Get to know the Suwannee Hulaween 2015 performers as they talk about their favorite music from the “Ghoul (Soul) Train” era and remember their best Halloween costumes from the past. Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park has an undeniable magic that offers a unique festival experience, not only for the attendees, but also the musicians. Here they share their sentiments on what makes Hulaween at SOSMP special to them. There’s also exciting things happening for each of these acts – read the exclusive details below and check out our Suwannee Hulaween 2015 playlist here:
THE STRING CHEESE INCIDENT (Keith Moseley)
Favorite Soul Train era music:
I remember seeing Sly and the Family Stone on Soul Train when I was a kid. It was a total culture shock for me. I was this sheltered, suburban, conservative middle class white kid and I was just in awe of the outrageous costumes and free-for-all attitude of the band. It was my first exposure to a jam band!
Favorite Halloween costume:
I loved the voodoo witch doctor costumes we wore at Suwannee 2 years ago.
On Hulaween 2015:
I am super excited to have my good friend Sheryl Rene singing with us. She will be joined by the great Leonard Julien and the Antbalas Horns for our special Ghoul Train set. We will be playing a whole set of old school, funky, dance party Soul Train goodness!
What’s coming up:
We have begun recording new SCI songs at our new studio space! We recently bought a warehouse and have been getting it set up for our rehearsals and recording. We just finished a week there with Jerry Harrison who produced our last album. We hope to have some new music out before the end of the year.
THE NTH POWER (Nikki Glaspie)
Favorite Soul Train era music:
Earth, Wind and Fire, The Gap Band and Parliament Funkadelic. We love all of these acts because they invented the game. The music is unprecedented. It was a style never heard before, plus a swagger that was unmatched. These guys were professionals. They gave everything they had every night, not to mention the wardrobe!
Favorite Costume:
I was Iron Man one year for Halloween with socks stuffed in my crotch. I wore it at a party in Dubai while on tour with Beyonce. We had been touring around for about 2 years and she couldn’t figure out it was me.
On Hulaween 2015:
I am looking forward to the art installations. This will be my first year there, and I heard the art is dope. We are also looking forward to hanging out with a lot of our musician friends that we don’t get to see on the regular basis.
What’s coming up:
We just dropped our single “Right Now” from our full-length debut album “Abundance” which comes out Friday, November 13th. You can download the song for free for a limited time on our website, www.thenthpowermusic.com. Pre-orders start October 23rd. You can also go to our website that day for special pre-order bundles. We have really cool stuff for our fans, and we are super excited for what’s about to come!
BIG WILD
Favorite Soul Train era music:
Sly and the Family Stone are by far my favorite artists from that era. You can hear the musical chemistry between members of the band from the recordings alone. They were fun as fuck, sophisticated, funky, and experimental. I’m also really into The Isley Brothers, Marvin Gaye, and Earth Wind & Fire.
Favorite Halloween costume:
Iron Maiden, Boston, circa 2010. That was a legendary night.
On Hulaween 2015:
I’m looking forward to seeing how Florida and the south get down! I’ve never been to a festival there and I’ve only performed a few times in the south so I’m stoked to play a big show there. I’ve heard nothing but great things about Suwannee Hulaween so I’m ready to get weird. I really wanna check out Chance’s show too.
What’s coming up:
I’m finishing up an EP. I’ve worked with a bunch of vocalists and the project is shaping up to be something special. I’m really excited to start releasing that. Also, I have several remixes on the way.
MANIC FOCUS
Favorite Soul Train era music:
Bill Withers because he’s amazing.
Favorite Halloween Costume:
I was Batman at least 4 years in a row from years 4-8.
On Hulaween 2015:
I’m looking forward to playing with the homies Break Science as Manic Science, obviously. 🙂
What’s coming up:
We’re about to release a Manic Science EP within the next two months, and I’m wrapping up my next album to be released on All Good Records.
DOPAPOD (Chuck Jones – bass)
Favorite Soul Train era music:
CHIC and Rick James.
