Major Funk and the Employment

Major Funk and the Employment is a hard working group of dedicated musicians whose collective ambition is to deliver high quality danceables to the people. Founded in Whitehorse in 2014 by bassist Etienne Girard, the band mixes a strong and steadfast rhythm section with a colourful collection of guitars, horns, keyboards, and passionate vocals. Major Funk’s big and unique sound has gotten crowds grooving at some of the Yukon’s biggest events, including the famous Dawson City Music Festival, creating a vibrant and rambunctious party atmosphere at every step along the way. What’s Up Yukon has characterized Major Funk as “quirky but really smooth". In early 2016 the band recorded a live album and video entitled “Hot Off The Floor” to capture their live energy and showcase their eclectic style and musicianship. Gig by gig, Major Funk and the Employment continue to bring their tight, bass-driven tunes to enthusiastic audiences far and wide.

Members: 

Fronting the assemblage is Fiona Solon, whose soaring vocals grace each show with fun and flare. Girard, a songwriting machine and Whitehorse music mainstay, is a prime mover of both groove and direction. Behind the drums is Yves Paradis, keeping dancers on their toes and the band rooted to the rhythm. Adrian Burrill and Olivier de Colombel make up the horn section; Burrill, on trumpet as well as vocals, and de Colombel on saxophone, blare out horn lines accentuating the funk. On guitar, David Dugas and Glen Emond balance their individual playing styles to add to the overall sonic texture of the group. Keyboardist Andrea McColeman, a longtime staple of the Whitehorse music scene, brings rich colour and tonality to the band’s dynamic. 
  
Together, Major Funk and the Employment take pride in making people dance, with their infectious and inimitable sound to create incendiary performances.