthy and will catch up with you. I have also realized that schools have structure and form and in theory everyone will learn at the same pace, so you have to figure out how to get help and push yourself. Seek help, ask your teachers, keep that in mind and recognize your will to learn.

CS: What is next for Jennah Bell?

JB:  Well, I am Moving to New York! New York has a unique inspiration and energy and I want be part of that.

CS: Any closing remarks?

JB:  Be open-minded. As an artist, I wouldn’t look to identify with any genre or sound. It is inhibiting to always put things, especially music, into categories. Be yourself.

Check out Jennah Bell’s Song/Video “Yes, This is a Holdup”

Also go to: http://jennahbell.bandcamp.com/album/early-bird-ep to buy/listen to Jennah’s new “Early Bird EP”

 -Campusounds

This Saturday, come play with some of our favorite bands at the Silver Shed Gallery! It’s a party on a roof…with really great music…for only $5…can you really refuse?