Favorite costume:
I once wore a huge dick costume, to represent my lack of one.
(dramatization, not actually Chuck)
Favorite Hulaween 2015 acts:
Primus and SCI.
What’s coming up:
We have a huge NYE celebration lined up called The Ball Drop with Turkuaz & Kung Fu. It’s our 3rd year ringing in the New Year in Worcester, MA at The Palladium, and we’re really stoked to be doing it alongside two bands that happen to be some of our closest friends.
POST PLUTO
Favorite Soul Train era music:
Some of our favorite acts are The Commadores, Sly & The Family Stone, James Brown, and KC & The Sunshine Band. They’re funky, and they shaped music as we know it. It was an awesome time in music and fashion. Chest hair bustin’, porkchop sideburns, sparkles, and sequins on everything.
Favorite costume:
My favorite costume was the spacesuit I wore at last year’s Hulaween, and I love it not only because it looks awesome, but it can bring hope and inspiration to all generations and cultures that we can explore space. (Tommy P – bass)
The Hulk. No one could recognize me, I had pillows for muscles and it was great. (Mike G – lead vocals)
On Hulaween 2015:
We’re excited for the new art installations, the new stage, Spirit Lake, new & returning acts, and the fact that it’s looking to be one of the biggest and most fun festivals this year. And Cheese of course!
What’s coming up:
Our first studio album “New Horizons” will be released at the beginning of our set at 1:15pm Spirit Lake Stage. We will be handing out physical copies all weekend and it will be released digitally later in November.
ELEPHANT REVIVAL (Bridget Law, fiddle)
Favorite Soul Train era music:
James Brown, hands down the best dance party music ever! Jackson 5, who doesn’t love a band of bros and sistas with a couple future superstars in the mix? Diana Ross and The Supremes, so much class!
Favorite Halloween Costume:
2 years ago we dressed as the circus. It was so fun! I was the acrobat, which is one of my alter-ego’s so I felt right at home. We also had a snake charmer, a tightrope walker, a ringleader and a bearded lady on stage at the Independent Theater in San Francisco that night.
On Hulaween 2015:
What a fabulous group of musicians gathering in a truly gorgeous place. I’m looking forward to swimming in the black water, scoping the costumes, enjoying the music of my sweet friends (SCI & Shook Twins), and a super rad late night Soul Train dance party!
What’s coming up:
Check out our new live album “Sands of Now.” It’s a live CD/DVD combo featuring our show from the Boulder Theater in late Fall of 2014. It was super fun!
JON STICKLEY TRIO
Favorite Soul Train era music:
Michael Jackson! We quote MJ multiple times in our songs, and he is the king. Not to mention “Thriller” is the scariest video of all time.
Favorite Halloween costume:
Last year, I went as Popeye and my girlfriend, who looks like her, went as Olive Oyl. We played a gig where everyone else in the band was dressed as classic country music stars. It was awesome!
On Hulaween 2015:
Hands down, I’m looking forward to Spirit Lake. As far as bands go, Primus is at the top of my list. I’m going to go as Buckethead who collaborated with Les Claypool a lot.
What’s coming up:
We just released a new album, “Lost at Last,” and it’s already been reviewed in the NY Times. Dave King, of The Bad Plus, produced the album. We also released a music video for the first track, “Point to Point.”
FLAT LAND (Fae – violin, vocals)
Favorite Soul Train era music:
This is kind of like trying picking your favorite flavor of ice cream – impossible, at least for me. Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield, but Bill Withers and Stevie Wonder are my classic go-tos.
Favorite costume:
Last year I was a Purple People Eater for Halloween. I wore an eye patch and everything.
On Hulaween 2015:
I’m looking forward to seeing all the familiar faces! We’re good friends with most of the bands on the undercard. There is such an amazing scene here in Florida, and so many bands across the state are killing it right now. I’m looking forward to seeing their sets just as much as the headliners. And Primus. I mean, let’s be honest, they’re pretty rad.
