Moonshiner Collective

For several transformative years, singer-songwriter Dan Curcio lived in a circus tent like structure called a yurt high on a hill in a lush green valley in Cayucos, California. With a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, a wood-burning stove, plasma TV, creaking hardwood floors, stinky well water, and a small space for an iMac and some recording mics, the dwelling was an eclectic mix of rustic and modern that felt far removed from civilization. It is where The Dirty Heads recorded their music video for “Cabin By the Sea”, G-Love barbecued and jammed with Curcio and friends, and countless bands have stopped by to stay the night after a show in San Luis Obispo. The yurt and its surrounding beauty created a collective of sorts. A place where friends and ramblin’ musician types came together to drink whiskey and beer, cue up some Tri-Tip steaks, stare up at the stars, and play music.
These nights spent with friends and traveling musicians with the moon and bonfire offering light for the instruments led Curcio, formerly of San Luis Obispo band Still Time, to create a musical collaborative called Moonshiner Collective. Instead of distilling corn whiskey on this rugged property, Curcio and friends were creating passionate music (and, perhaps, drinking a glass of whiskey or three) as they sang and played guitars and whatever instruments they could find often until the early hours. Inspired by the variety and soulfulness that these gifted troubadours brought to Dan’s music, the project is designed to be a revolving door of creative perspectives, as it trades talented musicians in and out; with Curcio’s soothing vocals and introspective lyrics serving as the backbone. The first contributor brought aboard, to aid in growing Moonshiner Collective’s indie-folk rock sound, is 23 year old multi-instrumentalist Nathan Towne and the collective enlists several talented drummers and bassists as well as a handful of guest musicians to round out the live show.
The music intends to cut through the overexposed world of 24 hour news and Facebook feeds and take the listener to a simpler frame of mind. The band’s eclectic array of folk rock instrumentation combines lyrics with a deep connection to the Tao Te Ching simplistic philosophy with a soulful, high energy, California beach town influenced sound that beckons the listener to relax and find peace in their day. The genuine passion and simple honesty behind the music is something that sets Moonshiner Collective apart from most, and is something that needs to be seen and heard to truly understand. Their unifying positivity bridges gaps in generations and genres; with a sound and message that draws fans of Mumford & Sons, Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals, Van Morrison, and Dave Matthews Band, but is also a style entirely their own.
Just as the non-musician friends at the late night yurt sessions were as much a part of the experience as the musicians, Curcio hopes the good people this new music reaches will feel as much a part of the collective as the band itself. “This music is about community, enlightenment, and hope. The positivity that guides us through life’s challenges and allows us to find our own simple truths,” says Curcio. With a passionate and varied live show and their new album “Let Go”, Moonshiner Collective is hoping that the connection they make with listeners will continue to build a loyal grassroots following that transcends generations, cultural backgrounds, and social stigmas.
These nights spent with friends and traveling musicians with the moon and bonfire offering light for the instruments led Curcio, formerly of San Luis Obispo band Still Time, to create a musical collaborative called Moonshiner Collective. Instead of distilling corn whiskey on this rugged property, Curcio and friends were creating passionate music (and, perhaps, drinking a glass of whiskey or three) as they sang and played guitars and whatever instruments they could find often until the early hours. Inspired by the variety and soulfulness that these gifted troubadours brought to Dan’s music, the project is designed to be a revolving door of creative perspectives, as it trades talented musicians in and out; with Curcio’s soothing vocals and introspective lyrics serving as the backbone. The first contributor brought aboard, to aid in growing Moonshiner Collective’s indie-folk rock sound, is 23 year old multi-instrumentalist Nathan Towne and the band uses several talented drummers and bassists as well as a handful of guest musicians to round out the live show.
The music intends to cut through the overexposed world of 24 hour news and Facebook feeds and take the listener to a simpler frame of mind. The band’s eclectic array of folk rock instrumentation combines lyrics with a deep connection to the Tao Te Ching simplistic philosophy with a soulful, high energy, California beach town influenced sound that beckons the listener