Rhythms of streets inspire junk band

A brass band like no other is ready to get people moving with a face-melting blend of street rhythms.

Hailing from Perth, Junkadelic Brass Band combines a smoking hot six-piece brass section with hard-hitting percussion using recycled instruments.

Inspired by Mardi Gras and Calypso festivals, the band has repurposed everyday items as musical instruments to embrace “edu-tainment” and show what is possible with a little imagination.

Musical director and saxophonist Marc Osborne said the 13-strong band would take over Clancy’s Fish Pub in Dunsborough on September 30 — complete with a sousaphone, electric bass and guest vocalist.

“To play with the group, the energy is intense — it is amazing to be a part of,” he said.

“I think one of the things which makes Junkadelic quite special as a unit is it is very much like a big musical family.

“The way that we interact with each other feeds into the way we make music as a group, and you can really feel that when we get together.

“It’s completely unique.”

Environmental conservation has been a long-time passion for the New Orleans-style marching band which formed 16 years ago.

“From its early inception, it was a street band focused on environmental activism — the band has evolved and changed but this is still a huge part of what we do,” Osbourne said.

After 16 years performing, the band stepped into the studio for the first time to create their debut album Travelling in the Footsteps.

“The album itself is a collection of the best cultivated tunes we have put together,” Osbourne said.

“There are definitely tunes from 10 or 15 years ago, but also some very recent ones and it is very exciting to document that.”

As for a message to gig-goers, Osbourne had some advice: “Get ready to dance”.