What’s coming up:
We partnered with our friends Bells & Robes (who are also playing Hula) to form Future Music Makers, a music education nonprofit for kids in North Florida. We’re trying to provide opportunities for kids that wouldn’t otherwise get to study music. We’ve got a lot in the works over the next few months. Our website is www.futuremusicmakers.org. Also, we’re putting out our new album in January 2016, so we’ve got a lot of projects right now. Details at www.flatlandsound.com.
THE GROOVE ORIENT (Harry Ong – lead vocals/bass)
Favorite Soul Train era music:
Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder, The Isley Brothers and BB King. They’re all extremely unique and each one of them can blow your mind.
Favorite Halloween costume:
One of my favorite past Halloween costumes was Rambo with Marge Simpson hair, which was worn during our performance on a Casino Cruise.
On Hulaween 2015:
It’s always a privilege to play Suwannee Music Park, always a really special energy; and with all the artists and fans attending this year, Hulaween 2015 will be no exception.
What’s coming up:
We were just in the studio recording a new album which can be expected in 2016.
MORNING FATTY (John Pop):
Favorite Soul Train era music:
Everyone in Morning Fatty loves Stevie Wonder. We cover “Superstition” and “Sir Duke.” Stevie has soul like no other. Also Parliament and Earth Wind and Fire.
Favorite Halloween costume:
2 years ago I dressed up as Forrest Gump – the marathon runner version. My beard had been growing for over 2 years so it fit well. People either got the costume immediately or thought I was homeless. I wore it at a few shows we played.
On Hulaween 2015:
About 5 months ago we got a new drummer, Tim Mulberry. He has completely reshaped our sound. This festival will be the first time our fans get to see and hear the new Morning Fatty. We’re also excited to hear some of the awesome acts playing this year.
What’s coming up:
We are releasing the first recorded single with our new drummer Tim Mulberry. We’re also working on a music video to be released in the next few months.
BEEBS AND HER MONEYMAKERS (Michelle Beebs)
Favorite Soul Train era music:
Joe Tex is one of my favorite soul train era artists because who can argue with “I gotcha”?!
Favorite Halloween costume:
I dress as a guy named Raul sometimes. He has a pretty healthy mustache. I have yet to try him out on Halloween though.
On Hulaween 2015:
Looking forward to Chance the Rapper, Primus, and well, I’m looking forward to the entire event! It’s good to see a lot of Orlando family on the bill as well.
What’s coming up:
I just released a solo side project. The first video is called “Ride Around The Sun.” Excited to show the world another side of me other than a superhero or Raul. You can also follow all of my adventures on Instagram and Twitter: @BeebsMoney.
MASTER RADICAL (Angelo Zingaro)
Favorite Soul Train era music:
Funkadelic, Curtis Mayfield, Parliament, The Meters, the King James Brown, Os Mutantes and the list goes on. They rock! Great Musicians, great songwriters.
Favorite Halloween costume:
I’d have to say dressing up as the Mario Brothers at a Halloween show at the beaches a few years back.
On Hulaween 2015:
We’re looking forward to playing alongside great musicians from all over, camping and more music.
What’s coming up:
Right now we are finishing up an 18-song album, going big. It should be done by Halloween. It’s entitled “Modern Day Western” and includes most of our songs from the last few years. After that we will be touring and writing the next album.
BATH SALT ZOMBIES
Favorite Soul Train era music:
George Clinton and the Parliament Funkadelic – they were just so funky and the name says it all. – Jesse James, fiddle
Favorite Halloween costume:
I went trick or treating as Judge Ito the year of the OJ Simpson trial – Zane Bowman, banjo
What’s coming up:
We are currently working on our second album at Shooting Star in South Daytona, Florida and on an innovative show to accompany it. – Graham Woodard, guitar
LITTLE HURRICANE (CC, drummer)
Favorite Soul Train era music:
Any of the classics like Bill Withers, Al Green or Marvin Gaye. The songs are timeless and the music is what our parents listened to while we were growing up. We have been covering “Ain’t No Sunshine” for years, and it’s one of our favorite covers to play live.
