MUSIC

Living the Dream

Moonshiner Collective

It was a dream, literally a dream—the kind you have while sound asleep—that led Dan Curcio to a life of music. Then just a boy growing up in Sacramento, Curcio had a series of incredibly vivid, vibrant dreams about playing guitar. Not sure what it meant because up to that point he had only a cursory interest in music and mostly obliged his parents by doing the piano classes they nudged him to take. But, the dreams had sparked something in him, compelling the youngster to break into his stash to plunk down the money for a cheap guitar. From the moment he first strummed the strings he was transfixed, and just about every free moment since that time has been dedicated to making music. Fast-forward to college where Curcio found himself in a Cal Poly dorm room in close proximity to four other like-minded musicians. A sixth person was added when they spotted someone playing drums on his textbook with a couple of pencils waiting for class to start. They found themselves playing together at every opportunity and at some point during a jam session in the hills behind the dorms, a band name was proposed: Still Time. Almost instantly they became a sensation with their unique “groove rock” sound that combined instruments such as harmonica, mandolin, slide guitar, and upright bass. Before long, Still Time was winning the various top bands of the Central Coast awards and drawing progressively larger crowds until they found themselves with invitations to open for the likes of Ziggy Marley, UB40, and Steel Pulse among others. It was during a national tour that covered 37 states in four months when Curcio started to wonder if what they were doing still made sense. The reality was that all six were full-time, professional musicians and doing the math on the back of an envelope meant that this life on the road was likely to be a never-ending reality. During that trip the Poly alumni began the sad conversation about how to wind it down after eight years together. Their final appearance took place during a handful of California shows in early 2012. Out of this experience Curcio retreated to his yurt—a circular tent-like structure—located in a picturesque Cayucos valley with a panoramic ocean view. It had been Curcio’s home base during his Still Time years and many memories of music making with friends occured there—G-Love (of G-Love & The Special Sauce) even stopped by one time for a barbeque—and it provided solace once again. Going deep into his music and spending time reflecting on what all of this meant, Curcio came to terms with the idea of launching a solo career. After some time strumming on his guitar while gazing out at the Pacific he felt rejuvenated and ready to hit the road again. Things went well at first, but solo work had its limitations and it was not long before Curcio, who performed under the moniker “Moonshiner,” began looking to add more depth. His first choice was long-time friend Nathan Towne, whom Curcio regards as a “musical genius” in that he has the ability to play just about any instrument. The two immediately connected, and new music flowed almost effortlessly. Moonshiner’s first album, which came shortly thereafter, was appropriately titled “Let Go.” Attracted to the music and recognizing the need for a legitimate rhythm section, drummer Zac Cornejo and bass guitar player Matt Reeder were brought in. Curcio envisioned a sort of never-ending rotation of musicians cycling through to accompany him, so Moonshiner became Moonshiner Collective.

The four current members of the collective all bring extensive musical experience to the table, and the result is a pure, clean, honest sound. Its lyrics are hopeful and positive and reflect the band’s Central Coast roots which influences its soulful, energetic vibe. When pressed to liken the music to other acts, the members suggests that their sound may be somewhat familiar to fans of Mumford & Sons, The Avett Brothers, or Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals. The group offers that their music “intends to cut through the overexposed world of 24-hour news and Facebook feeds and seeks to take the listener to a simpler frame of mind.” Although the first incarnation of Moonshiner Collective has only been playing together for a few short months, their inaugural show at SLO Brew in January sold out to an enthusiastic crowd. As the band now begins to line up gigs throughout California, Curcio struggles with the idea of once again leaving the Central Coast, which he calls his “security blanket” to return to the old haunts of his Still Time days. “I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and becoming a successful band touring nationally,” he offers, “But at the end of the day, being able to play music for a living and being here in this place, I just cannot complain.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK GVAZDINSKAS

l e f t t o r i g h t Zac Cornejo (drums) Nathan Towne (guitar/keys/vocals) Dan Curcio (guitar/vocals) Matt Reeder (bass)