Small Town City

Small Town City started in 2008 after Derek Funk had recorded his first solo album. He wanted a band to help him play some live shows. But he didn’t look far. He started on bass with his first cousin (by marriage) Scott Neufeld, who also recorded that first album. Staying close in the family Karla Neufeld, Scott’s wife, joined as a vocalist. Wanting a non-typical drummer, he found David Swab, who he has known since David moved to Derek’s home town of Rosthern in grade 4. Non-typical would be quite an understatement as David frequently will play percussion, kick and hi-hat, with his feet, while playing banjo or mandolin, and singing to boot. And to fill out the sound Derek looked to another cousin (by marriage again) Will Quiring who he had been playing with here and there since Will was 14. Now at the well aged 17, Will shows talent on his guitar far beyond his years.

The music of Small Town City is still evolving. While heavily rooted in folk, their small town musical roots show clear with rich four part harmonies. Staying in the general folk genre, they explore the other end of the spectrum with folk based rock. While parts of their music shows off their vocal strength, the folk-rock section shows off the instrumental talents, especially that of David’s multi-tasking percussion and Will’s incredible guitar skill. Small Town City is currently in the midst of recording two seperate ep’s. One being vocally driven, showing those rich harmonies. The other going into their exploration of folk-based rock.

While still a young band, Small Town City’s family feel shows a bond far beyond, but still deeply intertwined in the music.