Favorite Halloween costume:
I was a Dias de Los Muertos skeleton a few years back. I wore it to a bartending gig and then to a house party. It was a great choice the first few hours, not so great as the makeup wore off!
On Hulaween 2015:
We have never played in Florida before, so we are excited to finally play there and be part of a festival put on by a great company with a very diverse lineup.
What’s coming up:
We have a brand new full-length album coming out mid 2016. We have been working on it for a few years, and will be playing some new tracks at the festival.
THE HIP ABDUCTION (David New)
Favorite Soul Train era music:
James Brown, Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Etta James. It’s the tastiest of the tasty. Soul has indescribable healing powers. The vocal melodies take you to church, but the lyrics aren’t about religion at all. It’s also the first time that music and sex felt so right together.
Favorite Halloween costume:
Wrapped in Saran Wrap. It was in the Bahamas somewhere. It got weird.
On Hulaween 2015:
We’re looking forward to playing and hardcore chilling afterwards.
What’s coming up:
We have a new full-length album coming out in 2016. No release date of yet.
SHOOK TWINS (Katelyn Shook)
Favorite Soul Train era music:
I’m not that savvy with the Soul Train legacy. I just recently discovered its glory actually and I really dig it – the dancing is amazing and it makes me really wish everybody still danced like that today. Some of my favorite acts from the Soul Train are definitely The Jacksons and The Temptations because I’ve always loved watching a group of men look and sound so great together.
Favorite Halloween costume:
One time I went as a Christmas tree. I wired fake tree boughs to a green felt dress and added ornaments and twinkle lights. I wore it in college and when I’d get to a party – we hopped around to many – I would plug myself into the nearest outlet and get down. It was a hit.
On Hulaween 2015:
I’m looking forward to collaborating with our great friends, Elephant Revival, seeing all the rad costumes that people and bands come up with, and I’m really excited to rock out to Odezsa, they’re my jam lately!
What’s coming up:
We’ll be taking the winter off mostly to finally sit down and write the rest of a new album and then get all our ducks in a row and start recording it. We’re going to be collaborating with some great friends/producers and I’m very excited!
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Suwannee Hulaween is hosted by seminal Colorado jamband The String Cheese Incident over Halloween weekend October 30 – November 1, 2015 at the famed Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL.
Performing at Suwannee Hulaween is Denver’s electro-soul and glitch-hop pioneer Pretty Lights, San Francisco eccentrics Primus, Chicago’s psychedelic hip-hop hero Chance The Rapper and his live band, The Social Experiment, legendary Georgia jamtronica innovators STS9, rising Seattle electronic-indie duo ODESZA, San Diego’s post punk reggae beach rockers Slightly Stoopid, and Detroit’s electro-funk and live saxophone sensation GRiZ, along with Lettuce, Railroad Earth, Papadosio, The Floozies, Sam Bush Band and many more. Fans will also be treated to three nights, and 7 sets, of The String Cheese Incident, along with a theatrical, surprise cover-filled show on Halloween.
Festival goers can also get excited for the return of an expanded Spirit Lake – an experiential artistic glowing menagerie of multimedia metalwork, paintings, sculptures, light projections and live performances that morphs the prehistoric-looking forest into a vivid dream-like space. With hardly any overlapping sets throughout the weekend, attendees have plenty of time to wander the mystical campgrounds abuzz with costumed fans and interactive theme camps while not missing any music they want to experience. Suwannee Hulaween will also feature theme nights, yoga, workshops and endless interactive surprises throughout the weekend.
Tickets, Lineup, Schedule:
http://suwanneehulaween.com/
Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park Links:
www.MusicLivesHere.com
www.facebook.com/musicliveshere
Twitter: @SOSMP (#Suwannee)
