There is nothing in the whole wide world of music quite like funk.
On paper, funk looks like it should result in musical chaos. An abundance of instruments, including a horn section, blasts their own beat and holds on precariously to a common groove. But for 20 years, Vancouver’s Five Alarm Funk has been whipping up funk magic and that is something to celebrate.
The horn-powered, percussion-fuelled musical assault squad has been stirring audiences around the world into frenzies and will be hitting Barrie as part of their 20-year anniversary.
I had the opportunity to ask the band a few questions about their latest album, what audiences can expect from a Five Alarm Funk (FAF) live experience, and more.
Richard: The band is celebrating a tremendous 20 years together. What keeps you all together and what do you hope to experience in the next 20 years?
FAF: It's been an incredible ride these past 20 years. The band has been able to keep the train rolling by always having energy, enthusiasm and fun at the forefront of our music. We play music that brings us happiness, laughter and is exciting for ourselves and the audience.
All these musical attributes keep band members happy and enjoying themselves on stage and off. It's been a prolific time as well, always creating new material and stage antics, so there's always something fresh keeping everyone on their toes.
Richard: Over the last two decades, you’ve burned up stages across four continents and released six studio albums. What have been the greatest discoveries for you as a band in that time?
FAF: Personally, the greatest discovery has been how much music can bring positivity and joy into people's lives. The amount of fans and friends we see year after year, who are always so thrilled to attend and bring good energy into a room has been super inspiring. Its power to reset individuals and bring people together is undeniable.
You don't always have a fantastic day, and you may be in a room with people who are completely different than you, but none of it matters, and that moment is all about creativity and enjoying life. Music is awesome!
Richard: What does funk mean to you and how do you decide if something is funky enough to be on an album?
FAF: We always bend around the funk genre, not necessarily sticking to classic funk protocol, but definitely there's always that funk edge and groove. Whether it's a chunky guitar riff or a fat funked out horn line the tunes always have that energetic, upbeat funkiness to them. Funk is that "get up and get into it" feeling!
Richard: The term ‘funk punk’ has been used to describe your unique style. What are the characteristics of ‘funk punk’ and who else should fans be listening to for a similar flavour of music?
FAF: We love including aspects of all genres in our music and punk/ska is one we definitely don't shy away from. Fast tempos, tight grooves with guitar skanks on the up is a great way to bring the energy and deliver a powerful backbeat.
With the band's funked-up outfits and wild stage show, the inner punk is alive and well in all our performances. It's a blast! Check out My Son the Hurricane or Apollo Suns. Great Canadian bands and good friends of ours who deliver awesome live performances.
Richard: Your music, and especially your latest album Big Smoke, are filled with intense arrangements that are so full and layered, but never messy or overbearing. How do you control all the chaos and energy that we hear on the final cut?
FAF: Twenty years is no joke and I can honestly say it took us a while to find that balance of controlled mayhem. Being able to bring a tight ruckus is definitely something we're proud of, knowing when to layout and when to push is something that comes with time and knowledge of the players you're rockin' with. Over the years, we've learned how to write our music in a way that is super lively and complex, but comes off easy to digest especially in a live setting.
Richard: Big Smoke also includes features from the very talented Leo P and funk icon Bootsy Collins. What did it mean to work with them and who would you like to collaborate with on future tracks?
FAF: We've made some awesome connections over the years and definitely teaming up with Too Many Zooz on the road and in the studio has been a highlight. Our bands are super cohesive as far as show time energy and in your face styles.
Leo has become a good friend and it only made sense to rip a track together. He's an absolute legend on the sax!
Bootsy has always been a massive inspiration for us, his funked-out bass licks and unique vocals made funk what it is today. We first started thinking of colabs back in 2015 and the first person that came to mind was Bootsy. He was stoked to rip on the track which for us was a sign we were on to something good and in the funk.
We Play The Funk is definitely one of my favourite FAF songs of all time and working with Bootsy will always be one of life's big highlights!
Richard: Five Alarm Funk are known for their electric, non-stop, no-lull live shows. How can people prepare themselves before seeing you in Barrie?
FAF: Get ready to sweat! Expect a high-octane, energy-fuelled, all-out dance party from the first note to the last! We love throwing epic, energetic shows and engaging with our audiences. We can't wait for our show in Barrie and are excited to make fans and friends alike.
Five Alarm Funk and The High Loves will perform July 11 at The Queens Hotel, located downtown Barrie at 94 Dunlop St. E. This is a 19-plus event and valid government-issued photo ID is required. Tickets to the show can be purchased here. Stay up to date with Five Alarm Funk by visiting their official website here.
What else is happening?
JULY 4: FAMILY OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT — Park Place Barrie presents a special outdoor viewing of Disney/Pixar’s Turning Red for free in city's south end. The event kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with a magic show, followed by the movie starting at dusk. Popcorn is also free and for a $1 donation to the Barrie Food Bank, beverages can also be purchased. For more information, click here.
JULY 6: THE QUEERS — A pillar of punk rock, The Queers will be hitting Barrie as part of their 40th anniversary tour and will feature supporting acts Teenage Bottlerocket, The EpiFats, and Choices Made. Reminiscent of the Ramones, The Queers blend the edge and energy of punk with the fun and catchy arrangements of the Beach Boys. The show will be held at the Queens Hotel, located at 94 Dunlop St. E. For more information and tickets, click here.
JULY 8: SONGWRITER’S NIGHT — Presented by Shawn Steinhart, Songwriter’s Night features local original songwriters at this no-cover event every third Saturday of each month. Songwriter’s Night is held at CW Coops, located at 3 Mulcaster St., in downtown Barrie. For more information, visit the CW Coops Facebook page here.
JULY 12-23: THE SIMCOE COUNTY THEATRE FESTIVAL — With a lineup that includes something for everyone, Theatre by the Bay’s Simcoe County Theatre Festival returns this month with an even more eclectic offering than last summer. Featuring shows written, directed, and performed by local artists, the festival is a celebration of the incredible talent our community has to offer. For more information, visit the company’s website here.
JULY 15: BARRIE WRESTLING PRESENTS SUMMERBRAWL — Strap in for an evening of unforgettable entertainment that only Barrie Wrestling can offer. Action-packed event will include Barrie Wrestling women’s champion Shilo, Kyle Boone, and a heavyweight championship bout between defending champ John Atlas and veteran challenger Rip Impact. The event will be held at 49 Ferris Lane and tickets can be purchased by contacting Barrie Wrestling here.
