Moon Hooch To Perform at 2017 Commencement

Former-New Schoolers-turned famous musicians will rev up the crowd at the festival following the 2017 Commencement exercises.

Moon Hooch will be coming back to The New School to perform a special set for graduates and their families at the 2017 Commencement Festival, so we caught up with drummer James Muschler to talk musical influences, then and now.

Q. What music did you listen to at The New School that really influenced your sound?

John Coltrane, a lot of 20th century classical composers mostly. Also a lot of Indian Classical Music.

Q. What music are you currently listening to that’s inspiring you/influencing your sound?

Lately a lot of Indian Classical Music, a lot of Amir Khan, Nikhil Banerjee. Tabla player Tari Khan lately a lot too.

Q. Do you think music can affect social change?

Absolutely. Music has been a catalyst in almost every major social movement. The 60s? Anti war, anti fascist movement. John Lennon I think is a good example.

Q. What’s your favorite place to hear live music in the city?

Probably The Stone in the Lower East Side.

Q. What was the first concert you ever attended?

The earliest concert I remember going to was The Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall. I must’ve been 6 or 7 or somewhere around there. And then the first album that really inspired me in a profound way is the John Coltrane Quartet’s “One Up One Down” live at the half note 1965 album.